Clifford the Big Red Dog

"You just got fetched by a big red dog!" a character giggles at one point during this cheerful children's adventure. Indeed, Clifford is not only red, he's also big enough for humans to ride on his back. He's given to young Emily (an excellent Darby Camp) as a puppy by a mysterious stranger (John Cleese), before growing to the size of an elephant overnight. This attracts the attention of Tony Hale's preening supervillain, a scientist who wants to steal Clifford's DNA, and a chase begins around the streets of New York. Based on a series of much-loved books first published in the 1960s, the film tries hard for Paddington style charm but sadly fails to nail the whimsy. A tedious subplot about a school bully in particular drags things down. But there are some funny gags and energetic performances - including Jack Whitehall with a solid American accent, playing Emily's uncle - and the CGI Clifford is as convincing as any big red dog can be.