Dinotopia 1: The Outsiders (2002)

I love this movie so much

Such a frustrating disappointment

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Don't Believe the Hype

So, they play this on SyFy, it has the typical cheesy effects and dinosaurs that sound like cougars. Some actually talk, and that is even more awful, because the poor animation never makes eye contact with the humans. The "star" seems to be Wentworth Miller, best known for his work on "Prison Break", and who has one emotion that he caries at all times. If acting can be called "wooden", then Miller is a virtual tree.Some call this film "magical" or "enchanting". Sure, I guess, if you like the idea of dinosaurs co-existing with people. But real dinosaurs would crush or eat people, not talk or create a special society. I had to choose between watching this and "Tremors"... why did I not choose "Tremors"?

My Take: An underrated and pricey blockbuster of a TV miniseries. I really liked this 3-part mini-series. It was really an awe-inspiring and fantastic mini-series. Now I'm not saying this because I'm a dinosaur fan as a kid, but also as an observant movie viewer. I mean, as I can see it, it was one of the more big-budgeted production by TV's Hallmark Channel, mostly known for their adaptations of classic and contemporary tales. The special-effects were great, superb for something that was made for TV. The costumes really suit the environment. The large-scale sets, mostly evident, is really large-scale. It was like it came out of a Cecil B. DeMille's production or from the books by James Gurney, which it was based on. But special-effects and production designs aren't the only elements that elevates it as a large-scale movie. The acting is kinda good to. Although the cast is not as stellar as other Hallmark films/mini-series, but they still perform well. The story is wonderful, which may be nothing if it isn't told well. But it is, providing a dosage of action, adventure, comedy and even a little rarely touched romance. "Prison Break"'s Wentworth Miller co-stars, so most of you fans out there may want to see this. Anyway, this was a really great mini-series. It deserves to be put to the big-screen, but it may loose some things when it would be edited to shorten it. So, it's okay as it is. A fine, very interesting almost-3-hour family entertainment. TV movie rating: ****1/2 out of 5.

Recently becoming a Wentworth Miller fan, I found myself drawn to his earlier works and came upon this charming miniseries. It's definitely worth a look. If your into seeing cutesy fantasy films, than this a movie for you. Not only was the acting, and choices for actors/actresses great, but the special effects were phenomenal. After a while I had to remind myself that the dinosaurs were actually fake, because it's easily forgotten. The story is entertaining and moves along nicely. Also, the music and storyline overall really gave it a truly classic and magical feel. It really was a treat to see. I'd recommend it, without question.

maybe it's the original book, but this is so stupid. They live in freaking Waterfall City, and they spend all their time looking for sun stones as a source of power. use the damn waterfalls! create electricity!!! The leading actors are also horrible, especially Wentworth Miller as David, he's acting like he's the director's con who got his first chance in front of a camera. Katie Carr is also laconic and amateur, and only Tyron Leitso does a fair job.The special effects are nice and the CGI character of Zipeau (or Zippo?) is quite lovable. The story is a predictable Disney-esquire adventure for kids, very kitsch, very American and very simplistic.But Dinotopia still keeps some level of interest. It's watchable, if you have 4 extra hours and you can sleep. It will get you to slumber-land, that's for sure.