The Gang of Five

The Land Before Time => General Land Before Time => Topic started by: WeirdRaptor on November 16, 2020, 10:51:18 PM

Title: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: WeirdRaptor on November 16, 2020, 10:51:18 PM
I've recently rewatched this one, and honestly, I found the entire subplot with the blocked water source way, WAY more engaging than the bully subplot with Hyp, Mutt, and Nod, and honestly, I don't think either one ended up being as fleshed out and explored as they should have been.

I think I'd have liked "The Time of the Great Giving" to have focused more on the flood story and flesh out Daddy Tops and Cera's plotline more. A more nuanced look at the pros and cons of Topsy's hardline "YOU WILL WAIT YOUR TURN AND DRINK SPARINGLY, NO EXCEPTIONS!" vs. the more generous approach Littlefoot's Grandparents wanted to take.

Then the bullies could have been saved for a hypothetical film between "The Time of the Great Giving" and "The Valley of Mists" where they could be put in a story that didn't feel like it was competing with them for screentime dominance.
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Gentle Sharptooth on March 25, 2021, 01:25:58 PM
LBTIII was quite the let down for me as a kid. It was hard to follow up Chomper and two Sharpteeth (a la The Lost World). No matter what story was chosen, nothing could outshine Chomper, who was the Babyoda / Grogu of LBT.

I agree with you that the drought and Daddy Topps should have been the focal point. The bullies felt more like something that should have appeared in LBT VI (although that film was already overcrowded) or in the last four films like Invasion of the Tinyasaurs.
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: StardustSoldier on April 05, 2021, 08:51:03 AM
Seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I regard this as one of the stronger sequels. I had already re-reviewed the film about a couple months before this topic was created, otherwise I would've posted it here instead. But you can see here (http://www.gangoffive.net/index.php?topic=15359.msg519761#msg519761) for all my thoughts. :yes
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: LittleDas75 on April 05, 2021, 04:22:13 PM
I don't think this thread belongs in "1988 Theatrical Release."
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Mumbling on April 06, 2021, 12:08:53 AM
I don't think this thread belongs in "1988 Theatrical Release."
You're right. I moved it over to General LBT.
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Gentle Sharptooth on April 06, 2021, 12:07:29 PM
I’ve started wtaching LBTIII, and I must say that the opening is my least favorite in the series, despite the call back music to the Original Film. The Bullies led by Hyp are rather obnoxious, but that was intended, and thus forgivable. 

LBTIII has always been one of my least favorites. For me the best elements are Topsy’s Tough and the debute of the  Fastbiters: Velociraptors (in the opening), and the pack of Deinonychus near the end.
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Gentle Sharptooth on April 07, 2021, 02:10:00 PM
Just rewatched LBTIII and I must confess I enjoyed the film immesnely in the third act, fire to end.

I found Littlefoot’s “They are just kids like us,” moving. A reminder that in every person we see is a kid within whose as scared as us. 
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Dr. Rex on April 07, 2021, 06:48:26 PM
I personally believe the crew was onto something by including the Hyp arc. The film was clearly going for a theme of coexistence and cooperation, but it just couldn't find a way to perfectly intertwine that with the anti-bullying message sent by Hyp and, to a certain extent, Cera's father. I think the problem is that the film wasn't long enough to perfectly express all of that.
Title: Re: Thoughts about LBT3: The Time of the Great Giving.
Post by: Gentle Sharptooth on April 08, 2021, 12:13:30 AM
I personally believe the crew was onto something by including the Hyp arc. The film was clearly going for a theme of coexistence and cooperation, but it just couldn't find a way to perfectly intertwine that with the anti-bullying message sent by Hyp and, to a certain extent, Cera's father. I think the problem is that the film wasn't long enough to perfectly express all of that.

I must admit that Littlefoot’s song “they’re just like us,” doesn’t work without Hyp and the bullies. The “love your enemies,” is touching.