The iconic original “Home Alone” captured lightning in a bottle. The film’s downfall is leaning too far into parental drama, and blunting the satisfying feeling kids have watching their cinematic avatar demonstrate physical and mental aptitude. They’re constantly in flux, causing audience sympathy to eventually wane as we question why we want to see victims of financial hardship get pummeled by a little rich kid.

The narrative struggles to assign the power positions of tormenter and victim. “Clifford the Big Red Dog” becomes a rowdy chase film - as agreeable as Clifford himself, as simultaneously cute and in-your-face, and as genially random in its ability to create chaos. But have no fear: The movie, directed by Walt Becker (who did one of the “Alvin” films), more than makes up for that restraint with its aggressively giddy tone of over-the-top wholesome vandalism - a tone born in the comedies of the 1980s that has never really gone away. The movie’s Clifford, who is every inch a genuine (giant) dog, is less overtly goofy than the PBS version. Where to Find It: In theaters and on Paramount Plus Find more movies and TV shows to stream here. Here’s a rundown of the films opening this week that Variety has covered, along with information on where you can watch them. Let Variety help you find that next well-earned bit of escapism, whether it’s the highly anticipated musical feature “Tick, Tick … Boom!” or the introspective “ Belfast.” Fall movie season is upon us - though the release schedule has never been more confusing, with some blockbusters heading directly to streaming, others in theaters only and various independent films mixing up strategies between theaters, streaming and VOD releases.

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