Common Sense Note
Parents should know that the movie, while mostly lighthearted, does depict a child dealing with the death of his father. It also depicts abuse -- animal abuse and physical abuse of a boy by his coach -- though it makes it clear that both are wrong, and both are punished. If you don't have a dog already, be aware that kids may be inspired by this film to bring home stray dogs and try to teach them to play basketball.
Families can use the film to talk about the proper treatment of pets. Does Josh display responsibility when it comes to Buddy? What are signs of abuse, and what should you do if you discover them? How would you react if you saw adults doing things wrong?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Heather Boerner
AIR BUD aims straight for the heart, with its infectious mix of drama, silly villains, impish doggy antics, and adventure.
In the film, playful Buddy is abandoned by his comically mean clown owner (played with over-the-top devilishness by character actor Michael Jeter) after causing havoc at a birthday party. It's just as well, since his owner was planning to give him to the pound.
But soon, Buddy meets up with Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers), a depressed 12-year-old whose father has just died and mother has just relocated the family to a new town. The town seems normal, but it holds all sorts of secrets for a curious kid -- a basketball court hidden behind overgrown vines and the dilapidated fence of an abandoned church, a basketball legend lurking behind the calm exterior of a school janitor, and, most important, a rare and talented dog who can make baskets. Buddy is adventurous -- an ingenious dog that can climb in second-story windows, open gates, climb lattices, escape, and return home without anyone noticing. But Buddy's most important talent is that he draws Josh out of his shell.
The two form a fast friendship, and when Buddy tracks Josh down at a basketball game, everyone learns their secret -- Buddy's got potential. He makes a basket and becomes the team's mascot. All is well until Buddy's mean owner finds out about Buddy's talent and comes to claim him. Then Josh must decide whether to let Buddy go or try to save him from abuse.
All along, viewers are learning something about responsibility (Josh washes Buddy, feeds him, and plays with him daily), loyalty, and love. Far from being alienated, having Buddy's love gives Josh a family again. He's happy, his mother is happy, and Josh even gains a mentor and father figure in the form of coach Arthur Chaney (Bill Cobbs).
Air Bud's got it all: a fluffy golden retriever, a basketball final game, a car chase, and mean but comically non-threatening villains. You can see why it spawned a series of videos, and your little one may want to see them all. Be aware that none of the successors are nearly as good.
If your child loves animal stories, and can handle a little more drama, consider Duma. If your kid is older, consider a basketball-and-animal flick of another sort, Teen Wolf.
Rate It!
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ViolenceImplied animal abuse and a brief scene where a boy is hit by basketballs. |
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LanguageBrief mild language. |
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Social BehaviorGenerally, Josh and Buddy display loyalty, integrity, and caring, but Josh also steals Buddy. |
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CommercialismThe movie does display some brands, but also makes clear that exploiting the dog for commercials is wrong. |
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