 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Air Bud
- Review Date: July 11, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1997
Common Sense Media says
A high-flying dog tale for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this 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.
What's the story?
After being abandoned by his comically mean clown owner (Michael Jeter), playful golden retriever Buddy meets Josh (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 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 talented at a lot of things, but his most important talent is that he draws Josh out of his shell. The two form a fast friendship, and when Buddy makes a basket at one of Josh's games, he 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.
Is it any good?
AIR BUD aims straight for the heart, with its infectious mix of drama, silly villains, impish doggy antics, and adventure. All along, viewers are learning something about responsibility, 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.
What families can talk about
Families can 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 9 years old
May 31, 2010
AGE
Perfect for older kids,s
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Sports and Dogs= Nice Film.
When my sister first made me see this film, I groaned. I thought that it would turn out like the Beethoven films. I was wrong. This film is cute, put a smile on my face, and, well, I like animals.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
such a good movie
i havent seen this 1 in a while, but i used to watch it all the time when i was younger and i really enjoyed it!!! parents, anyone can watch this movie, theres no sex, no violence, no anything!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
June 13, 2010
AGE
Movie tips
I also rate movies. The movie was very good. The child who finds "Buddy" is very nice but the dad of the child died. Anyway he is also a good role model. They say what the h*** in a few scenes to
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Cute!
This movie is so cute -and so are the dogs. It's heart-warming. Lovei t!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Perfect kid movie
This is a great dog/sports movie. The only mildly violent scene is where a boy is repeatedly pelted with basketballs, thrown hard by the coach. There is a little bit of mild language, but otherwise this is a great movie suitable for kids.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The first and best of the series! Super cute family film, the dog who plays Buddy is just adorable. :) There's nothing too scary or too sexual at all, some very mild language. Great plot, fine acting.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
i found this movie very poor
the dog is a golden retriever that is why this movies bad lol jk i didnt like it movie sucks dont watch it
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
NEVER WATCH THIS MOVIE!
Air Bud, and it's sequels, is by far the worst movies I have ever seen! They are almost as bad as being glued to a wall with industrial strength gorrila glue and forced to listen to Justin Bieber for 24 hours straight.(Okay, maybe not that bad, but you get my point.) Animals and sports have never gone well together, and probably never will. If you want to see a dog play basketball, I suggest you rather watch a rerun of America's Funniest Home Videos. However, these movies is great for a method of torture for those in the maximum security prisons.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
December 19, 2010
AGE
Perfect movie
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Buena Vista |
| Director: | Charles Martin Smith |
| Cast: | Kevin Zegers, Michael Jeter, Wendy Makkena |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 98 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 1, 1997 |
| DVD release date: | January 6, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | brief mild language. |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
