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Air Bud: World Pup (G, 2000)

common sense media says

Wholesome and endearing dog movie.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say violence is an issue
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this direct-to-video production is predictable, but wholesome and entertaining family fare that's ideal for younger kids. There's lots of sports action for grade-school kids, and older kids will relate to the themes of first love and forming new school friendships.

Positive messages: It has a big heart and positive values involving sharing, cooperation, and friendship, but never gets preachy or sappy. The movie is also refreshingly non-sexist, typified by Emma's superior soccer skills and an epilogue featuring appearances by U.S. Women's Soccer Team notables Brandi Chastain, Brianna Scurri, and Trisha Venturini.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Air Bud: World Pup

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how Kevin dealt with his first crush. What would you do in his situation?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In AIR BUD: WORLD PUP, Buddy and his owner Josh (Kevin Zegers) join the school soccer team, which includes a pretty new student from England named Emma. While Kevin falls for Emma and Buddy finds love with Emma's dog Polly, the soccer team gradually continues to improve, despite an opposing coach's attempt to get Buddy banned from the league. After Polly has a litter of puppies, a pair of nefarious dog-nappers steals the pups on the day of the championship soccer game. Kevin, Emma, and Buddy track down the thieves and return to the game in the nick of time for Buddy to score the winning goal.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Air Bud: World Pup a big heart and positive values involving sharing, cooperation, and friendship, but never gets preachy or sappy. There are also lots of adorable dogs, the soccer scenes are well filmed, and young children will marvel at Buddy's athletic prowess.

For older kids, the movie touches on such issues as first love and dealing with a parent's remarriage. The movie is also refreshingly non-sexist, typified by Emma's superior soccer skills and an epilogue featuring appearances by U.S. Women's Soccer Team notables Brandi Chastain, Brianna Scurri, and Trisha Venturini.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Bill Bannerman
Cast: Caitlin Wachs, Dale Midkiff, Kevin Zegers
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 83 minutes
Theatrical release: April 5, 2000
DVD release: December 12, 2000
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Michael Scheinfeld
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say violence is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

momof2b
adult
5
 
More romance than action.
I'm wondering if the the common sense review person actually watched the movie. The story is really a love story. A love story about 2 dogs and 2 teenagers. It is fine, but there is not as much soccer or action as we would have hoped. Much more love, love, love. It think the target of this movie is a girl for sure probably around 7-8, who is interested in romance. There is the "girl power" theme heavily at the end with professional world cup players. My 2 boys enjoyed it (ages 3 and 6) but it was different than we thought it would be. It is fine for younger kids like 3-5, but not really interesting for them. There is also a kidnapping scene of the puppies of the dogs. It isn't horribly scary, but it did raise alarm in the kids. It came from no where and for no reason. While there isn't a true "bad guy" that they are fighting through the movie, there are dog catchers at the end come and take the puppies for no apparent reason or build up (which makes it less scary). The situation is resolved, however, in a funny manner without violence
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Cbarley
adult
 
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (5)
littlebean10
kid, 11 years old
5
 
good for younger kids
I didn't really like it, but its good for younger kids. There is a lot of flirting between two high schoolers, though, and i thought that was suprising for a little kids movie.
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Ylli
teen, 14 years old
12
 
haha
haaha
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
MovieLover4Lyfe
adult
7
 
A dog-gone good love story. That said theres not actually much soccer played in this movie.
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lexalolu
teen, 14 years old
6
 
not even gonna comment..
just read my review of the fifth one, I don't want to write it again.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)

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