Common Sense Media Review
Kids will get a kick out of this mule tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gus
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a hilarious family film that promotes the values of friendship and support, making it a delightful viewing experience for young children. While many enjoyed its comedic elements and family-friendly nature, some were disappointed by inappropriate language at the end that was unexpected for a children's movie.
- friendship
- family-friendly
- strong comedy
- inappropriate language
- enjoyed by kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 4 kid reviews
What's the Story?
A Yugoslavian lad and GUS, his miraculous kicking mule, prove to be the saviors of a floundering NFL football team. This 1970s Disney movie looks hastily put together, but features a strong cast of comic actors including Tom Bosley, Don Knotts, and Tim Conway, and Ed Asner as the cantankerous, but goodhearted, owner of the team.
Is It Any Good?
What really makes this movie work is the quality acting of the seasoned pros. Unfortunately, Gus has a less than professional sheen. It's not very well lit and the writing has a sitcom quality. The movie also includes a terrible special effect of the ball flying through the air. Any editor should have been able to piece together shots to make it look as though the ball is soaring the length of the field.
But that's beside the point. Children will find the many setups for pratfalls hilarious, especially the goofy chase sequence in the grocery store. And parents can rest assured that this is Disney before it ventured into more controversial territory.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to take care of pets. Would you want a mule like Gus? What challenges are there to taking care of a large animal?
What makes this movie funny?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 1, 1976
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2003
- Cast : Don Knotts , Ed Asner , Tim Conway
- Director : Vincent McEveety
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : family friendliness
- Last updated : January 20, 2026
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