Parents' Guide to 12 Dog Days Till Christmas

This movie has something to say about second chances, but the addition of a few more experienced actors, like Vel Johnson, would have improved this movie enormously. Its heart is in the right place though as it emphasizes the bad hand dealt to so many innocent children whose only crime was being born to addicts or irresponsible shirkers. The movie paints a fairly complimentary view of foster care, a system often portrayed in the media as seedy, mercenary, and sometimes downright cruel. The foster parents portrayed here are good people doing their best to help kids in need. Jack and his foster siblings are housed in a large, decent home governed by decent grownups who set rules and truly seem to care. Never having been adopted, and on the verge of aging out of the system, Jack feels alienated and alone. Worst of all, he fears that he will one day be as unreliable and hopeless as his mother. With the support of a saintlike probation officer who sees the good in Jack, the boy begins to develop empathy for others as he works with unlucky dogs and the shelter employees who open their hearts to him. Shakespeare is quoted and reading books is viewed as a fun and productive activity. What 12 Dog Days Till Christmas lacks in polish and Hollywood finesse, it makes up for in good intentions and generosity. In a nice reversal of media stereotypes, a solid, middle-class black family takes on a troubled white boy, sharing with him their love and family values.