Common Sense Media Review
Sweet dog tale has some peril and mature themes.
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Air Bud
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say it's a good family movie, perfect for a family movie night, despite some outdated elements and mild language. Many highlight the emotional and heartwarming moments, especially for dog lovers, while a few caution about some scenes that might scare younger viewers.
- family fun
- emotional moments
- mild language
- cute dogs
- outdated elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In AIR BUD, after being abandoned by his abusive clown owner (Michael Jeter), playful golden retriever Buddy meets Josh (Kevin Zegers), a depressed 12-year-old whose father has just died and whose mother has relocated the family to a new town. That 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. Josh and Buddy form a fast friendship, and when Buddy charms the audience at one of Josh's games, he becomes the team's mascot. All is well until Buddy's mean former 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 further abuse.
Is It Any Good?
This movie aims straight for the heart with its infectious mix of drama, silly villains, impish doggy antics, and adventure. All along, Air Bud teaches viewers 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 has it all: a fluffy golden retriever, a big final game, a car chase, and villains who are mean but in a comical, over-the-top way that can appeal to a broader age range. You can see why it spawned a franchise, and your kids may want to see them all. But be aware that none of the successors are nearly as good.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the proper treatment of pets. Does Josh display responsibility in Air Bud when it comes to Buddy?
How is teamwork shown and promoted as a positive value on the basketball court?
How is this film similar to and different from other dog movies?
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 1, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : January 6, 1998
- Cast : Kevin Zegers , Michael Jeter , Wendy Makkena
- Director : Charles Martin Smith
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief mild language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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