Common Sense Media Review
Cute dogs but dull plot; one of weaker Air Bud titles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In AIR BUD SPIKES BACK, golden retriever Buddy is now in the care of Andrea Framm (Katija Pevec), who discovers that Buddy is a talented volleyball player. Buddy becomes a key player on Andrea's team, and they make it into the local championship tournament. But trouble brews when a pair of incompetent thieves set their sights on an enormous diamond on display at the local museum and Grandma Framm's parrot is kidnapped. Buddy is accused of the crimes, and he must find the real culprits and avoid being captured by authorities in time to play in the big game.
Is It Any Good?
Although the dog stars are adorable (there are four dogs playing the lead), the movie would be more fun if it only featured them and dispensed with the dull plot. There are too many things going on, and none of it is very well-developed or even presented in a very interesting way.
The best sequence is one in which Andrea and her brother, Noah, start a dog-sitting service, because there's really nothing cuter than a little kid trying to wash a really big dog. Besides that soapy fun, the scenes featuring Buddy playing volleyball are entertaining -- although it's hard to imagine that the opposing teams wouldn't protest having to play against a dog. The acting is flat, the situations unrealistic, and the whole thing terribly predictable. That said, if there are dog lovers in your family, they'll enjoy the canine antics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the responsibilities of pet ownership. How do you know if you're ready to have a pet?
How does Andrea try to get the money to visit her best friend, who's just moved to California? What's something you could do to try to make money for something you want?
How does Andrea show the importance of practice and determination when trying to get better at a sport?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 20, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : January 5, 2003
- Cast : Cynthia Stevenson , Jake D. Smith , Katija Pevec
- Director : Mike Southron
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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