Parents' Guide to

Air Bud: World Pup

By Michael Scheinfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Wholesome, endearing dog movie will delight grade schoolers.

Movie G 2000 83 minutes
Air Bud: World Pup Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 6 parent reviews

momof2b
momof2b Adult
July 2, 2010
age 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

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
lcoakley1
lcoakley1 Parent of 4-year-old
August 5, 2020
age 4+

Heartwarming

Great messages of girls supporting girls and young women mentoring girls. Guest appearances by Women's National Team soccer stars. Playful and fun and sweet.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 6 parent reviews

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 while 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?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (5):

Air Bud: World Pup has a big heart and positive values involving sharing, cooperation, and friendship, but it never gets preachy or sappy. There also are 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 also is 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 Scurry, and Trisha Venturini.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

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

  • If you've seen other Air Bud movies, how is this one similar to and different from the ones you've seen?

  • How is the issue of a new stepfather in the family addressed? What does the stepfather do to get closer to Josh?

Movie Details

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