Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, cliched animal-toy tale with a consequences lesson.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Aussie the dog is young Laney's (Alyssa Shafer) favorite companion. But when a magical box arrives, nestling a very special teddy bear, the jealous dog begins to act out. Eventually, Aussie opts for a drastic measure, one that sends him on a journey to make up for a bad decision.
Is It Any Good?
This movie's life lessons are wonderful, but the script's treacley treatment and unimaginative dialogue -- overly explanatory and clichéd -- won't work well for sophisticated older children. Shrill acting doesn't help, either (Kirstin Eggers, we're looking at you). Even Dean Cain and Beverly d'Angelo don't quite rise above the mess. That said, you can't fault a film too much that will likely have younger kids thinking about consequences, making good choices, and righting your wrongs. There are, however, plenty of other films that impart such messages with more flair.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Aussie does what he does. Is it excusable? How does Aussie make it right?
Discuss what it‘s like to be faced with a choice between right and wrong, and how one makes the decision.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2009
- Cast : Beverly D'Angelo , Dean Cain
- Director : Shuki Levy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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