Aussie and Ted's Great Adventure

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Aussie and Ted's Great Adventure Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Sweet, cliched animal-toy tale with a consequences lesson.

G 2009 89 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Kids say

age 5+

Based on 2 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this gentle though bland family film aims to tug at the heartstrings with its tale of a dog trying to undo a bad decision. There's no swearing or violence, and the movie includes lessons on consequences. Younger kids might find the idea of a stuffed animal that communicates troubling (even more so than a talking dog). Also, a child is distraught when she loses a much-loved toy, and one character dies, but quietly.

Community Reviews

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

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

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate