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K-9 Adventures: Legend of the Lost Gold
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Underwhelming family adventure sequel has mild peril.
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K-9 Adventures: Legend of the Lost Gold
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What's the Story?
In K-9 ADVENTURES: LEGEND OF THE LOST GOLD, Kassie (Ariana Bagley) learns of a local legend about a bank robber's lost gold and vows to find out more. When she spots a pair of criminals asking suspicious questions in town, she gathers her friends and trusty dog, Scoot, to foil their plot by getting to the treasure before they do. But can the kids work out the clues in time, can they agree on what they'd do with the money, and is the legend even real?
Is It Any Good?
Structured around a very familiar genre trope -- the search for lost treasure with dangerous characters in hot pursuit -- this sequel hits all the cues. But there's no escaping that, at times, K-9 Adventures: Legend of the Lost Gold feels somewhat paint-by-numbers in its approach. The clues and puzzles along the way are fun, giving all the kids a chance to show their strengths in figuring out different problems. In addition, some of the set-pieces toward the end lend the plot an exciting countdown feel that ups the energy for a short time.
However, there is an ongoing lack of urgency throughout, and the script relies on stating the obvious at every turn. Scoot, the canine who was very much the star of the show in the previous film, feels sidelined here, which seems like a missed opportunity considering he is the heart of the franchise. The movie has strong moral messages about helping others and using the treasure for good, and also goes some way to approaching the difficult subject of a widowed father moving on with a new woman. Well-meaning to the core, the outcome is a movie that is inoffensive but underwhelming, which may entertain for a short while but is unlikely to become a family favorite.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the moments of peril in K-9 Adventures: Legend of the Lost Gold. How did it compare to other movies in the genre? Did the tone of the movie affect its impact?
How did Kassie react to her father liking a new woman? What are some of the difficulties that can arise in that situation?
How do the young characters show perseverance when faced with various obstacles? Why is perseverance such an important character strength to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown perseverance?
Have you seen the first movie? How did this sequel compare? Discuss any other sequels you've seen. Were any better than the first movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 25, 2016
- Cast: Luke Perry , Ariana Bagley , Brooke Langton
- Director: Stephen Shimek
- Studio: Alchemy
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: August 24, 2022
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