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Parents' Guide to

Life Is Ruff

By Kat Halstead, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Canine comedy teaches the responsibility of owning a pet.

Movie NR 2005 85 minutes
Life Is Ruff Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

Animals are easy to like and, luckily, so are the human characters in this movie. Calvin, though selfish, is funny, goofy, and lovable, and Raymond and Emily are equally well-drawn. There are numerous chase scenes and Beethoven-esque moments of chaos that you'd expect in a movie that centers on a giant dog -- from running amok at the local market to trashing the kitchen in search of a snack.

Calvin's arc is familiar but well-acted and it's easy to relate to his world and root for his eventual turnaround -- once he's got the cheating at basketball and interviewing potential prom dates out of the way. The message about dog shows is slightly confused, but the overall message about responsibility and the importance of love, partnered with Calvin's enduring optimism and belief that anything is possible, make Life Is Ruff a heartwarming and uplifting film full of family fun.

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