Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget dog-from-heaven story is emotionally intense.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Magic Dog
What's the Story?
Mean Aunt Violet wants to take 12-year-old Toby (Bryan Mendez) away from his loving stepfather, Chet (Leo Milbrook). Toby will one day inherit a fortune, and if Violet controls Toby, she'll be able to enjoy the money for herself. She hires a couple of neighborhood bullies to sneak into Toby and Chet's house to steal the will that proves Toby's mother wanted Chet to have custody of Toby. While chasing the robbers away, Toby's pet dog Lucky is hit by a car and dies. But in answer to Toby's prayers, Lucky is sent back in ghostly form to help Toby find the culprits and prove to the courts that he belongs with Chet. But can MY MAGIC DOG find the proof against Aunt Violet before she whisks Toby away?
Is It Any Good?
This drama, while cliched, is strong on positive role models and refreshingly free of potty humor. Unfortunately, instead of building characters and a story to care about, the plot mostly lurches from one trope to another -- and then another. Younger kids may find some humor in the cartoony slapstick, but most gags fall flat, and sensitive younger viewers may be too upset by the death of Lucky to find comfort in his help from the afterlife. The acting falls as flat as the gags, except for poor Russ Tamblyn, who's woefully miscast and unable to lift those around him enough to make the 90 minutes worthwhile.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about when a loved one dies. How does Toby cope with his losses? Have you lost a family member or pet? How did you handle it?
Why are movies with dogs so popular? What other movies with dogs have you seen? How does this one compare?
How does Toby deal with the mean bullies at the park? Does he handle them well? What would you do if you were Toby?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 31, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2003
- Cast : Leo Milbrook , Bryan Mendez , Jessica Knoblauch
- Director : John Putch
- Studios : DonKey Productions , Royal Oaks Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Animals
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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