Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids and robot dog save the day; peril, potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog
What's the Story?
In R.A.D.A.R.: THE ADVENTURES OF THE BIONIC DOG, young Gabe (Ezra James Lerario) and Kylie go on a treasure hunt to find a pirate's lost treasure that Gabe's mother told him stories about. They are hoping that finding it will help bring more tourists to their quiet town and help Gabe's mom's diner. Along the way, they not only discover a special blue sapphire, but also meet R.A.D.A.R., a clever dog who is actually a robot! But the scientist who made the bionic dog wants to take him back and steal the town's famous gem, and he has the help of two recently escaped convicts. Can Gabe and Kylie protect their new robotic furry friend, keep the gem safe, and save their town from the goons?
Is It Any Good?
R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog seemingly tries to blend elements of Home Alone with a robo-dog tale, but it falls short of delivering a truly engaging experience. The dog looks and acts like a regular dog, except for an occasional burst of laser eyes, super speed, and a sonic boom bark that can blast his foes away. The main villain -- the mad scientist -- is a formidable opponent with some form of a plan, despite the interference from his dimwitted associates.
While the low-budget film maintains a decent pace, with an appealing score and cinematography, the storyline itself lacks excitement. The bionic dog's communication through translated barks, though clever, doesn't compensate for the obnoxiously silly moments and an overreliance on potty humor (there's no shortage of fart jokes). However, the film may still hold some appeal for those who enjoy cute dogs on-screen. Though there are certainly better movies out there, some kids will enjoy the goofy tale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mix of realistic and fantastical elements (such as the dog's superpowers) in R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog. How did the combination affect your enjoyment of the movie? Did you find it believable? Why, or why not?
The villains were often portrayed as clumsy and incapable. Do you think this was intentional? How does this impact your perception of them? Does it make them less scary? Why, or why not?
R.A.D.A.R.'s ability to communicate through translated barks added a unique aspect to the film. Did it make the dog more relatable as a character? Do you prefer movies where the dog has its own thoughts or voice? Why?
Talk about how family and community are shown in the movie. How did Gabe and Kylie's mission to save the town and Gabe's mom's diner show the importance of family bonds and supporting local businesses?
Discuss the role of teamwork and friendship in R.A.D.A.R. How did Gabe, Kylie, and R.A.D.A.R. work together to overcome challenges?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 27, 2023
- Cast : Dean Cain , Ezra James Lerario , Caroline Elle Abrams
- Director : Scott Vandiver
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild rude humor and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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