Parents' Guide to You Lucky Dog

A lovable rogue with an array of comedy facial expressions and an energetic sense of fun carries the story confidently through what is otherwise fairly generic territory. There's something of a Tom Hanks quality about Cameron's portrayal of lead character, Jack, in You Lucky Dog. James Avery's driver Calvin and Chelsea Noble as the attorney dealing with the estate both offer solid support and an easy dynamic that keeps the movie moving at an easy pace through the dynamic caper-like chases and absurd displays of behavior -- including Jack digging for bones and racing through food courts to mirror Lucky's actions.

Elsewhere, the three disinherited heirs to the fortune have a slapstick, buffoon-like quality, reminiscent of the burglars in Home Alone, making the overall feel of the film lighthearted and silly rather than adding much of a threat to proceedings. There is very little to cause much distress and plenty of bright, colorful settings and light comic interludes to appeal to younger children. But the absence of any additional layers of cleverness may mean older audiences will struggle to stay fully engaged.