Review of Air Bud (1997) by Rory B — 02 Jan 2008

Perhaps this film might be marred by the ridiculous series of sequels that it inspired, but as the original goes it's actually not a bad family flick.

One of the things this film has going for it is that the title is actually misleading. I was expecting the worst... a horrible film about a flying dog who can talk and runs around playing basketball. The film is instead somewhat endearing and down to earth, telling the tale of a boy who befriends a stray dog... who coincidentally cannot fly, but who does have a special gift. Bud, who the boy names the furry canine, has escaped from it's abusive, circus training owner. As the boy quickly discovers, part of this dog's act includes the ability to bounce a ball on his nose.

The film, to it's credit, actually leaves room for a slow build up to the climatic game... you know, the one where the dog ends up finding his way onto the basketball team. The majority of the film is simply about a boy and his love for this new found best friend. It's about a boy who can't seem to fit in at school, but who finds acceptance through this faithful companion. This allows for the predictable foray into the gimmicky type ending to be forgiveable. And truth be told, by the time it comes around you kind of want it to happen.

It's not the greatest family flick around, but I wouldn't say it was the worst either. It did some things right, but unfortunately one thing it does wrong is that it allowed for some half hearted sequels. Too bad, as this one has some merit.