Air Bud

Name: Air Bud
Released: 1997-8-1
Cast: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Eric Christmas, Bill Cobbs

Air Bud

PG
1h 38m
1997

45%

age 6+

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Buddy, the sensational real-life hoop hound with 22,000 career baskets under his collar, stars in this hilarious and touching movie. When Josh Framm, a 12-year-old boy, finds himself in a new city with no friends, he's too shy to try out for the basketball team. However, while practicing, he meets Buddy, a runaway golden retriever, who surprises him with his ability to score baskets. Josh and Buddy eventually make the school team, and the dog's extraordinary talents spark a media frenzy -- one that attracts Buddy's greedy former owner (Michael Jeter), who wants to cash in on the dog's notoriety. Boy and dog must keep one step ahead of the brute -- while at the same time rallying their school team to the state finals!

Director:

Charles Martin Smith

Producer:

Robert Vince, William Vince

Writer:

Paul Tamasy, Aaron Mendelsohn

Cast:

Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Eric Christmas, Bill Cobbs, Buddy the Dog

Rotten Tomatoes® Score

TOMATOMETER®

45%

Reviews

Triple J

Amelia Navascues

Who wouldn't love a story about a homeless golden retriever who runs away from his alcoholic clown for a father, Norm, to shoot hoops?

The writing is so messy and aimless that when the film retrenches to generic kid flick mediocrity, it actually counts as a relief.

A high-flying dog tale for kids.

There's an air of acceptance throughout the film, but the movie never stops to stand at a pulpit and preach this message.

June 21, 2017

FULL REVIEW

Spirituality & Practice

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

A basketball playing Golden Retriever shows his stuff on several high-school basketball courts.

June 21, 2017

FULL REVIEW

Common Sense Media

age 6+

Common Sense Says

Sweet dog tale has some peril and mature themes.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Air Bud, though mostly lighthearted, does show a child dealing with his father's death. It also depicts abuse -- both animal abuse and the physical abuse of a boy by his coach -- although it makes it clear that both are wrong, and both perpetrators are punished. There's a little bit of drinking, as well as language along the lines of "sucks" and "hell." But the value of teamwork is stressed, as is the responsibility and care required to take care of a dog. That said, if you don't have a dog already, be prepared for your kids to want one.