Air Bud

Check out our review of Air Bud - is it any good and how suitable is it for kids?

A Dog's Purpose Poster

Air Bud

Starring: Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers. (PG)

Release date: 1997

3 out of 5

3

You may not have heard of Air Bud, but the movie has spawned an impressive five sequels (Air Bud: Golden Receiver, Air Bud: World Pup, Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch, Air Bud: Spikes Back and 2006’s Air Buddies). Yes, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, a dog named Buddy (and, in later films, his pups) is the hero in all these films and his skill is in the sports arena. While the later movies have Bud playing American football, soccer, baseball and volleyball, the first film has the golden retriever showing off his skill on the basketball court.
And skilled he is. When a lonely kid named Josh (Zegers) befriends him, the two practise dunking, dribbling and scoring together, eventually joining the school basketball team (with Buddy as mascot and player). Unfortunately, Buddy’s original owner decides he wants the mutt back, but since this is a Disney movie, you know it will all end okay, with a little humour thrown in. Sadly the dog who played Buddy in the first film died of cancer shortly after the film was released. 

Is Air Bud suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...

None.

If you like this, why not try: Beethoven, Marmaduke, Racing Stripes, Free Willy, Babe,