Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season (1999)

Pretty Good

Beautiful, moving film.

A Major Disappointment

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

We all have those classic movies about animals that we watched when we were little ones, and hopefully if you've got any senses about you, still revisit as an adult. Well, most people have a few of those... I've got at least like twenty. One couple of movies that are very dear to me are Shiloh, and Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season, two indisputable classics that I was pretty much raised on, and have a burning nostalgia for. Shiloh boils down to one simple, loving archetype: a boy and his dog. Or, rather, a boy who desperately wishes to save a dog from going down the same road of violence and abuse that it's currant owner has. Marty Preston (Blake Heron, and Zachary Browne in the sequel because they just can't stick with one actor) is a young rural lad with a wholesome life and family, wishing for a dog of his own. Local roughneck and hunter Judd Travers (Scott Wilson) owns a whole pack of mutts that he mistreats when drunk, and aims to turn them all into vicious hunting dogs. When one small beagle escapes, it makes its way onto Preston land and suddenly Marty finds he has a new best friend. His stern father Ray (inimitable Michael Moriarty) warns him that the dog is probably Judd's, while his mother (excellent character actress Ann Dowd) urges compassion from her husband. Soon enough Judd comes looking, and conflict arises between the boy and the bitter old hunter. It's a children's story so nothing too messed up ever happens, but there's some touching lessons and surprising gravitas from both Moriarty and Wilson that is nice to see from such a seemingly innocuous, kid oriented franchise. Judd shows beautiful complexity in the sequel, the writing allowing Wilson to illustrate that not all mean people started out that way, and that with a little kindness and a lot of patience, old wounds can be burrowed into and treated. I first became a fan of Scott through the Shiloh films and he will always be Judd Travers to me. Marty finds a friend in Shiloh, getting right to the point of what these movies are about: friendship. New friends, old friends, and letting people in who need someone and don't even know it. It's great stuff, timeless to be sure, and always guaranteed to draw forth a smile. Rod Steiger lends his famous kind streak to the role of Doc Wallace, a convenience store owner with sagely wisdom for Marty and his fellow friends, as well as compassion for Judd. Now, there's a third film, also with Wilson but yet another different actor for Marty, and Moriarty sitting it out as well, which is why I haven't checked it out so far. Maybe it's time.

This is a very heartwarming film and has a very nice message that is perfect for a family film, though not quite as warm as the original, and is a tad predictable. And perhaps an adult may find the screenplay a little saccharine. But on the whole it is beautifully filmed, has nice music and the acting is very good, with Zachary Browne appealing as Marty and Scott Wilson great as the ever hateable Judd. Plus Shiloh was adorable. Also worth of note are David Moriaty, Rod Steiger and Caitlin Wachs, who bring their charming supporting characters to life. Overall, despite its flaws, Shioh 2 is a very pleasant family film, that is well meaning and not at all a bad way to pass the afternoon. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Spoiler! A surprise ending about hope. I watched this movie with my wife and nephew Austin. Austin enjoyed the movie. Austin liked how people can change. My wife liked the dog. Myself found it a little long at the beginning, but as the movie progressed the pace and flow melded into a entertaining movie. The guy from Law and Order played a good part. It was different seeing him in such a different role. The movie gives you a feeling of country life. They even had the nasty neighbour. The other dogs in the movie were mean because they were mistreated, but with a little love and kindest, they can change. Overall it is a good movie for the family to watch. 8/10

The first Shiloh film was enjoyable by adults as well as children. This one starts with about an hour of filler where not much happens, with stilted dialogue; only in the last act is there any significant action that really moves the plot along. The dog is still cute, though, and young kids may enjoy it.