Air Bud (1997)

A Disappointing Continuation

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The first installment to this franchise is paws down the best. The story about Air Bud becoming a basketball star is very heartfelt and fun to watch. I also love the fact that Air Bud doesn't talk! Nothing against Air Buddies but I think it's better that the dogs don't talk in Air Bud. Yeah, the fact that a dog can play basketball is a bit silly but it's played out in a surprisingly mature and heartfelt way. Air Bud, himself is very lovable and has a lot of character, without having to talk. Air Bud's connection with the boy is very sweet and probably one of the best things about the movie. Well, aside from the heartfelt ending that I will NOT spoil here. Watch the movie for yourself and come to your own conclusions.

This movie is actually really good. I mean, just the premise, a dog who can play basketball, who could resist? It's so adorable. I don't think this is really a kids movie. Anyone of any age can enjoy it. From little kids, to teenagers, such as a myself, to young adults, to middle aged adults, to seniors. I really do believe that anyone can like this movie. Some parts did make me angry though. I hate violence against dogs, so when I saw Buddy's first owner, yelling at him and mistreating him, I was like "Okay, you need to calm your farm, and be nice to that dog. If you can't be nice to a dog or any other animal, then give him up for adoption, to a family, who will actually treat him like a lovable best friend, instead of a side show act." Overall, I really like this movie, and I give it an 8 out of 10.

I really enjoyed this movie, as an owner now of 4 dogs, and as a kid when I had a dog ,, I used to share lunch with the dog,, talk to him/her... play all the things kids do with dogs.. this movie just rocks.. I so hated buddy's first owner,, the stupid clown,, oh so happy when the kid decides to take action against the clown. as far as a dog playing basketball I actually wouldn't put it past an actual real life dog to do it being properly trained and all, the only thing I feel that's a little far fetched is the poor dog wearing those tiny dog slippers tell me how a golden retriever is gonna run up and down the basketball court in sneakers,, but other than that I really just loved this movie,, it's a movie for all ages 9-99. enjoy folks.

(Some Spoilers) After being abandoned on the highway by his master the drunken clown Norm Snively played by Michael Jeter, no relations to Yankee star infielder Derek, Buddy the dog is befriended by young Josh Framm, Kevin Zegers, who found Buddy lost and hungry wandering around in the woods. Josh is having trouble adjusting to his new life in Fernfield Washington and Buddy is just what he needs, a friend, to spend his time with. As it soon turns out Buddy has this talent in shooting basketballs through hoops by bouncing them off his snout that can put Michael Jordon and Jerry West to shame! The film has Josh together with his dog Buddy become the sensation of Fernfield High School who do a half-time show that's draws more people them the basketball game itself. It's the teams new coach school janitor and boiler room attendant,it gets real cold up there in Washington State during the winter, former professional basketball player for the New York Knicks Arthur Chaney, Bill Cobbs,who sees potential in Buddy's,the team's mascot, ability to play on the team and waits just for the right moment to put him into the game. That comes at the critical game for the state championship honors between Coach Chaney's Timberwolves and last years champions Warriors! It's during this time that Buddy's former owner Snively, while recovering from the DT's, sees Buddy on the local TV news shooting baskets and a light bulb lights up in his head. Seeing dollar signs and six packs of beer in his future Snively decides to get Buddy back legally despite having abandoned him months ago. Something that both Buddy and his new found friend Josh will do everything in their power to prevent.Corny at times but heart warming film with the sharp shooting Buddy, who sadly passed away six months after the films release, making every basket count as well as stealing ever scene in the movie. Not only was Buddy able to score points but as Coach Chaney predicted motivate the players, especially Josh, to improve their game as well. While Snively tried to get Buddy back and make money with him by doing beer and dog food commercials the dog with Josh's help escaped and ended up in court in a dog custody case with Josh and Snively as the complainants.***SPOILERS***Even though the presiding judge in the case Judge Cornfield, played by Eric Christmas,is a big Knick, as well as former Knick player Arthur Chaney, fan and was very sympathetic for Josh in seeing what a crazy nut, coming to court dressed up as Bozo the clown, Sinvely was it was in fact Buddy who made the decision to whom he want's to stay with. And as it turned out that decision was final!