GOOD BOY!

"Dogs were never meant to be pets, they were meant to rule the Earth"

Hubble

Moving around a lot meant that Owen (Aiken) didn't really get to know many people, so when his parents allowed him to get a dog he thought he would finally find a best friend. Choosing a dog from the pound wasn't going to be easy but one stuck out from the rest, so he named him Hubble (Broderick) and took him home. Hubble wasn't like any other dog, he was extremely intelligent, able to read and most unbelievable of all, he could talk. In fact Hubble was from another world and had been sent here to find out why dogs don't rule the planet.

Dogs that can talk, not the most original concept but Good Boy! works for its target audience, the under 10s.

Based on the book Zeke Richardson and produced by Jim Henderson pictures, the movie plays perfectly to the primary school level. The story is not too taxing, the dogs are loveable and the jokes are very basic, mainly involving breaking wind. It is even watchable for the accompanying adult, who won't find it that much of a chore to sit through.

The human cast are fine. Liam Aiken is far from the normal, annoying American child actor and kids will find it easy to form a bound with him as we follow his adventure. Comedian Molly Shannon gives a slightly restrained performance as Owen's mother but it would have been nice if the filmmakers had have utilised more of her talents.

It is the dogs that steal the show however. The well trained pooches, with the help of computer graphics and a strong vocal cast, are the stars and the main reason that little kids will love the movie. Each one has a distinct personality and provide most of the laughs throughout the film. Donald Faison (TVs Scrubs) and Carl Reiner as Wilson and Shep are the main comic relief, with Wilson fetch scene the funniest moment in the entire movie. Matthew Broderick does a good job as Hubble as his voice really does suit the character.

While the story might be very slight and not very original, especially for a Jim Henderson picture, but Good Boy! does exactly what it set out to do, entertain younger children. A word of warning though, be prepared to be badgered constantly after the movie has finished about getting a dog, if you already haven't got one.

(For Kids under 10)

NOT AVAILABLE

All Dogs go to Heaven

Cats & Dogs

Lady and the Tramp

Oliver & Company

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2003