The story of Buddy, a dog, who can play basketball and even American football. Kevin Zegers stars as Josh, a young teenager coping with the loss of his father and guys, who try dating his mother Jackie. Buddy likes his new vet, Dr. Patrick Sullivan portrayed by Gregory Harrison and he arranges Jackie to "bump" into Patrick. It works and they take a liking to each other. Seeing this Josh doesn't want to be home much to see his mother act like a teenager in love so he decides to join the football team with his friend. Suddenly Buddy shows that he too can play, but at the same time there are two kidnappers around trying to find animals to act in their circus and they intend on snatching Buddy. When Josh's team the Timberwolves land in the finals with Buddy's help Patrick proposes to Jackie. Josh sees this he runs away from home and Buddy goes missing. I found it strange seeing a dog play for a team not that I live in America nor do I know too much about the rules to American football and I never thought I would see a dog play in a team, but miracles do happen...that and a good dog trainer...Good movie very suitable for kids.
24 Reviews
First to leave a review on IMDB in 2022 (the year of the 6)
ThunderKing61 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
About: A worthless mutt playing football with the same boy from the basketball version.
They can't tackle the dog but the dog can bite them instead. If a human is bitten the mutts team will be rewarded with a 9 yard penalty. Ok... I made up the last bit, but this movie is nonsensical because they aren't allowed to tackle the damn dog. This movie is about dognuttery.
Story: It's not as fun and warm as the basketball version. It could have used some Arthur Chaney.
Production: An alright family quality. Goof in most parts and tries hard to be like its predecessor but fails.
Highlight: Its more defined than the simple first one but that's not saying much.
Main intelligence: 0 for being a dognut
Grossness Level: 0
Should you watch?: No.
If you are a dognut then go ahead. If you want to be a dognut then go and watch. If you were a fan of the first then you might as well watch this so that you know not to watch anymore of these worthless mutt movies. This movie is ok-alright. Compare it to the filthy movies that come after this movie is a masterpiece.
They can't tackle the dog but the dog can bite them instead. If a human is bitten the mutts team will be rewarded with a 9 yard penalty. Ok... I made up the last bit, but this movie is nonsensical because they aren't allowed to tackle the damn dog. This movie is about dognuttery.
Story: It's not as fun and warm as the basketball version. It could have used some Arthur Chaney.
Production: An alright family quality. Goof in most parts and tries hard to be like its predecessor but fails.
Highlight: Its more defined than the simple first one but that's not saying much.
Main intelligence: 0 for being a dognut
Grossness Level: 0
Should you watch?: No.
If you are a dognut then go ahead. If you want to be a dognut then go and watch. If you were a fan of the first then you might as well watch this so that you know not to watch anymore of these worthless mutt movies. This movie is ok-alright. Compare it to the filthy movies that come after this movie is a masterpiece.
Second-rate Canine Comedy
wes-connors6 October 2012
Fernfield, Washington teenager Kevin Zegers (as Josh Framm) is happy with the golden retriever he adopted in the first "Air Bud" movie. In this sequel, "Buddy" is still top dog on the basketball court - but, now, he will learn to play football just as well. It begins when veterinarian Gregory Harrison (as Patrick Sullivan) gives young Zegers and "Buddy" a football while courting widowed mom Cynthia Stevenson (as Jackie). Of course, Zegers does not want a new man taking the place of his father, who died in a plane crash before the events in "Air Bud" (1997)...
The adults hit it off well, but are reluctant to hurt Zegers' feelings. Also complicating matters is a sub-plot to dog-nap "Buddy" by exotic animal thieves Perry Anzilotti (as Popov) and Nora Dunn (as Natalya). The Russian evil-doers are an obvious swipe of "Boris and Natasha" from the old "Rocky & Bullwinkle" show; but, they are less satisfying here. Better are over-eating coach Robert Costanzo (as Fanelli) and Zegers' fainting pal Shayn Solberg (as Tom Stewart). Veteran comedians Tim Conway and Dick Martin have fun announcing the big game.
**** Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver (8/14/98) Richard Martin ~ Kevin Zegers, Cynthia Stevenson, Gregory Harrison, Robert Costanzo
The adults hit it off well, but are reluctant to hurt Zegers' feelings. Also complicating matters is a sub-plot to dog-nap "Buddy" by exotic animal thieves Perry Anzilotti (as Popov) and Nora Dunn (as Natalya). The Russian evil-doers are an obvious swipe of "Boris and Natasha" from the old "Rocky & Bullwinkle" show; but, they are less satisfying here. Better are over-eating coach Robert Costanzo (as Fanelli) and Zegers' fainting pal Shayn Solberg (as Tom Stewart). Veteran comedians Tim Conway and Dick Martin have fun announcing the big game.
**** Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver (8/14/98) Richard Martin ~ Kevin Zegers, Cynthia Stevenson, Gregory Harrison, Robert Costanzo
going too far
Peter T. Movie1 January 1999
I have nothing against the movie itself. But I think this "Air Bud" stuff is going too far. First the dog is playing basket ball, then he is playing foot ball. What's next, golf, tennis, hocky, soccer?! It's just stupid.
An insipid sequel * out of ****
Movie-1219 November 1998
"Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver" is a very bad rehearse in making a sequel in the course of a single year. The first film was cute, cuddly and charming. The idea of a dog playing on a basketball team is quite far fetched, but he defiantly pulled off enough stunts to save the concept. Even the human story had some explanation to it. Josh's father was killed in a plane crash, so he is sad. And the audience becomes emotionally involved as well.
Now for the poorly made sequel. It is terrible. This is the worst kind of bad sequel, the kind that changes the good ideas and turns them into bad ones. The kind that changes the main plot piece in one way, this time, the K-9 plays football instead of basketball. No madder how much time is spent in mind over matter, benefit of a doubt, walk into with an open mind of an attitude you have with a film like this, there is no positive thinking when it comes to down right bad film making.
The sequel stars Kevin Zegers as Josh, who is in eight grade. He lives with his mother and little sister in a Seattle suburb. In the first film the human story involved him losing his father in a plane accident, which the audience can relate to, most people know what it feels like to lose a close loved one.
In this movie, the emotional plot is a bit more complicated. Josh's mother is dating once again. He and Buddy, his dog who can play basketball, don't like this at all. Why? If I were in his shoes I would love to have an extra parent in my life, especially one this nice. The man's name is Patrick Sullivan, and Josh's mother, Jackie, met him became he is a local veterinarian for Buddy.
The animal story is too simple. Josh is influenced by his best friend to try out for the school football team, the Timber Wolves. The team itself looks like something from America's Funniest Home Videos, the can even catch a ball without tripping or plummeting into each other. So when Bud shows up one day, he proves he can play as a receiver for them, and is no doubt the team's best player.
Buddy's extremely cute in his football costume. Oh, he is enough to melt the heart. The dog is the best in this movie as well. Too bad there wasn't enough stunts done by him to draw attention away from the fact that no one ever asks any questions about a dog playing off a school football team.
There is a very bad sub-plot about Russian circus workers that like stealing amazing animals, of course they try to catch Buddy. But their dim minds are ruled over by the animals and end up doing what looks like a "Home Alone" scenario to them.
"Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver" is much more goofy than the first too. The Russian kidnappers add a bunch of lamebrain slapstick that, I have to admit made me laugh, at the stupidity of it all. There are way too many sequences that detail a screwball nature and too few scenes that depict the true reason why people will see this movie-to see a dog play football.
The performances were also quite the embarrassment. I liked Gregory Harrison and Robert Costanzo's presentations, but the overall acting grade would be equivalent to a D+. Kevin Zegers and Cynthia Stevenson were absolutely pathetic.
There were a few hilarious moments near the end by a couple of football announcers, but that isn't even worth mentioning. Will children enjoy this movie? Perhaps, but even they will grow weary when the heart felt discussions become too long and deep. They will most certainly complain that the dog didn't get enough screen time in, and loath over the fast changing script, and protest against the boring performances, and argue that this movie is trash in comparison the origami al "Air Bud," as I did.
I suppose that they will think the dog is adorable.
Now for the poorly made sequel. It is terrible. This is the worst kind of bad sequel, the kind that changes the good ideas and turns them into bad ones. The kind that changes the main plot piece in one way, this time, the K-9 plays football instead of basketball. No madder how much time is spent in mind over matter, benefit of a doubt, walk into with an open mind of an attitude you have with a film like this, there is no positive thinking when it comes to down right bad film making.
The sequel stars Kevin Zegers as Josh, who is in eight grade. He lives with his mother and little sister in a Seattle suburb. In the first film the human story involved him losing his father in a plane accident, which the audience can relate to, most people know what it feels like to lose a close loved one.
In this movie, the emotional plot is a bit more complicated. Josh's mother is dating once again. He and Buddy, his dog who can play basketball, don't like this at all. Why? If I were in his shoes I would love to have an extra parent in my life, especially one this nice. The man's name is Patrick Sullivan, and Josh's mother, Jackie, met him became he is a local veterinarian for Buddy.
The animal story is too simple. Josh is influenced by his best friend to try out for the school football team, the Timber Wolves. The team itself looks like something from America's Funniest Home Videos, the can even catch a ball without tripping or plummeting into each other. So when Bud shows up one day, he proves he can play as a receiver for them, and is no doubt the team's best player.
Buddy's extremely cute in his football costume. Oh, he is enough to melt the heart. The dog is the best in this movie as well. Too bad there wasn't enough stunts done by him to draw attention away from the fact that no one ever asks any questions about a dog playing off a school football team.
There is a very bad sub-plot about Russian circus workers that like stealing amazing animals, of course they try to catch Buddy. But their dim minds are ruled over by the animals and end up doing what looks like a "Home Alone" scenario to them.
"Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver" is much more goofy than the first too. The Russian kidnappers add a bunch of lamebrain slapstick that, I have to admit made me laugh, at the stupidity of it all. There are way too many sequences that detail a screwball nature and too few scenes that depict the true reason why people will see this movie-to see a dog play football.
The performances were also quite the embarrassment. I liked Gregory Harrison and Robert Costanzo's presentations, but the overall acting grade would be equivalent to a D+. Kevin Zegers and Cynthia Stevenson were absolutely pathetic.
There were a few hilarious moments near the end by a couple of football announcers, but that isn't even worth mentioning. Will children enjoy this movie? Perhaps, but even they will grow weary when the heart felt discussions become too long and deep. They will most certainly complain that the dog didn't get enough screen time in, and loath over the fast changing script, and protest against the boring performances, and argue that this movie is trash in comparison the origami al "Air Bud," as I did.
I suppose that they will think the dog is adorable.
Surprised it didn't get the Razzie
R2-X229 October 2000
This is without a doubt the WORST sequel I have ever seen, & I've seen plenty of them to make that conclusion. The plot is simply ridiculous. I can catch a ball & run around a field, too. Why can't I play in the Superbowl? Yes I know this movie was intended for children, but there are just some plots that even children can realize are totally dumb & unrealistic. The first Air Bud movie was pretty good, but this one was a total crash. Disney is loosing it. If I controlled who won the Razzie Awards, I would give this one a couple. Have a nice day! =)
It's Ace Ventura without Ace Ventura
pkzeewiz18 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Same basic story as part one, with young Josh finding out that his mom is getting remarried and the new guy brings him a football, but basketball is his sport. Soon he finds out Buddy (the dog) likes to play football and he and his friend Tom, who played basketball with him on part 1, join the team so Josh can get away from the new guy Patrick. Soon Buddy ends up on the team and Josh can't take someone trying to replace his dad so he runs away from home. A bunch of Russian circus freaks are kidnapping animals and kidnap Buddy and the coach finds Josh and tries to talk him out of leaving and to come back and play in the big game, even though Buddy is no where to be found.
Same as part 1 basically. Wow, my dog can play a sport, and oh no, someones trying to take Buddy away...the only new factor is Patrick. I hate how they tried so hard to be like part one and offered nothing new. I hated that they ripped off scenes from 101 Dalmations and stole dialog from 2010 with the Russions saying "piece of pie" instead of piece of cake..I hate like on part 1 you can tell Buddy uses a soft ball and not the kind of ball the team uses, thats very obvious. I liked the coach here, but hated his lame pep talks to the team. The dog is less impressive here too, all he does is fetch basically. I hated also that Josh had runaway and the family was terrified, Patrick knows its his fault, so he leaves.. If you were a good man you would stay at least until the child is found then leave...stupid writing. I also hate how you know the team will win and it'll be a cheesy happy ending.
Acting was OK here, Kevin Zegers is back as is Cynthia as the mom. Robert Castanzo did a great job as the coach and Tim Conway and Dick Martin did great as the sports announcers.
Part 1 is okay for kids, but part two is just the same story over again with football in place of basketball...2/10 stars
Same as part 1 basically. Wow, my dog can play a sport, and oh no, someones trying to take Buddy away...the only new factor is Patrick. I hate how they tried so hard to be like part one and offered nothing new. I hated that they ripped off scenes from 101 Dalmations and stole dialog from 2010 with the Russions saying "piece of pie" instead of piece of cake..I hate like on part 1 you can tell Buddy uses a soft ball and not the kind of ball the team uses, thats very obvious. I liked the coach here, but hated his lame pep talks to the team. The dog is less impressive here too, all he does is fetch basically. I hated also that Josh had runaway and the family was terrified, Patrick knows its his fault, so he leaves.. If you were a good man you would stay at least until the child is found then leave...stupid writing. I also hate how you know the team will win and it'll be a cheesy happy ending.
Acting was OK here, Kevin Zegers is back as is Cynthia as the mom. Robert Castanzo did a great job as the coach and Tim Conway and Dick Martin did great as the sports announcers.
Part 1 is okay for kids, but part two is just the same story over again with football in place of basketball...2/10 stars
Nice concept but fails to impress
sauravjoshi8525 December 2019
Air Bud: golden receiver is a comedy drama movie starring Kevin Zegers, Cynthia Stevenson, Gregory Harrison, Nora Dunn, Perry Anzilotti and Rebert Costanzo. The movie is directed by Richard Martin.
The concept of the movie is nice but the only problem is the predictable plot and neither director nor screenplay writer did anything to make the movie interesting and you can easily understand about the next scene.
The acting is below par but the dog was impressive dog but background music doesn't impresses. The direction was just ok.
The movie will surely be liked by the kids and the young ones.
Overall a predictable and can be watched one time.
The concept of the movie is nice but the only problem is the predictable plot and neither director nor screenplay writer did anything to make the movie interesting and you can easily understand about the next scene.
The acting is below par but the dog was impressive dog but background music doesn't impresses. The direction was just ok.
The movie will surely be liked by the kids and the young ones.
Overall a predictable and can be watched one time.
Air Bud: Golden Misfire.
anaconda-406583 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Air Bud: Golden Receiver (1998): Dir: Richard Martin / Cast: Kevin Zegers, Cynthia Stevenson, Gregory Harrison, Robert Costanzo, Tim Conway: Boring retread suggesting duty but enough to make one run out and stack up on prescription drugs to clear the memory. Air Bud is still great at basketball (but terrible at movies).This time Air Bud makes a big splash at football and wins the big game. One person who did not make a big splash is director Richard Martin who certainly didn't succeed with the screenplay the way the dog finished the game. Such nonsense included as circus kidnappers nabbing Air Bud leading to a ridiculous scene where a chimpanzee drives their stolen ice cream truck. Kevin Zegers looks bored as Air Bud's owner. He is basically reciting what he did previously. Cynthia Stevenson plays mother while Gregory Harrison plays her veterinarian boyfriend. Both roles are standard but it is obvious that mother's new beau will struggle to win over Zegers until that last moment when he is needed. Robert Costanzo plays the coach who is gifted with the worst dialogue in the film with lines like, "He's not a Golden Retriever. He's a golden receiver." this should have him removed from that "coach of the year" nomination. Idiotic farce purposed to be a sequel with a message regarding talents. Air Bud has many including starring in lame family films. Score: 1 / 10
Cute for Dog Fans, Great for Football Fans
allyball-6312418 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I don't like Football and it's hard for me to understand but I like this movie almost as much as the first. Unlike my review for the first movie, there will be minor spoilers: The boy in the first movie is now in high school and he's playing on the Football team to...expand his sports playing? Yeah, I'm not really sure either but I'll buy it. Air Bud is still endearing and his relationship with the boy seems even stronger than before. He does try to convince Air Bud not to play Football, in concern of Air Bud's safety. Unlike the first movie, Air Bud isn't the one who sealed their victory like in the first movie. Air Bud gets badly injured and the kid has to win the game. It's one of the best moments in the entire series.
It was delightful!!
Jemelene19 November 1998
My daughter and I had a wonderful afternoon enjoying Air Bud, Golden Receiver. She recognized that the "bad guys" were really bad and that they were just acting. It was a great story with great morals! I had not seen the first movie but we enjoyed this one so much that we went right our and saw the first one. They were warm and both great family movies!
A Sweet Movie For The Whole Family
Maxi-1424 August 1999
This movie is in line with the first Air Bud. Not many sequels of this nature are tolerable let alone enjoyable. Air Bud: Golden Receiver is a movie that your whole family can enjoy. The movie centers around Josh Framm coming to terms with his mom's return to dating. Josh has to get used to the new man in his mom's life and a new sport for him and Buddy, football. Most people can relate to that being a difficult adjustment no matter how nice the man is. In this case it's the lovable Patrick Sullivan,DVM. The low point of this movie are the lampoonish villians Natalya and Popen. They try miserably to add slapstick comedy to this otherwise endearing film. A very notable scene is between Josh Framm and Coach Fanelli. The parts of Patrick Sullivan and Coach Fanelli were wonderfully casted.
My kids loved it!
the_house_of_holtz15 March 2002
My kids are 5 and 7 and they loved this movie. There is some wonderful slapstick comedy - especially with the pet-snatchers. Sure, to an adult the plot may be unbelievable, but this isn't aimed at adults. The dog is cute, the story is simple, and you feel good at the end. My kids were laughing and bouncing on the couch - a sure sign of a good movie. (Oddly enough, we got this free on DVD in a box of cereal.)
Not as good as the first one, but still a good movie...
taylorkingston26 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I do really like this movie. It's not a good as the first movie, but it's very rare that a sequel is better than the original, other than Terminator 2, that's a given. But it is very common that sequels are not only, not as good, but intact, terrible. I really don't believe this is one of those cases. I do think this movie is a great watch for the whole family. Young children all the way up to seniors will enjoy it. I do hate how there is always someone who wants to capture Buddy, I mean it's likely that, that would happen in real life, but mean people stealing him, so he can be a sideshow act in a Russian circus. Come On.
Overall, I give this movie a 7 out of 10.
Overall, I give this movie a 7 out of 10.
This ain't no golden retriever, this is a golden receiver.
joshfedderson21 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm surprised a great family film like this is receiving such negative reviews, it is a good story about a boy and his dog. Sure, the villains are a cheesy but it was a fun movie.
Josh Framm and his Golden Retriever best friend Buddy, are dealing with Josh's mom finding a new husband and dating, Josh is jealous because he thinks she is replacing the memory of his dad, who died as a pilot. In the meantime, Josh and Buddy explore the sport of Football, and they decide to join the school Football team. Buddy of course performs as the sports wonder dog, and gains the team fame. In the meantime, two crooks a man and a woman plan to steal buddy for the circus along with other animals.
Air Bud is a good story, and it's great for the kids it has no violence and no inappropriate scenes. It is made by Disney and is Disney friendly. Me and my wife watched it for our Disney marathon and we both loved it, Sadly, I had a Golden Retriever named Rufus who passed away not to long ago, and Buddy reminds me of him so much, I even got a little emotional watching the film, but my wife was there to comfort me.
I loved Air Bud: Golden Receiver and I am sure all those who see the true value of this tale will too. If you have ever had a Golden Retriever dog you will love this movie as I did.
10/10 for Air Bud: Golden Receiver
Josh Framm and his Golden Retriever best friend Buddy, are dealing with Josh's mom finding a new husband and dating, Josh is jealous because he thinks she is replacing the memory of his dad, who died as a pilot. In the meantime, Josh and Buddy explore the sport of Football, and they decide to join the school Football team. Buddy of course performs as the sports wonder dog, and gains the team fame. In the meantime, two crooks a man and a woman plan to steal buddy for the circus along with other animals.
Air Bud is a good story, and it's great for the kids it has no violence and no inappropriate scenes. It is made by Disney and is Disney friendly. Me and my wife watched it for our Disney marathon and we both loved it, Sadly, I had a Golden Retriever named Rufus who passed away not to long ago, and Buddy reminds me of him so much, I even got a little emotional watching the film, but my wife was there to comfort me.
I loved Air Bud: Golden Receiver and I am sure all those who see the true value of this tale will too. If you have ever had a Golden Retriever dog you will love this movie as I did.
10/10 for Air Bud: Golden Receiver
Weak...
RosanaBotafogo6 November 2022
Teenager Josh (Kevin Zegers) has just become the legal owner of his basketball-playing dog, Buddy. But now Buddy is also playing football, thanks to vet Patrick Sullivan (Gregory Harrison), who just so happens to be Josh's mom's new boyfriend. Unfortunately, Josh and Patrick don't get along very well. But when two Russians (Nora Dunn, Perry Anzilotti) see Buddy playing on TV and decide to kidnap him for their circus, the two must team up to find the dog and save him.
It starts so silly, it loses the essence of children's drama, to become a silly comedy, but we won't give up easy like that, the franchise is long, hehehe... Highly inferior to the first, probably superior to the next 5, and I still don't understand why so many productions, poor Bud...
It starts so silly, it loses the essence of children's drama, to become a silly comedy, but we won't give up easy like that, the franchise is long, hehehe... Highly inferior to the first, probably superior to the next 5, and I still don't understand why so many productions, poor Bud...
Will adults enjoy the movie...no, but they'll enjoy their free time
groverallover9 September 2000
This is not a movie that I would recommend to adults to watch, however, if you have kids and you need to get the house clean with little distraction put this in the VCR. Kids have no problem seeing the same movie 50 times and this is one that they will not tire of. So pop it in and start cleaning your house...the kids will leave you alone...atleast for 90 minutes!
Loved it.
stirred_mind13 May 2000
You'll cry, you'll laugh, you'll smile and you'll scream! - it has to be an animal movie! You'll love Buddy, you'll love the story, Jesus Christ, you'll love the whole entire movie!!
I don't know why people didn't enjoy this film = it is excellent! Give me one good reason why you should hate it.
Well, there is this kid, right, and he is new to the town and he loves basketball. And he has just found a dog with the same interests and they are on their way to Basketball Champz!! But is that okay with the mean circus owner? Nuh-uh!!
You'll love this. My rating : 9/10.
I don't know why people didn't enjoy this film = it is excellent! Give me one good reason why you should hate it.
Well, there is this kid, right, and he is new to the town and he loves basketball. And he has just found a dog with the same interests and they are on their way to Basketball Champz!! But is that okay with the mean circus owner? Nuh-uh!!
You'll love this. My rating : 9/10.
Why not make it a LITTLE believable?
pettyfog10 January 2004
Hey, I've seen a lot of dumb premise movies made for kids...
The original Air Bud wasnt too bad. "Soccer Dog" STUNK.
If this had been about a PopWarner club team, there MIGHT have been a premise. But this is a SCHOOL team. Are we SURE Bud is passing his classes? But I will assume this movie was made by political progressives who would allow for their utopia in which "If you can perform" you dont need to follow rules.
Never mind that a dog cant catch even a pee-wee size football.
But maybe it's never too early to make your kid a cynic.
The original Air Bud wasnt too bad. "Soccer Dog" STUNK.
If this had been about a PopWarner club team, there MIGHT have been a premise. But this is a SCHOOL team. Are we SURE Bud is passing his classes? But I will assume this movie was made by political progressives who would allow for their utopia in which "If you can perform" you dont need to follow rules.
Never mind that a dog cant catch even a pee-wee size football.
But maybe it's never too early to make your kid a cynic.
Very, very bad
Boris-1719 August 1998
* There is nothing wrong in being non-american * There is nothing wrong in speaking with an accent * There is nothing wrong in speaking with Russian accent * These two "Boris and Natasha" characters accent is NOT Russian (just to be mentioned) * Movies like this make american kids chauvinists, racist, nazists, fascists (pick any)
I thought it was great!
BuddyFan10 July 2001
I don't know why some people thought this movie was good. I thought it was great! The part about the Russian circus was a bit far fetched, especially since they were trying to steal Buddy in broad daylight. I thought the rest was very good.
He plays football too?
RexMantis10 June 2001
Air Bud returns in this movie and lends a hand, or should I say paw to his owner and helps him through the football season. This movie is absolutely ridiculous. It makes no sense at all. Once again Air Bud is better than the human characters. The idea of a dog playing football is stupid. You mean to tell me that the dog never gets tackled and scores a bunch of touchdowns. That dog would be on the injured list in the first game!
Cute and inspiring family film
vchimpanzee14 February 2008
In Fernfield, Washington, Josh is not happy that his mother Jackie is now dating Dr. Patrick Sullivan, a veterinarian. His father's absence is apparently explained by a newspaper headline about a deceased test pilot. Hoping to get dirt on his nemesis, Josh and his friend Tom take Josh's dog Buddy to Patrick, pretending Buddy has a problem. They find incriminating evidence.
After Patrick gives Josh a football as a present, Josh shows he has talent, and Tom tells Josh he should try out for the junior high football team. Josh makes the team as backup quarterback.
Coach Fanelli's job is in trouble, though. He is not winning games and sports are expensive, so Principal Salter would rather cut them. If you know the Air Bud movies, it's not hard to figure out what will happen.
Meanwhile, bumbling Russians Natalya and Popov drive an ice cream truck around the neighborhood, hoping to capture Buddy and add him to their collection of animals.
This is a harmless enough family film (unless you're one of the stunt players--OUCH!). It's not going to win any awards, except maybe for being bad (I just feel certain people would have said it deserved worst film), but it's an enjoyable story. Between the hapless Russians and the football players, it's only slightly less violent than "Home Alone", but it's all good clean fun.
Among human actors, I would say the best performance comes from Robert Constanzo as the coach. He never gives up, and he has a positive attitude.
Fans of classic comics Tim Conway and Dick Martin have a treat as the legends serve as announcers at one football game. They make the Russians look like geniuses. I'm not entirely sure the writers took advantage of their talents, but if the objective was to make Martin look as dumb as any character in movie history, they succeeded. These two are fun even if they don't really show why they were great.
The best actors in the movie played Buddy. I noticed four in the credits, and I suppose each one had a special ability. A chimp in the Russians' menagerie also deserves mention (no, I have no particular interest in chimps).
Don't expect too much--just enjoy.
After Patrick gives Josh a football as a present, Josh shows he has talent, and Tom tells Josh he should try out for the junior high football team. Josh makes the team as backup quarterback.
Coach Fanelli's job is in trouble, though. He is not winning games and sports are expensive, so Principal Salter would rather cut them. If you know the Air Bud movies, it's not hard to figure out what will happen.
Meanwhile, bumbling Russians Natalya and Popov drive an ice cream truck around the neighborhood, hoping to capture Buddy and add him to their collection of animals.
This is a harmless enough family film (unless you're one of the stunt players--OUCH!). It's not going to win any awards, except maybe for being bad (I just feel certain people would have said it deserved worst film), but it's an enjoyable story. Between the hapless Russians and the football players, it's only slightly less violent than "Home Alone", but it's all good clean fun.
Among human actors, I would say the best performance comes from Robert Constanzo as the coach. He never gives up, and he has a positive attitude.
Fans of classic comics Tim Conway and Dick Martin have a treat as the legends serve as announcers at one football game. They make the Russians look like geniuses. I'm not entirely sure the writers took advantage of their talents, but if the objective was to make Martin look as dumb as any character in movie history, they succeeded. These two are fun even if they don't really show why they were great.
The best actors in the movie played Buddy. I noticed four in the credits, and I suppose each one had a special ability. A chimp in the Russians' menagerie also deserves mention (no, I have no particular interest in chimps).
Don't expect too much--just enjoy.
See also
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