I loved this movie when I was a kid, and even back then I had little idea why. I mean, it wasn't like I thought it was particularly funny or touching or anything like that. I guess I just really liked the basic premise, because you have to admit the central idea is pretty weird and nutty. How stoned do you have to get before you come up with a dog that plays basketball? How would that even remotely work? I'm really putting too much thought in this movie I guess, but it's just so bizarre that I've always found it very entertaining. I've learned the sequels actually stretch the premise even further and involve dogs that can play soccer, baseball and volleyball, but this one will always be the one and only original "dog does weird athletic stuff it can't possibly do"-flick.
38 Reviews
Not that bad
Colony17 May 2003
This is a good movie, really. The late dog was charming, and very talented. Zegers is a good actor.
It's been a while since I've seen this film, but I can tell you that it had a good, if seeming a little cliched, story. Zegers is Josh Framm, he's been upset since his test-pilot father was killed in an accident. After moving to Washington, he doesn't fit in and becomes even more upset, but things turn around when he finds a stray dog that has run away from its previous owner.
When he discovers that this dog can shoot baskets, he's cheered up, and decides to join the basketball team, bringing the dog Buddy along as a mascot.
This movie is a little too melodramatic for a kids' movie in certain places. For example, there's the scene in which the basketball coach, after a game in which the character Tom had trouble catching passes, is alone with Tom in the gym, repeatedly firing balls at Tom that batter him all over his body. When Josh and the principal find them, Tom turns and we see bruises on his face and a black eye. That's a little disturbing.
Other than that, this movie is not that bad. All of the sequals suck. Dogs can't play baseball, that's why the ball in the fourth movie is computer animated, completely ruining the spirit of the series.
It's been a while since I've seen this film, but I can tell you that it had a good, if seeming a little cliched, story. Zegers is Josh Framm, he's been upset since his test-pilot father was killed in an accident. After moving to Washington, he doesn't fit in and becomes even more upset, but things turn around when he finds a stray dog that has run away from its previous owner.
When he discovers that this dog can shoot baskets, he's cheered up, and decides to join the basketball team, bringing the dog Buddy along as a mascot.
This movie is a little too melodramatic for a kids' movie in certain places. For example, there's the scene in which the basketball coach, after a game in which the character Tom had trouble catching passes, is alone with Tom in the gym, repeatedly firing balls at Tom that batter him all over his body. When Josh and the principal find them, Tom turns and we see bruises on his face and a black eye. That's a little disturbing.
Other than that, this movie is not that bad. All of the sequals suck. Dogs can't play baseball, that's why the ball in the fourth movie is computer animated, completely ruining the spirit of the series.
A dog playing basketball
terminatorg28 July 2019
Irresistible and Likeable0.
flickjunkie-323 November 2000
I wasn't expecting Air Bud to be all that good, after the disappointment of the other kiddie film, Soccer Dog, but I found this film weirdly impressive, to be quite honest.
Josh (Kevin Zegers) is an introverted 12-year-old whose test pilot dad has been killed, necessitating a family move to the leafy Washington suburb of Fernfield. Here, he meets Buddy, a stray retriever, who can score baskets with his nose and is adopted into the family home. Buddy's ball skills soon cheer Josh up and ingratiate him with his peers, and they both make the Timberwolves school team. Conflict arrives in the form of Buddy's previous cruel owner Snively (Michael Jeter), a children's entertainer of the Fred West school.
The direction is sloppy, the actors overact and the result is cheese on a stick, but Air Bud still manages to entertain adults and children throughout the perfectly short running time. The story of a basketball-playing dog is magnificent, and Buddy is an irresistible golden retriever, he makes the film as watchable as it ever will be.
You'll cry, you'll laugh and you'll be weirdly uplifted, but don't expect to be absolutely spellbound with Air Bud. But I do still recommend it, that's for sure.
I rate Air Bud 7 out of 10.
Josh (Kevin Zegers) is an introverted 12-year-old whose test pilot dad has been killed, necessitating a family move to the leafy Washington suburb of Fernfield. Here, he meets Buddy, a stray retriever, who can score baskets with his nose and is adopted into the family home. Buddy's ball skills soon cheer Josh up and ingratiate him with his peers, and they both make the Timberwolves school team. Conflict arrives in the form of Buddy's previous cruel owner Snively (Michael Jeter), a children's entertainer of the Fred West school.
The direction is sloppy, the actors overact and the result is cheese on a stick, but Air Bud still manages to entertain adults and children throughout the perfectly short running time. The story of a basketball-playing dog is magnificent, and Buddy is an irresistible golden retriever, he makes the film as watchable as it ever will be.
You'll cry, you'll laugh and you'll be weirdly uplifted, but don't expect to be absolutely spellbound with Air Bud. But I do still recommend it, that's for sure.
I rate Air Bud 7 out of 10.
Idiotic cheesy sappy attempt at making...(I'm not sure if I can even connect this thing with the word movie)
nirvana2730 June 2005
OK, hmmm, well lets see... I question how many dogs died in the making of this movie, seeing as a breaking of the nose during some "crazy dawg action" trying to score with the basketball. Also, I've heard that pudding isn't good for dogs...ya. And also, this is basically dissing American basketball. A team of kids who haven't won a single game...And along comes a dog, which appears to be a better teacher than any of the boys, as well as better than the whole team. (Even though it has no idea what it's doing.) Oh ya! I just remembered. Golden retrievers don't have thumbs. So, the writer's brilliant plan? Airbud hits the the basketball with his nose basically the whole movie! One problem. I've tried that before. Make that two problems. It breaks the dog's nose, as well as YOU CAN"T AIM! This is crushing all of the kid's egos! They must be thinking "Hey, a dog, with no thumbs, using only his nose is better than me." You'd think some kid would want revenge for all of the humiliation. Although I had tons of fun making fun (fun squared!) of this movie with my good pals, unless you are into all types of cheese possible, watch grass grow. It is more exciting, and has a better plot.
Unrealistic
jordanpresnell26 April 2021
AirBud paints a very troubling an unrealistic picture of the possibilities of even the most athletic dogs potential basketball skills, not to mention he never actually dribbles the ball, are we just supposed to ignore that traveling is a foul?
Entertaining and cute
TheLittleSongbird10 November 2010
Air Bud is far from a classic, but I was surprised at how much I liked this movie. As far as dog movies go, Lassie Come Home and Old Yeller are the best in my opinion, but Air Bud is not a bad family movie at all. It is too short though, and there is some uneven direction and some hit and misses in the script, However, some of it is fitfully amusing, and the story is appealing. And the characters are engaging, especially Buddy and Josh, those two have great chemistry together. Kevin Zegers is likable enough, while Buddy steals the film whether it is the stunts or the bonding scenes. Air Bud is nice to look at, and the soundtrack is decent. But I have to give special mention to the acrobatics, because they are amazing. All in all, an entertaining and likable film, not perfect but decent family fare without taking itself too seriously. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Freedom at last
blodnatt6 June 2022
I've never been a fan of Disney movies proposing animals have the human level of cognitive abilities, so this movie have always seemed off to me, in a way I couldn't put my finger on. Just this feeling creeping down my back, that something is up with that dog.
Then in comes John Oliver, and puts hits finger where it belongs, and the creeping feeling suddenly became better. Like a darkness was lifted from my mind and finally rays of sun and warmth can enter.
Ta, John. If it wasn't for your fingering, I'd still be in an Airbud induced conundrum that was my life and reality.
Then in comes John Oliver, and puts hits finger where it belongs, and the creeping feeling suddenly became better. Like a darkness was lifted from my mind and finally rays of sun and warmth can enter.
Ta, John. If it wasn't for your fingering, I'd still be in an Airbud induced conundrum that was my life and reality.
Even the parents will like it
Transformer28 September 2003
Since most kids' movies are horrible, parents dread having to sit through them alongside their children. But this is harmless, feel-good fun that even a parent can stomach. It's a tad unbelievable, and some stunts are all too convenient, but so what? We can all suspend a certain amount of disbelief and enjoy a movie, right?
A dog plays basketball
just_jargons_cat5 June 2019
special dog
kairingler4 July 2013
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.
undemanding fun
williamj-28 August 1999
This movie is undemanding fun. while it's refreshing to see a film that does not rely on -or even use- computer-generated effects, the set-up is that the guy, Michael Jeter, is shown to be a baddie because of his treatment of the dog as his co-star in his crummy clown show. As an audience we must share complicity in this, as 'Buddy' performs for our entertainment, and that dog (and his two doubles) really do score those baskets. But, all political correctness aside, the movie is enjoyable enough. Underused though is the excellent Brendan Fletcher as the 'bad kid'.
I Don't See It
socrates429 March 2020
I'm sorry, but I just do not understand the appeal of the AIR BUD films and films like them. I don't mind the idea of having animals in these ridiculous situations, but for me it has just never been done well.
The movie is frustrating and hard to watch. It feels much longer than it is. Not my kind of film at all. Do not recommend.
The movie is frustrating and hard to watch. It feels much longer than it is. Not my kind of film at all. Do not recommend.
More lacklustre PG-rated family fare
Beta_Gallinger28 June 2009
Although this family sports movie was released in 1997, I believe I saw it for the first time in 2001. I was in my early teens at the time, and it definitely didn't turn out to be one of my all-time favourite movies, but I think I was impressed with a lot of it. I certainly wasn't bored. If I remember correctly, what I liked the most about "Air Bud" was the dog, since I found him so cute. I think he often put a smile on my face, at least early in the film. However, if I hadn't seen the film years ago, I doubt I would have ever bothered watching it, but since I remembered it, I decided to watch it again eight years later. This time, I knew it wasn't a very popular movie, and unsurprisingly, I noticed some flaws I hadn't noticed before.
Josh Framm is a boy who has just moved to Fernfield, Washington with his mother and younger sister after the tragic death of his father. At school in this town, he has no friends, and despite his interest in basketball, he is too shy to try out for the school's team. He discovers an abandoned basketball court in the town, and starts shooting hoops there. He also meets a stray golden retriever in that area, one who was lost by his abusive owner, a clown named Norm Snively, when he fell out of his truck. Josh quickly befriends this dog, naming him Buddy, and sees that he's also good at basketball! Eventually, Josh does make the school team, and Buddy soon joins in, which brings him a lot of attention. Unfortunately, however, after Norm Snively sees his lost dog on TV, he wants him back. The relationship between the boy and the dog could be in trouble, and so could the team!
This movie is hands down a failure when it comes to humour. This includes the beginning, with Norm Snively, played by Michael Jeter, at a birthday party with Buddy (before he loses him), trying to entertain a bunch of kids, which leads to some weak slapstick, making a huge mess in the house. The scene where Josh's mother sees Buddy for the first time is a lot like that, with more unfunny slapstick leading to a huge mess. Norm is supposed to be a really funny character, but VERY rarely is. As for the serious parts, they're not terrible, but aren't really that gripping or anything. A bit of emotion or tension wasn't enough to make it satisfying. Basically, "Air Bud" is another mediocre modern-day PG-rated kiddie flick, but I guess it's harmless, and many kids could enjoy it. As for me, I'm going to have to move on, and not bother watching this movie's one theatrical sequel or any of its many direct-to-video sequels.
Josh Framm is a boy who has just moved to Fernfield, Washington with his mother and younger sister after the tragic death of his father. At school in this town, he has no friends, and despite his interest in basketball, he is too shy to try out for the school's team. He discovers an abandoned basketball court in the town, and starts shooting hoops there. He also meets a stray golden retriever in that area, one who was lost by his abusive owner, a clown named Norm Snively, when he fell out of his truck. Josh quickly befriends this dog, naming him Buddy, and sees that he's also good at basketball! Eventually, Josh does make the school team, and Buddy soon joins in, which brings him a lot of attention. Unfortunately, however, after Norm Snively sees his lost dog on TV, he wants him back. The relationship between the boy and the dog could be in trouble, and so could the team!
This movie is hands down a failure when it comes to humour. This includes the beginning, with Norm Snively, played by Michael Jeter, at a birthday party with Buddy (before he loses him), trying to entertain a bunch of kids, which leads to some weak slapstick, making a huge mess in the house. The scene where Josh's mother sees Buddy for the first time is a lot like that, with more unfunny slapstick leading to a huge mess. Norm is supposed to be a really funny character, but VERY rarely is. As for the serious parts, they're not terrible, but aren't really that gripping or anything. A bit of emotion or tension wasn't enough to make it satisfying. Basically, "Air Bud" is another mediocre modern-day PG-rated kiddie flick, but I guess it's harmless, and many kids could enjoy it. As for me, I'm going to have to move on, and not bother watching this movie's one theatrical sequel or any of its many direct-to-video sequels.
Air Dud
bigverybadtom20 March 2024
An awful professional clown has a pet golden retriever he treats cruelly and ends up losing. The dog meets a boy who has just moved into town and the boy fosters then keeps him, and it turns out that the dog is able to "play" basketball, or rather can knock basketballs into the basket utilizing his snout. (The credits for the movie say that the dog did it for real.) The boy joins his new school's basketball team, and so does the dog, first as a mascot, then he is called in to play when several human players are injured
Basically a cookie-cutter "boy and his dog triumphs" story, though suspension of disbelief is required, namely the fact that the dog can put basketballs into a basket but cannot genuinely play basketball, as he can only carry the basketball in his mouth rather than dribble it as basketball players are supposed to do during a game. One former basketball player in the movie gives a decent performance, but everyone else just goes through the motions. Even the villainous clown is so inept he isn't even minimally scary. Some more movies were made using a golden retriever playing various sports, but this movie failed to make me want to watch them.
Basically a cookie-cutter "boy and his dog triumphs" story, though suspension of disbelief is required, namely the fact that the dog can put basketballs into a basket but cannot genuinely play basketball, as he can only carry the basketball in his mouth rather than dribble it as basketball players are supposed to do during a game. One former basketball player in the movie gives a decent performance, but everyone else just goes through the motions. Even the villainous clown is so inept he isn't even minimally scary. Some more movies were made using a golden retriever playing various sports, but this movie failed to make me want to watch them.
NO BAD,NO EXCELLENT
SUPERNOVA HEIGHTS20 July 2001
Air Bud is a nice film for all the family,children and parents,this is a magical history about a dog that it can play basketball,this is amazing but true.I watch the second and the third part,they´re nice but not better than the first. SENTENCE FOR AIR BUD:NICE FILM
Not for everyone
m-ramanan7 July 2021
Entertaining and slightly bizarre children's film
benjaminweber10 June 2018
This is an example of how to do a family film right. The characters feel genuine and real and they have actual character development. It shows some genuinely unpleasant people being mean in a non-comedic fashion, so there are genuine stakes, and when they get their comeuppance it's much more satisfying. It's also silly enough to entertain children, while mostly staying believable enough that adults won't be driven to distraction. This can actually be enjoyed by all ages for what it is, a fun, warm film. It's just a shame that the company behind it, Air Bud Entertainment, has been rehashing the plot ever since with other animal films while forgetting what made this one special.
It's not the best film ever made, but it's worth a watch, 7/10.
It's not the best film ever made, but it's worth a watch, 7/10.
A simple, innocent, mildely intertaning after school special.
eaw1990osaka19 January 2004
A young boy who's father has passed away moves to a new town with his baby sister and mother, with little hopes of making new friends or getting over his father's death: until he finds a dog who can play basketball! Turning suddenly from being an incompetent water boy, whom only dreams of joining the school basketball team, to an admirable young athlete with his great new dog, Buddy.
A mildly entertaining afternoon special for kids. With it's innocence and slitly comicle charm, this movie, like all other afterschool specials has it's moments. I wouldn't say it was funny, it dosn't have what most of the modern day kids or pre-teens are looking for in their entertainment: Bombs going off, blood, martial arts or showy costumes. It's the type of thing for a family with three or four children of mixed ages to watch with their mother before nap time. Isn't obscene like most movies even a nine year old might watch these days, yet isn't Barnie or Elmo either.
A mildly entertaining afternoon special for kids. With it's innocence and slitly comicle charm, this movie, like all other afterschool specials has it's moments. I wouldn't say it was funny, it dosn't have what most of the modern day kids or pre-teens are looking for in their entertainment: Bombs going off, blood, martial arts or showy costumes. It's the type of thing for a family with three or four children of mixed ages to watch with their mother before nap time. Isn't obscene like most movies even a nine year old might watch these days, yet isn't Barnie or Elmo either.
Great Sports Movie with Touching Scenes and Unique Players
rannynm3 August 2012
Looking for a great sports movie with touching scenes and some unique players? Well then this is a movie for you. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Julianna No one (age 12) shares her review below: Video review available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1FORlwS-_E
This movie stars Kevin Zeggers as Josh Framm, Wendy Makkena as Jackie Framm, and Michael Jeter as Norm Snively the clown. This film is about a boy who is new to town. One day while playing basketball Josh finds Bud, a abandoned dog. Bud gives Josh faith in himself which leads him to try out for the basketball team. Josh learns that Bud can play basketball too. Josh and Bud just have to be aware of Bud's old abusive owner, Norm Snively the clown. My favorite character is Bud. I like Bud because of his unbiased love of Josh and because Josh and his family took Bud in when his old abusive owner was about to take him to the pound. However, I like him mostly because he is talented and it is pretty cool that he can play basketball. My favorite scenes are when Bud decides to bite his old owner Norm the clown and runs back to his new family, Josh and the rest of the Framms. My other favorite scene is when Bud actually plays for Josh's team because one player is injured and another fouls out of the game. What I like about this movie is how well the stunt coordinator trained Bud, so in the movie he has such great aptitude or talent. The cinematography is well done and how it is anthropomorphic in how Bud is able to play basketball, like he is just another kid on the team. I think that people who love animals, sports and comedy mixed with a little heart warming scenes will absolutely love this incredible film. I know this because I really love this film and I hope you will as well. Also even if you don't really like sports or animal movies you will still enjoy this film as it has a great story to follow. This movie is great for the whole family. There is a strong moral to the story as well as many emotionally gripping scenes for everyone to enjoy. I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars because it is a great movie that everyone can sit down and enjoy.
This movie stars Kevin Zeggers as Josh Framm, Wendy Makkena as Jackie Framm, and Michael Jeter as Norm Snively the clown. This film is about a boy who is new to town. One day while playing basketball Josh finds Bud, a abandoned dog. Bud gives Josh faith in himself which leads him to try out for the basketball team. Josh learns that Bud can play basketball too. Josh and Bud just have to be aware of Bud's old abusive owner, Norm Snively the clown. My favorite character is Bud. I like Bud because of his unbiased love of Josh and because Josh and his family took Bud in when his old abusive owner was about to take him to the pound. However, I like him mostly because he is talented and it is pretty cool that he can play basketball. My favorite scenes are when Bud decides to bite his old owner Norm the clown and runs back to his new family, Josh and the rest of the Framms. My other favorite scene is when Bud actually plays for Josh's team because one player is injured and another fouls out of the game. What I like about this movie is how well the stunt coordinator trained Bud, so in the movie he has such great aptitude or talent. The cinematography is well done and how it is anthropomorphic in how Bud is able to play basketball, like he is just another kid on the team. I think that people who love animals, sports and comedy mixed with a little heart warming scenes will absolutely love this incredible film. I know this because I really love this film and I hope you will as well. Also even if you don't really like sports or animal movies you will still enjoy this film as it has a great story to follow. This movie is great for the whole family. There is a strong moral to the story as well as many emotionally gripping scenes for everyone to enjoy. I rate this film 5 out of 5 stars because it is a great movie that everyone can sit down and enjoy.
BEST MOVIE EVER
airbudisgod19 July 2021
AIR BUD (1997) IS THE BEST MOVIE. EVER. MADE. NO PRODUCTION WILL EVER SURPASS THIS. THE ACTING IS WORLD CLASS. NO DOGS ARE LIKE THESE. THESE ARE THE BEST DOG. ONLY LEVELLED BY THE GREATS LIKE MARMADUKE. THE BEST DOGS OKAY!??! IS YOU RATED THIS MOVIE ANYTHING UNDER 10 YOU'RE SICK AND NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE! BEST MOVIE 1V1 ME ON DUST II.
A childhood classic.
ratch62227 April 2022
I know it's a 90s classic you know it's a 90s classic. Does it have the typical cliches contained in most family movies at the time? Yes. Does it matter? No. Its great and I will not elaborate any further other than Buddy is a certified 14/10. RIP Buddy.
Family movie
RexMantis10 June 2001
This is a good movie for younger kids despite some brief mild language. The dog playing basketball just doesn't make sense to me though. I could take the ball away from the dog and its not like he has the height advantage. If you have small kids they would enjoy it.
The Dog of Many Talents
Hollywood_Yoda12 October 2018
The first and original, Air Bud, about the golden retriever that plays basketball. The whole thing started out as a stupid pet trick on the Late Show with David Letterman. Who knew it'd be a big hit with families.
The director, Charles Martin Smith did a great job with the story and actors. Michael Jeter plays the villain, and a good one at that; he attempts to kidnap Air Bud. Kevin Zegers plays Josh, Air Bud's owner and teammate.
This film was followed by one theatrical sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver and 5 other direct to video sequels.
The director, Charles Martin Smith did a great job with the story and actors. Michael Jeter plays the villain, and a good one at that; he attempts to kidnap Air Bud. Kevin Zegers plays Josh, Air Bud's owner and teammate.
This film was followed by one theatrical sequel, Air Bud: Golden Receiver and 5 other direct to video sequels.
One Great Movie!
Lara-112 February 1999
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