Good Boy!

from Film Forum, 10/09/03

Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) says, "The other day I saw a family film named Good Boy! that was astonishingly stupid, and treated its audience as if it had a tragically slow learning curve and was immune to boredom. Here is a movie that proves you can make a family film that's alive and well-acted and smart and perceptive and funny—and that rocks." He adds that he has no idea why the movie is rated PG-13.

from Film Forum, 10/16/03

When 12-year-old Owen Baker discovers that his newly adopted dog Hubble is in fact a talking dog from outer space, it is just the first of many alarming discoveries. Soon, he is listening as Hubble talks with the other neighborhood dogs about how soon all dogs will soon be sent home to their home star, Sirius, by their commander-in-chief, the Greater Dane, unless they can prove to her that dogs have done their jobs and taken charge of Planet Earth.

Good Boy! is winning praise from critics on the lookout for entertaining family films. Holly McClure (Crosswalk) says, "This is a kid-friendly movie that will delight the younger ones and appeal to those who don't think they are 'too cool' to see a movie about man's best friend."

Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) calls it "basically harmless but uninspired" and concludes that it "will leave viewers essentially none the worse for wear but no better either."

Bob Wasilewski (Plugged In) says it "sends out all the right messages about family, friendship, sacrifice, bonding with a pet, loyalty and doing the right thing."

Movieguide calls it "a warm-hearted, funny film that will probably delight the whole family. It celebrates the joys of owning a dog, one of the great pleasures in life [with which] God has blessed His children." But the critic adds two cautions—one, that the film's "worldview" is "slightly spoiled by a couple New Age references to meditation and mental exercises"; and two, that it suggests one of the dogs might have homosexual owners.

from Film Forum, 10/23/03

Reviewing Good Boy!, Caroline Mooney (Christian Spotlight) says, "My family thoroughly enjoyed the tale of dogs from outer space. And isn't it funny to imagine dogs talking? I believe the makers of Good Boy! send a positive message to families today … obey and honor your parents, avoid bitterness, keep your word, accept responsibility for your actions, choose your friends wisely, and be a loyal friend. Like the dogs, it seems Hollywood isn't too old to learn new tricks either."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) calls it "sweet, sentimental, and full of doggie treats to please young and old alike. Good Boy! is not a great film but it is a good one."