Kids liked the girl speaking up for the animals and the old man at the motel who runs a pet hotel. They did not care for the crematory scenes or when the dog attacked the man. "It appealed to me in a strange way and a lot of it irritated me, but I liked it anyway." "It is definitely better than average but not the best." Their favorite part was the no kill kennel. "The end of the movie explained a lot of things but during the movie, it was difficult to follow." Most kids said they would watch it again and share it with a friend.
Well produced, great cast. A bit slow moving at times and a surprise ending. This will hold the interest of most kids and families and evoke good discussion afterwards. The interaction between the characters pulls you in. As the story unfolds, the characters grow through their conflicts and become more three dimensional. As the young girl comes to terms with her mother's death, the story becomes more interesting with a few surprises at the end. There are some difficult issues brought up such as the death of a parent and the death of pets and animals. The way these themes are dealt with is better suited for older children. One needs to look at the entire story in order to understand some of the characters' actions. For example, it's difficult to understand the grandfather's behavior until the film reveals more about his past. Overall, it is very well produced. The ranch setting, the acting, the animals are all very believable. This film provokes discussions about death, euthanasia, and our responsibility to animals. It is well paced, holds your interest and promotes compassion for others.
After 12-year-old Belle (Cardone) loses her mother in a car accident, she rebels against her father and is sent to her grandfather's working farm. With Belle's father struggling with grief and her grandfather detached and directionless, Belle devotes herself to saving the animals that are endangered on the farm. Can Belle's work bring her family back together and help them rediscover their love for each other? Starring Peter Coyote, Jason London, Peter Boyle, Viven Cardone.
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KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!