Sky Dog * Enthralling Watch! High Production Quality, Intriguing Script and Fast-Paced Action
Monday, October 5th, 2020
After a high school senior working on his pilot’s license rescues a dog named Oreo, he finds out his mom is a CIA agent who’s been captured. He teams up with Oreo and a new friend to find his mother and uncover double agents inside the CIA. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Eshaan M. comments, “An enthralling watch, Sky Dog will capture kids’ hearts and surely become a fixture feature film in many households. The high production quality, intriguing script and fast-paced action all make for a pleasant viewing experience. In a crowded segment of action/spy films, Sky Dog undoubtedly stands out.” Ginebra Q. adds, “SkyDog is a very exciting movie and I enjoyed it. This movie keeps you curious about what will happen next. Also, there is a turn of events that keeps you very engaged throughout. Lastly, there is a hero in this movie and everyone loves a hero. This film has all the components to make an absorbing and delightful movie.” SaniyaRain F., wraps it up with, “The message of the film is that you can be a hero without any special powers.” See their full reviews below.
Sky Dog
By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
An enthralling watch, Sky Dog will capture kids’ hearts and surely become a fixture feature film in many households. The high production quality, intriguing script and fast-paced action all make for a pleasant viewing experience. In a crowded segment of action/spy films, Sky Dog undoubtedly stands out.
Sky Dog follows the life of Colt Lifestone, a high school senior who has his heart set on getting his pilot’s license. After a fateful revelation regarding Colt’s mom’s job and news of her kidnapping, Lifestone finds himself uprooted from all he knew to be normal, in a new home, new school and with two mysterious guardians. Colt teams up with his new friend Alice to find out what’s really going on… and solve some mysteries in the process.
Both the characters of Colt Lifestone (Daniel Knudsen) and Alice Jones (Vickie Lynn Smith), the protagonists of the film, come across as confident and strong. However, Knudsen’s shaky or robotic delivery can jerk the reader out of the magic of the story at times. There are many other actors involved in the “above-the-line” element of Sky Dog, and I especially enjoyed the performances of Mimi Sagadin (as Sheila Porter) and Rocco Guirlanda (as Agent Dewitt Porter). They sold their antagonistic roles to me and stirred up emotions in my heart, a difficult feat for many films. Sagadin, specifically, truly commits to her character—her performance seems to me to be the most genuine of all. Now to other talent on the film. Daniel Knudsen and Tim Kaiser directed Sky Dog; Mark Knudsen wrote the scriptand Kristina Kaylen led the production effort. All of these individuals show exceptional talent, but one member of the production crew shines above all: Samuel Joshua, the mind behind the film’s original music score. The musical score would have to be my favorite part of the film. A mix of simple tunes, orchestral pieces and regal John Barry (James Bond films)-esque trumpet fanfares — the music of Sky Dog adds much to the film and makes the viewing experience that much more enjoyable.
The message of Sky Dog is twofold: always do the right thing, no matter what it takes, and recognize the heroes around us. In terms of an advisory, parents should be aware that Porter mistreats Colt at two or three points in the film. Also, Colt and Alice steal a plane and defy the rules. There are also thematic elements in Sky Dog, such as kidnapping and weapons, that would not be advisable for young children.
I give the film Sky Dog 4 stars out of 5 and recommend it for kids aged 12 to 18. Adults may enjoy the movie as well. Sky Dog is coming to you, online and on DVD October 20, 2020!
Sky Dog
By Ginebra Q., KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
Sky Dog is a very exciting movie and I enjoyed it. This movie keeps you curious about what will happen next. Also, there is a turn of events that keeps you very engaged throughout. Lastly, there is a hero in this movie and everyone loves a hero. This film has all the components to make an absorbing and delightful movie.
This film is about a teenager named Colt Lifestone (Daniel Knudsen), who is just a normal teenager until he discovers that his mom (Jeannine Thompson) is a CIA agent and is in danger. Colt is determined to rescue her with the help of a friend and a small dog.
The mood of this movie is hopeful and suspenseful. This is really a film that teenagers will enjoy. Written by Mark. A Knudsen, this film has an interesting storyline that is filled with emotional, action filled scenes. For example, when the CIA goes on a mission the audience follows along. This part is very intriguing as we watch the mission unfold. The most exhilarating part of the film is the ending, when Colt faces the bad guys. This is when the pieces of the puzzle come together and give the film its final touch. The camerawork is great, especially all the various camera angles. Daniel Knudsen, who plays Josh, is a well-known actor and film director. Daniel Knudsen’s acting is very natural, but there is lack of emotion. For instance, when he finds out that his mom is in danger, he doesn’t show much concern about it. Moreover, Oreo (Rosie Berryer), is Colt’s dog. Oreo is loyal, smart and plays a big part in helping Colt and his friend. In this film, the mom’s acting is very expressive. You can really see the emotion in her face and that’s what makes her a great actor.
The messages of this film address determination and teamwork. Colt is not one to give up and this really helps him become a hero. The saying “two heads are better than one” is proven in this film. When you work together with others, it is more likely that the outcome will be great.
I give Sky Dog 4.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Adults will like it as well. You can find this film at KIDSFIRST! Film Festivals.
Sky Dog
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Sky Dog is a great suspenseful movie that lots of kids, especially those that like planes, will like. The film is also fun to watch.
The movie is about a teenage boy who wants to become a pilot and then, rescues a dog named Oreo. When Colt Lifestone (Daniel Knudsen) figures out that his stepdad (Tim Kaiser) and mom (Jeannine Thompson) are CIA agents his life is turned upside down. In one part of the movie, Colt tries to convince his protectors that he might have figured out a way to get back his mom, but do they listen or not?
I like the scene when Colt’s teacher talks about what true heroes are and how to be one. The character that I like the most is Alice Jones (Vickie Lynn Smith). She is a good friend and is mostly with Colt when he needs her. She is not an ordinary friend. She always believes in him and what he says. My favorite part of the movie is when Alice and Colt work together to find his mom. They have to deal with some dangerous people but they do not let anything stop them. They work together and come up with smart ideas such as putting a bad guy to sleep by sneaking some sleeping pills to his drink. They then end up getting away with their ideas and go on to find Colt’s mom.
The message of the film is that you can be a hero without any special powers.
I give Sky Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 10. You can find Sky Dog on October 20, 2020 on digital and DVD.
