THE CALL OF THE WILD – “Another affectionate adventure between man & dog”

CALL OF THE WILD

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Chris Sanders

STARRING

  • Harrison Ford as John Thornton
  • Dan Stevens as Hal
  • Omar Sy as Perrault
  • Karen Gillan as Mercedes
  • Bradley Whitford as Judge Miller
  • Colin Woodell as Charles
  • Cara Gee as Françoise

SYNOPSIS

Is based on the Jack London 1903 novel of the same name

A domesticated St. Bernard/Scotch Collie named Buck is stolen from his Santa Clara, California home and sold to freight haulers in Yukon. Crossing paths with a man named John Thornton, the two embark on an adventure where Buck finds his true place in the world.

REVIEW SUMMARY

This most recent cinematic adaptation of The Call of the Wild makes for yet another affectionate adventure between man and dog (even if the latter was created by CGI wizardry). And while it’s all very “old timey” and perhaps teeters on being too dry for the younger crowd at times, there are more than enough thrilling action moments to keep everyone entertained throughout. In fact, the movie works best when it’s on the go, creating an enjoyable sense of fast paced adventure. That journey hits all the emotional beats it needs to, leaving audiences with a mix of smiles with tears. And for his part, Harrison Ford nails it as the gruff and grumpy old-timer with a big heart (doesn’t he always?). Also spot on here, are the interactions and overall relationship he has with Buck, his canine companion. This is made all the more impressive knowing Ford was acting with a “doggie stand-in” the whole time. It’s that pesky CGI that creates problems however, as you can’t help but look for it almost all the time. There are times where something will just seem “off,” taking you momentarily out of the story. Luckily, they are few and far between, allowing this old fashioned furry fable to hit its mark more times than not.

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