The Bottom Line
- I have to admit Lassie had me at 'Woof'
- Terrific performances by those with fur and without
- An impossible-to-resist story of loyalty and love
- Some people may skip it thinking it's just for dog lovers - and that will be their loss
Description
- Based on the classic novel "Lassie Come Home" by Eric Knight
- Starring Peter O'Toole, Samantha Morton, Jonathan Mason, John Lynch, and Peter Dinklage
- Filmed on location in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Rated PG for some mild violent content and language
- Theatrical Release Date: September 1, 2006
Guide Review - "Lassie" Movie Review
Lassie doesn't want to leave her family and in fact does everything she can to return to her master's side, including digging her way out of her kennel and breaking free from her leash whenever possible. But Lassie's loyalty to her previous owner is really put to the test when the duke returns to Scotland and she must travel 500 treacherous miles to get back to the place she still considers home.
Writer/producer/director Charles Sturridge has managed to revive the "Lassie" franchise by staying true to the source material. It also doesn't hurt that he snagged Peter O'Toole and Samantha Morton to head up the cast, and managed to find just the right child actor (Jonathan Mason) and a well-trained collie for the key leading roles.
Sturridge makes the story accessible to all age groups, a difficult task the writer/director pulled off without a hitch. Even if you're not an animal person, that shouldn't keep you from taking a look at this beautiful family film. Strong performances and an enchanting story make "Lassie" one of the most enjoyable films of the year.
A word of warning: keep the tissue box close by.
