Absolutely Brilliant!

A Disappointing Continuation

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

I'm not sure how many "Lassie" films exist. I've seen the 2005 version once, but I disliked it. This 1994 version, while imperfect, is however a satisfying one. It doesn't have many similarities with the famous TV show. They were made in very different times. The TV series has the feeling of its era, as well as this movie version has a typically 90's feel to it (well, it was made in the 90's!). But still, this motion picture preserves some of the popular TV show's spirit. This movie brings a 50's legend to the 90's and updates it.The dog that portrays Lassie is, of course, a great four-legged actor, being the Lassie of always: very elegant and beautiful, owner of an exceptional intelligence, heroic and very friendly with everything and everyone. Tom Guiry has a winning performance as Matt.Matt is, at first, a spoiled and rebel teenager in every way and as such his interests are very specific. But once he starts changing, he changes radically his attitude and learns to appreciate the most beautiful things in life. And all of this after Lassie "stealing" his headphones, forcing him to chase her until a swimming hole (complete with a tree rope).Now a personal observation and comparison: just like in Disney's 'Old Yeller' the character Travis isn't minimally interested in the dog at first but ends up becoming more attached to it than anyone else, the same happens in this film to Matt on Lassie.Lassie, as always, senses and responds to dangers as they occur. In this movie there is a scene that particularly fits this description: when Lassie saves Matt from a fierce wolf.The movie also has beautiful settings and landscapes (typically country scenario) that only make it better.

Yes, I'm a sap, but there were a couple of places where this movie really tugged at my heartstrings. There were some almost inevitable Lassie-type scenes, but it was fun getting to see Lassie act like a Collie for once. One thing that I noticed missing from the credits was Robert Weatherwax's name. Without Robert Weatherwax's training, the amazing things that this Lassie does would not be possible. As a dog trainer myself, I recognize the difficulty that accompanies training dogs to do even simple behaviors, so I think that he should be acknowledged.One thing that made me laugh, though, was the kid's comment about getting another kind of dog for sheep dog: a (German) Shepherd or EVEN A LAB. (Caps mine, from horrified amazement) If a Labrador retriever can herd, the canine star of this movie can give birth to puppies. I'm sure that the problem was that the writer didn't want to say "border COLLIE or Bearded COLLIE or Australian SHEPHERD, but why not "Corgi," or "Sheltie," or "Tervuren?" There's an entire Herding/Pastoral group out there, people! A Lab . . . *rolls eyes*

OK, first off let me just say this is a spoiler preview, so fair warning. I have seen this movie only once, and once was enough. It was so perfect, so utterly amazing, that I need never see it again, it's all in my minds eye as clear to me as the birth of my first child. I don't have to go to the tape, it's burned in my memory for all time. Some films, how should I put this, some films come straight down from heaven, written directed and produced by GOD! This MIRACLE of modern art that is cinema has the potential(I think) to change the world. Ok, maybe you think I'm some nut who just really likes dogs, well far from it. In fact, dogs terrify me. I have to cross the street even if it's one of those tiny ones old ladies carry in their purses. But this movie allows me to get past that absurd phobia. I like to watch movies with my kids, I like to make sure they don't see violence and sex and stuff like that, at least not till they are older in the double digits. This movie is perfect to watch with your kids. I'm lucky cuase ever since the plant got shut down I've had tons more time to watch tv with them. Now I said that this was a teaser review and it is. Here's what I'll give away: CLAYTON BARCLAY JONES is the next BRAD PITT. I mean it's like I'm looking at his younger brother. CBJ lights up the screen, my oldest daughter is obsessed with him. She even has his POPS cereal comercial on tape. I'm a family man, I got kids and I got a wife who loves me. But that Mr Jones makes me feel things for a man I wasn't sure I was capable of. He's that good. Listen go watch this movie. Savour it. If you feel like watching it two times through I'll understand. Plus there are rumors in the works for a sequel, FINGERS CROSSED!!!! BOTTOM LINE- FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

This film will doubtless entertain young and old. The plot, while very predictable is full of love and endearing moments. The cast is very good at what they were hired to do...deliver a movie about a dog that will save the day and look good while doing it. The film is great and will always leave you with a smile...after all Lassie does save the day. A film that can be enjoyed by the entire family over and over again.