Rent The Call of the Wild (2020)

Reduces a classic children’s book to a pastiche - The Call of the Wild review by PS

I was really looking forward to this movie - the book is deservedly a classic with its unflinching portrait of nature as vast and unforgiving, and the memorable relationship between Jack Thornton and Buck. It’s often the first book that children read where not everyone lives happily ever after.

Unfortunately the movie chucks out everything that’s good about the book, and reduces it to a Disneyfied shaggy dog story where every plot shift has to wear a hi-viz vest to be seen coming a mile off. I don’t mind the CGI but I do mind Harrison Ford having to gamely play along with this drivel. Opportunities for wide screen shots of fantastic landscapes are passed up in favour of hokey races through ice caves.

Of course, you could say this is just the rambling of a curmudgeonly adult - but my 10 year old who’s read the book hated it too. We agreed that one of the few good things coronavirus had done was close cinemas when this was showing!

Poor acting and surprisingly a weak story - The Call of the Wild review by SA

The CGI is a step back; looks like something out of the early 90s. Even Harrison Ford didn't manage to save this movie. I was hoping the scenery would be good but even that was cartoon like so don't expect any form of cinematography. Well over-rated but it is probably suitable for children under 10.

Lovely family movie - The Call of the Wild review by CS

Captivating story about a dog, his travels and life's adventures who is the star of the show, not Harrison Ford ! Memorial family movie for a wet afternoon and watchable more than once. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Good Solid Family Film - The Call of the Wild review by GI

You could say this is a soppy ol' Disney family adventure that will make you go 'Aww...' at various intervals and you'd be right but it's a good solid, old fashioned dog story that has a good heart much like it's main character. Adapted from the celebrated novel by Jack London (previously adapted in 1923, 1937, 1972 and 1997) this one opts for full on CGI for it's canine characters and this was a good choice giving the animals a wide emotional range that gives the film a lovely, cuddly feel. This is the story of Buck, a St Bernard/Collie cross breed, who is stolen from his luxury home in California, where he lives a mischievous life but is well adored, and sold to be part of a sled team working in the harsh Yukon during the infamous Gold Rush. Here he has to battle the winter conditions, a nasty lead dog named Spitz, and a baddie in the form of Dan Stevens. But he finds love and friendship with grizzled old John (Harrison Ford), who befriends the dog. But the remote forests starts to affect Buck as he feels the call of the wild summoning back to nature. It's all bit corny but there's a warmth to the film and kids of all ages will love this. This is a film that you can all snuggle together on the sofa and enjoy. It's actually a bit of a treat.