Rent White Fang (1991)

Wild Thing - White Fang review by Steve

This is only a loose adaptation of Jack London's classic adventure story, but there is some attempt to enter into the spirit of the text. The viewpoint character isn't the feral wolfhound; this is a Disney film about a boy and his dog. However, it is less anthropomorphic than usual; nature is red in tooth and claw.

The content about the survival of the fittest in the wilderness of the Yukon still endures. More modern concerns about ecology are not much explored. Ethan Hawke plays the inexperienced juvenile who pitches up in Alaska to exploit the gold rush, and is mentored by an old hand played by Klaus Maria Brandauer. 

Not much of that is from the book! Still, this is more about the animal performances, with Jed in the title role, and an awesome cameo from Bart as a brown bear who fancies the boy for dinner. The narrative gets more conventional towards the climax with some standard baddies. Though, they are at least from the book...

The bloody animal fights are a weakness, but of course, no CGI. The set design and authentic locations add some grim period realism. This is easily the best version of the novel and any changes are to make it more convivial for a family audience; it's an exciting adventure for kids which should crossover to grownups.