Air Bud

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Air Bud

PG

Released Aug 1, 1997

1h 37m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

48%

Tomatometer

31 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Diffident in the wake of his father's death, high schooler Josh (Kevin Zegers) struggles to adapt to his new home in Washington state. That all changes, however, when he signs up to be the school basketball team's manager and discovers that his pet dog Bud, a stray golden retriever he took in, can play the sport amazingly well. After Bud joins the team, Josh's life brightens considerably, until the dog's former owner Norm Snively (Michael Jeter) returns in hopes of reclaiming the pooch.

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Critics Consensus

Air Bud's wacky concept isn't entirely enough to fill a feature-length film, but this rather silly family-friendly outing is partly redeemed by its extremely charming title character.

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Admirable for the way in which writers Paul Tamasy and Aaron Mendelsohn have injected a sense of reality amid lots of rousing fantasy calamities...

Mar 1, 2024

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Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Dubious highlights include the dog wearing two pairs of basketball shoes and eating a frightening amount of vanilla pudding.

Mar 1, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Hunter

Washington Post

A smart pet trick that turns into a stupid movie.

Mar 1, 2024

Full Review

Amelia Navascues

Triple J

Who wouldn't love a story about a homeless golden retriever who runs away from his alcoholic clown for a father, Norm, to shoot hoops?

Mar 6, 2018

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Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

The writing is so messy and aimless that when the film retrenches to generic kid flick mediocrity, it actually counts as a relief.

Rated: 2/10

Nov 27, 2014

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Heather Boerner

Common Sense Media

A high-flying dog tale for kids.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 9, 2010

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Pillow R

This movie was buns.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/09/24

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Desiree W

Classic kids movie! Beautiful message. Great actors. Lovely scenery.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

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Luke T

The sequels are better but it’s still not a terrible movie

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/24

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Jace E

Air Bud was one of my favorites growing up. The story of a lonely boy who finds a dog, only to discover that he can play basketball: what more could a kid want? While the story is a bit implausible, the acting is clunky and the plot is formulaic, there is a tremendous amount of heart in Air Bud. The film transports me to my childhood in the 90's, a simpler time. Every time that I watch it, I want to break out the vanilla pudding cups and shoot baskets in a leaf covered basketball court. Also, the score is fantastic (very reminiscent of "Rudy"). Best Character: Josh Best Quote: "Good boy. Just like we always do." - Josh Best Scene: Playing on the Secret Court Best Piece of Score: "Remembering Dad" and "Together at First" are brilliant. Note: I watched this movie with my 7-year-old son and we were both sniffling during the "I don't want you anymore!" scene.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/13/24

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Bullet In A Bible

oh my god what did i just whitness

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/22/23

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Michael W

This sports movie was great. Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Bill Cobbs, Wendy Makkena, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. The story of the movie was entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt. It's about making a friend and having fun with a skilled dog that can play basketball. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a great movie for an entire family. Don't listen to the bad reviews this movie has gotten. Those people have terrible tastes in movies.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/07/23

Full Review

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Charles Martin Smith

Director

Michael Jeter

Norman F. 'Norm' Snively

Kevin Zegers

Josh Framm

Wendy Makkena

Jackie Framm (Mrs. Framm)

Bill Cobbs

Coach Arthur Chaney

Eric Christmas

Judge Cranfield

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Synopsis

Diffident in the wake of his father's death, high schooler Josh (Kevin Zegers) struggles to adapt to his new home in Washington state. That all changes, however, when he signs up to be the school basketball team's manager and discovers that his pet dog Bud, a stray golden retriever he took in, can play the sport amazingly well. After Bud joins the team, Josh's life brightens considerably, until the dog's former owner Norm Snively (Michael Jeter) returns in hopes of reclaiming the pooch.

Director: Charles Martin Smith
Producer: William Vince, Robert Vince
Screenwriter: Kevin DiCicco, Paul Tamasy, Aaron Mendelsohn
Distributor: Walt Disney Home Video [gb], Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.6M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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