The Call of the Wild

There have been many classic novels transposed into films--"Little Women" being the most recent, But this version of "Call of the Wild" has got to be one of the most effective and heart-wrenching of the franchise--the other films released in 1935, 1972, 1997, 2000 and 2009. It's a classic story that truly begs to be remade every decade or so, so a new generation can benefit from the incredible message this film carries. 

Adapted from Jack London's beloved literary classic novel, "Call of the Wild" vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890's. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team--and later as its leader, lead by Perrault (Omar Sy) and Francoise (Cara Gee), Buck experiences the adventures of a lifetime. After a while, the sled team is discontinued due to the invention of the telegraph, so Buck is inadvertently put into the hands of John Thornton (Harrison Ford), a guy whose escaping his past. But ultimately Buck ends up finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. 

Others to round out the cast are Dan Stevens as Hal, Karen Gillan as Mercedes, Bradley Whitford as Judge Miller, Jean Louisa Kelly as Katie Miller, Colin Woodell as Charles, Adam Fergus as James and Terry Notary as Buck. 

Interesting that this was directed by Chris Sanders ("Lilo & Stitch" '02, "How to Train Your Dragon" '10, "The Croods" '13) which has only helmed animated films. Usually a director that has other live action feature films to their credit is offered to direct a live action film, but Sanders certainly has directed his films well and certainly felt that he could handle this, and he proved himself correct. The interaction between the actors and Buck was amazing, even though Terry Notary performed the movements of the dog to give it the possibility of the dog being able to perform tasks that any dog couldn't clearly do. Sanders will clearly receive more live action films. It was adapted from the novel with a heartwarming and heartbreaking feel by writer Michael Green ("Green Lantern" '11, "Gotham" (TV movie) '12, "Logan" '17, "Alien: Covenant" '17, "Blade Runner 2049" '17, "Murder on the Orient Express" '17) plus TV, shorts and a video, based on Jack London's beloved classic novel. The script was cohesive, concise and fluid in the way that the story was developed. What's even more important about this story is the incredible message we all can learn. First of all, it shows how much dogs love unconditionally, and second, how much we can learn from a dog about empathy and compassion. This film should be required viewing in pubic schools. Certainly with the experience Green has, it should be no surprise that this rendition of the classic story would be honed well. If you can appreciate his style, both his "Jungle Cruise" and Death on the Nile" are in post-production for a 2020 release. The amazing visual effects predominantly designed by MPC (Moving Picture Company) were seamless and were so subtle, it was definitely difficult to see them in the film. 

If you have enjoyed this classic novel or any of the past films, you will love this version. This is a great family film which is something all should see. The action and adventure all with an effective message is heartwarming, but also can be heartbreaking. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: PG                                              100mins.