The Retrievers (2001)
The Lowrys are starting a new life, moving to the quiet Northern California town of Placerville. But when they are "adopted" by a clever yet lovable stray Golden Retriever, their lives change in ways they never imagined. It's not long before the Lowrys discover that Pilot is pregnant. But when it comes time to find new homes for the puppies, the Lowrys learn how hard it can be to say goodbye and how a determined Golden Retriever can show them a thing or two about the bonds of family. Pilot wants her puppies back! Can the Lowrys retrieve the Retrievers from the wacky cast of characters that adopted them? The Retrievers is a heartwarming story about how a stray Golden Retriever, along with her litter of pups, teaches the Lowrys some big lessons about life, love, family, and what's truly important.
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Reviews
If you are looking for Godfather, Gone With the Wind or some other all time big budget classic then you will be disappointed. If you want a fun clean wholesome movie kids will love, you will like and you can invite Grandma and Grandpa to watch too, this is one to consider.The plot is simple. The movie moves amply fast. The characters are interesting and real without being too complicated. In other words, it will hold your young kids interest long enough to get them hooked.No silly hijinks, fancy stunts or over the top plots here. It is a movie with subtle life lessons and no bothersome preaching. It has a functional family, no cheating husband, no trampy wife and no druggie kids. I actually didn't know you could find a movie like this anymore. It may sound boring, but it is not.
This movie teaches kids that it's OK to make a decision and then change your mind when you realized that you made a stupid mistake and gave a buncha puppies away without knowing anything about a single person that they were giving them away to. As parents, the responsible type that is, would have thought it out before giving away those puppies and instead would have gotten background information from the prospective owners.Then, the father calls in sick, making it seem OK to get himself fired because another job would roll around soon after anyway, which is not usually the case in real life. This is supposed to be a family film. I would suggest NOT letting your children watch this film. The puppies are so cute that it may draw you in, but then it'll teach your family so many bad practices that you should not follow.
I'll agree, it's not the best acting or plot, it's not intense or exciting... and I actually really like both Robert Hays and Mel Harris... but there's only so much you can do with a bland script.Despite that, it is a sweet little family film. It's enjoyable to watch and should be a must see for dog lovers, especially if you have a thing for Golden Retrievers. One of the few films out there these day that can be watched as a family movie with younger kids as well. I think even our dogs enjoyed it, the first time we saw it on TV, our Golden was staring at the TV wagging her tail and whining whenever a puppy cried. LOLWhile it will never win awards or keep anyone on the edge of their seats, for a cable made for TV movie and a light family safe movie, it's cute and sweet. You have to enjoy the antics of the dogs and smile.
It's not deep, it's not intense, but it's an adorable family movie. The puppies are cute (what else would they be?) and the morals of the movie are very kid-friendly. Among other things, the movie teaches the importance of determination, forgiveness, and a lack of selfishness. All in all, I'd say- not bad!