‘Call of the Wild’ brings back Saturday matinee

BY Ron and Leigh

The Saturday matinee is back. Jack London’s “Call of the Wild” is an American classic read by teens and young adults since originally published in 1903. Clark Gable and Loretta Young starred in the 1935 film adaptation, which was the last film released by 20th Century Pictures before becoming 20th Century Fox. Coincidentally, this is the first film to be released by 20th Century Studios, without the Fox name.

In this friendlier version of this timeless “tail” about man’s best friend, the production is not technically brilliant in any way. But, it is a feel good movie for anyone who loves dogs, and who doesn’t? All the animals in this hybrid live action flick are computer generated (CGI). So needless to say, no animals were harmed in the making of this action movie, filmed primarily in the Canadian Rockies.

The impressive CGI is of the highest quality, but easily detected by even the youngest audience, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some might have a bone to pick about the cutesy canine facial expressions, but if you just go with it, it makes for a wonderful old school adventure flick for all but the most cynical moviegoer.

A lovably grizzled and grumpy Harrison Ford seems to be having the time of his life with his dog pal while Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) goes cross type with his best Snidely Whiplash impression. Although he could have gone “full brutality” in the fights for survival, director Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) defangs the harsh realities of the Yukon and the scoundrels with a more family-friendly touch.

This is the story of Buck, a cross between a St. Bernard and Scotch Shepard. Buck is a CGI scan of director Sanders real dog Buckley that his wife adopted at a shelter. This is the first film adaptation to correctly portray Buck’s heritage as described in the book. Unlike “Beethoven”, this dog is both lovable and a more than capable survivor.

For one reason or another, Buck gets passed from owner to another. Beginning as a house dog in the city, Buck eventually finds himself in the mountainous regions of the Yukon. First, he is a reluctant sled dog for the postal service, covering 500 miles from Skagway to Dawson in record time. Then, he moves on to one adventure after another.

Screenwriter Michael Green (Murder on the Orient Express) keeps the efficient dialog simple without being simplistic. Although the cast continually changes throughout the movie, this Gold Rush period piece is never confusing or cluttered. When John Thornton (Ford) is warned that most people are not finding gold in the Yukon, he responds, “I’m not looking for gold.” That’s enough to hold until that story unfolds much later.

The storyline is somewhat predictable and filled with clichés, but it works and is enormously entertaining. The gorgeous cinematography that includes breathtaking mountains, magnificent wildlife, roaring rapids, a devastating avalanche and stunning Northern Lights is a bonus that plays almost as a glorious nature film

The supporting cast includes, Bradley Whitford, Karen Gillan, Omar Sy and Cara Gee. Jack London became the best-selling, highest paid and most popular American author of his time. After over a century, this story can still play to almost any audience, even or especially in today’s cynical world.

“Call of the Wild” is one hour forty minutes and rated PG for some violence, peril, thematic elements and mild language. This is the live-action directorial debut for Chris Sanders, yet he approaches this film as if it is somewhat cartoonish. That might frustrate some critics, but we suggest that works to his advantage.

It would be difficult to get through this movie without at least saying “Aww” a few times. As John Thornton rescues Buck, the question about rescue dogs is, “Who rescued who?” Or, in this case, the Buck stops here. If you’re wondering if this century old story still works, does a grizzly bear sit in the woods?

Ron’s Rating: B+
Leigh’s Rating: A-