49
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 63USA TodayClaudia PuigUSA TodayClaudia PuigFalls flat, enlivened only by the performances of its two charismatic lead dogs. The story is heavy-handed, and the human performances are, at their worst, caricatured.
- 60The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsIt's clumsy, but also strangely refreshing. To children raised on "Spy Kids" and "SpongeBob SquarePants," it may look as primitive as a daguerreotype, but never underestimate the persuasive powers of a cute animal.
- 60Washington PostWashington PostThe overall unevenness of tone is the movie's biggest flaw, but the slo-mo scenes of doggie derring-do are quite funny.
- 60TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghIt's sweet-natured, soothing and there's a behind-the-scenes/blooper reel at the end that will reassure anyone worried about the animals' treatment during filming.
- 50L.A. WeeklyL.A. WeeklyYes, Joe Camp has gone meta. It's hard to not feel a measure of warmth for the determined optimism of his enterprise, especially since he hasn't lost the touch for cute dog antics.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttThe Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttBenji is back, which is good news for youngsters and pet-loving families. Film lovers perhaps should steer clear, however, as hokey melodrama and sloppy comedy fill the gaps between neat dog tricks.
- Unfortunately, the new film does not live up to the low-key charm of the original. It's essentially a long-form public service announcement extolling the virtues of animal adoption and decrying the scourge of unfettered dog breeding.
- 42Seattle Post-IntelligencerSeattle Post-IntelligencerLove of dogs is key, because the amateurish acting, writing and production values in this independently made film feel more like the stuff of home movies than Hollywood.
- 40Village VoiceVillage VoiceThis unwarranted iteration of the '70s shaggy-dog tale pales in entertainment value compared to its website, which features a rant from the mutt's creator, Joe Camp.