Petits chiots pour grande famille

2001's The Retrievers is a very pleasant film with plenty of heart and warmth, it's harmless and fun. Not necessarily a groundbreaker but who said the film makers' intentions were to make another Old Yeller?! The cast is very good and almost always a believable family unit, always working together as a team but there decisions are sometimes very silly like after giving all there dog's puppies away soon after they decide they want them all back so go on a quest to bring them home from the buyers as if everybody does that! Robert Hays stars in the film in a very similar role to his Character in Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and he's just as endearing and likeable. Betty White shows up in a very minor role but a good one for any fans of The Golden Girls.

The film is absolutely perfect for families and Playful adults, luckily it can be found on YouTube and on DVD & VHS!

Tom (Robert Hays) and his wife (Mel Harris) have moved their family to a new city out west. Their two children, a teenage girl and a tweenage boy, are not certain they are going to like the new venue. When they arrive at the house, they find the furniture has not arrived and the electricity is not turned on...ouch! Yet, things improve when a beautiful golden retriever shows up under the table, having sneaked into the house. Although initially Tom is not certain about keeping the canine, he relents and they take the dog, Pilot, to the vet. It is there they get the surprise of the month. Pilot is expecting! When the six adorable puppies arrive, everyone perks up and enjoys their new home more. But, Tom has decreed that under no circumstances can they keep all of these dogs. When the puppies are weaned, they begin the search for new owners. Are they making a mistake? And, is Tom's new job going well, given the fact that the dogs take a lot of attention? This is a sweet, sweet "tail". If you love animals, you will truly be in movie heaven, as the puppies are beyond cute and so is the mother dog. The actors are fine, with Hays and Harris leading the way. Robert Wagner and Betty White, among others, also show up to lend a hand, in a nice way. The sets, costumes, direction, and production niceties are all great. There is a bit of sadness in the story, so be prepared for a few tears and hugs among family members. But, in summary, if you love the furry ones of the world, as well as a family friendly movie experience, get this one tonight. Your loved ones will be pleased and will probably retrieve the movie from the shelf and pop it in the DVD player quite often.

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!

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.

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. LOL

While 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.