Red Dog: True Blue – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Red Dog: True Blue

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2016

68%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Aussie boy meets scrappy pup in this heartwarming prequel that's sweet but moves slower than a kangaroo in molasses.

6.4/10

100%

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Red Dog: True Blue

movie

PG, 2016

68%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Aussie boy meets scrappy pup in this heartwarming prequel that's sweet but moves slower than a kangaroo in molasses.

6.4

100%

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6.4/10

100%

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Screenwise Verdict

Red Dog: True Blue is the kind of movie that checks all the wholesome family film boxes—loyal dog, plucky kid, beautiful scenery, life lessons about friendship. It's well-made (that 100% critic score isn't lying), and if your kid is in their "I want a dog SO badly" phase, this might scratch that itch.

But let's be real: the 6.4 IMDb rating and middling audience scores tell you this isn't exactly riveting cinema. It's sweet, it's safe, it's fine—but it moves at Australian outback pace, which is to say, pretty darn slow for kids raised on YouTube and Marvel movies. The cultural window into Australia is genuinely cool, and the dog is genuinely lovable, but you might find yourself checking your phone.

If you've got a sensitive, animal-loving kid who enjoys gentle stories and doesn't need constant action, this is a solid pick. If your kid needs more zip, save this for a rainy Sunday when everyone's already tired.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, especially animal-loving kids who have the patience for a slower, more emotional story. Older kids might find it too young, and kids under 7 might get restless or upset by sad moments.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Australian family film about a boy and his dog features themes of friendship, loyalty, and adventure. Common Sense Media rates it for age 9+, suggesting age-appropriate emotional content. The story models positive relationships and connection to nature/animals. Loses a few points for likely including some emotional moments (typical of dog films) and potential themes of loss or hardship that come with 'iconic Australian legend' territory.

Imaginative

A prequel/companion to the original Red Dog story offers an adventure narrative set in the Australian outback, which provides some visual and cultural richness. However, this is a fairly straightforward boy-and-dog tale that follows familiar genre conventions. It's more heartwarming than innovative, and while it invites appreciation for animals and nature, it doesn't particularly spark creative thinking or exploration beyond the screen.

Safe

Family-friendly film with no reported content warnings. 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic score suggests quality control. Common Sense Media age 9 rating indicates manageable content. However, as with most dog movies, there's likely some peril, potential animal distress, or emotional loss that could upset younger or sensitive viewers. Australian outback setting may include mild danger/adventure sequences. No concerning elements like gore, sexuality, or inappropriate language based on genre and ratings.

Enriching

Offers lessons about responsibility, friendship, loyalty, and human-animal bonds. Provides cultural exposure to Australian outback life and storytelling traditions. The 'iconic legend' framing suggests meaningful character development and life lessons. However, entertainment value appears moderate (6.4 IMDb, 69% audience score on RT, 3.1/5 Letterboxd) suggesting it's pleasant but not particularly memorable or impactful. Likely teaches empathy and perseverance but in conventional ways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates the human-animal bond with genuine warmth and teaches responsibility and loyalty
Offers a window into Australian outback culture and landscape that American kids rarely see
100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes means it's well-crafted and emotionally authentic
Perfect for kids who are obsessed with dogs and want a story that treats animals with respect
Wholesome alternative to high-octane animated fare when you need something gentler

⚠

What to Watch For

Pacing is definitely slower and more contemplative than modern kids' movies—this isn't Pixar energy
Likely includes sad or emotional moments (it's a dog movie, so you know how this goes)
The 69% audience score suggests adults find it charming but kids might find it a bit boring
Some peril or danger scenes in the outback setting may worry sensitive younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes Red Dog so special to the people in the movie?"
"Have you ever had a pet or animal that felt like your best friend? What made them special?"
"The movie is set in the Australian outback—what did you notice that was different from where we live?"
"What would you do if you found a stray dog like the boy in the movie did?"

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