Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this movie had one job: bring Jack London's beloved novel to life for a new generation. What we got is... fine? Harrison Ford is great, the scenery is beautiful, and the story hits the right emotional beats. But that CGI dog. That fully digital, sometimes-creepy, always-obviously-fake dog is a massive distraction.

The story itself is solid—Buck's journey from pampered pet to sled dog to wild pack leader is genuinely moving, and there are real lessons about resilience, loyalty, and finding your authentic self. But the execution is middling. It's been simplified and softened from the novel (no surprise there), losing some of London's harder edges and philosophical depth.

For families with 8-12 year olds who can handle some intense moments—animal mistreatment, survival peril, a meaningful death—this works as a decent adventure movie. Just know going in that it's not going to blow anyone away, and the CGI might be a dealbreaker for some viewers. It's perfectly watchable, but there are stronger family adventure films out there.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who can handle some emotional intensity and animal peril. Younger kids may struggle with the sad moments and the uncanny CGI dog, while teens might find it a bit simplistic. Adults who loved the book as kids might watch with their families, but it's not appointment viewing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Classic tale of loyalty, courage, and finding one's place in the world. Models perseverance and the bond between human and animal. However, the story involves Buck being stolen from his home, experiencing harsh treatment from some humans, and ultimately leaving civilization behind—themes that require some emotional maturity. The pacing is generally balanced for a family adventure.

Imaginative

65

The Yukon Gold Rush setting and wilderness survival elements offer some imaginative appeal, but this is a fairly straightforward adaptation of a classic story. The CGI dog (Buck is fully digital) is visually interesting but doesn't invite much creative engagement or exploration beyond passive viewing. It's more about experiencing an adventure than sparking original thinking.

Safe

68

Generally safe for family viewing with some caveats. Buck faces peril including being stolen, mistreated by cruel handlers (whips, harsh conditions), and dog sled team conflicts. There's animal-on-animal violence and some intense survival situations. A significant character death occurs (John Thornton). No gore, nudity, or inappropriate content, but the emotional beats and some tense sequences may be upsetting for sensitive younger viewers. The CGI dog sometimes falls into uncanny valley territory which can be unsettling.

Enriching

70

Based on Jack London's classic novel, the film explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the tension between domestication and wild nature. It touches on the Gold Rush era and offers lessons about loyalty, courage, and finding one's authentic self. Harrison Ford's character provides a redemption arc. However, the CGI execution and simplified storytelling diminish some of the novel's deeper philosophical weight. Moderately entertaining but doesn't fully capitalize on its source material's richness.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Classic Jack London story about courage, loyalty, and finding where you truly belong
Harrison Ford brings gravitas to the human side of the tale
Gorgeous Yukon wilderness cinematography (even if the dog is fake)
Explores the Gold Rush era and survival themes without being overly preachy
Solid family adventure that sparks conversations about nature vs. civilization

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What to Watch For

The fully CGI Buck is... a choice. Some kids think he's cute, others find him weird and uncanny
Buck gets stolen, mistreated by cruel handlers, and faces genuine peril—not all sunshine and tail wags
A significant character dies (spoiler: it's sad), so prep sensitive kids
Some intense dog sled action and animal-on-animal confrontations
The ending is bittersweet—Buck chooses the wild over domestic life, which might confuse younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you were Buck, would you have stayed with the people who loved you or followed the call to the wild?"
"What do you think made Buck change from a house dog to a wild leader?"
"Why do you think some people in the movie were kind to animals while others were cruel?"
"Have you ever felt like you belonged somewhere different than where you were?"
"What do you think Buck's life will be like now that he's living in the wild?"

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The Call of the Wild