ironhorse_iv
Unleash hell onto your Christmas season, by watching one of the worst pointless wishy-washy kid's Christmas movie, ever. Strange to think this is somehow the ninth sequel to the original 1997 movie, Air Bud. This movie series has little to do with that original sport film. It's not even about the playing basketball dog. It's about his puppies. It's a cash grab spin-off franchise; that deserve to be impounded. Directed by Robert Vince, the movie tells the story of how the North Pole is losing power due to Christmas spirit dying around the world. I guess, the message of the film is trying to promote family values and peace on Earth and not being materialism, but the message get kinda lose in the hijinx of the Santa Puppies. Honestly, if the movie really wanted to show, how the Christmas spirit is dying; show how little people go to Church. It's funny to see children in the film praying to Santa Claus (George Wendt). Wasn't this holiday, originally about Jesus? If the movie really wanted to go deep, it should show how the pagan holiday of the winter solstice was turn into Jesus's in order to convert more people. I don't think the creators of this movie knows what the Christmas spirit is. It's weird that they have a Buddhist e dog believe in Christmas in this film. I guess, based on this movie, all religions celebrate Christmas. Ever scarier is the fact that Santa Claus's pet Santa Paws (Voiced by Tom Bosley) youngest pup ran away from the North Pole due to his hatred for the holiday. What they don't know is that Puppy Paws (Voiced by Zackary Gordon), went out in the world in search of why people were losing sight of the real meaning of Christmas, but got capture by the evil, dog catcher, Mr. Stan Cruge (Christopher Lloyd) It's going to takes all of the Air Buddies: Budderball (Voiced by Josh Flitter), B-Dawg (Voiced by Skylar Gisondo), Mudbud (Voiced by Ty Panitz), Rosebud (Voiced by Lilliana Mumy), and Buddha (Voiced by Field Cate) to rescue him from the pound, show him the real meaning of Christmas and save the holiday. The story is pretty generic and predictable. The movie plot is pretty much a loosely story based on the Charles Dickens' 'Christmas Carol'. The movie has a good message, but lacks the depth to explore upon it. Characters like Tiny (Voiced by Kaitlyn Maher) & Stan Cruge were similar to those of Dickens's character, Tiny Tim & Scrooge, but they didn't have much character arch to them. All of the characters in the film were kinda one-dimensional as hell in their personalities. There's a rapping dog, a country dog, a football dog, and a dog that's a Buddhist. They were very annoying. I can do without a Vanilla Ice like dog. I really can't take how badly done, their mouths more. Honestly, they shouldn't even try, moving it. Just keep it close up like 1993's 'Homeward Bound' did. Not only that, they were kinda offensive. Character like Mickey (Andrew Astor) are appalling. I didn't like his racial stereotypical voicing for Italian and Indian. I know that the movie isn't supposed to be taken serious due to the fact that it's a kid movie, but I don't think dumbing down the material is good for children. I think certain children are a lot smarter than we think, they are. This movie is way dumb. Most of the film was spent, with a lot of filler scenes like learning how to break dance or roll in the mud. Honestly, if you're going to tackle the Christmas Carol; at less, make it seem sense and simple. I really can't get behind the film as the CGI computer effect were just god awful. I hate how the dogs talk in this film; it doesn't really sync up and looks awkward, most of the film. The fully animated, WSX reindeer segment are poorly done, that gave the production a very low budget feel. I think the animal in the film felt very unconformable in being pet actors. Santa Buddies had alright song, but most of them were pretty forgettable. The worst, had to be the dog, Tony who sings a really sappy song. The movie even have bonus features that include three classic Christmas sing-along songs and Steve Rushton's music video "Santa is coming to town'. The singers in this film, didn't add anything new to the classic songs. It felt like rehash covers, than innovative. The movie comes in Blu-Ray and DVD. There are plenty of bonus material for the kids to look at. Obviously, this movie isn't made for adult, and it makes a hard sit for parents. I think, adults will like it, only if they are huge, pet lovers. Indeed, it will make you say, 'AWWW…how cute!". This cute concept is pretty bad. Lots of eye candy with little to no depth. This concept has since spawned tons of awful direct sequels of its own and it needs to end. The franchise really jumped the shark at 2009's Space Buddies. Overall: For pet Christmas movies, it's not the worst. It's no way, near the level of 2001's Kevin of the North AKA Chilly Dogs. Still, it's more entertaining than better rating films like 2009's A Golden Christmas with a similar theme. It's pretty much, harmless for children, but in my opinion, there are better films for children to watch, during the Christmas season than this. Watch it, if you really want to, but I can't recommended it.
lucynm
This movie was full of Christmas magic and inspiration. I loved it, and will always list this movie as one of my favorite Christmas movies. It shows how important it is to have Christmas spirit, and never lose faith in Santa Clause. The puppies in this movie are so cute, I love movies with animals in them. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone of all ages! If you ever lose faith in the spirit of Christmas this is a movie to come to. It is so heartwarming and full of love. It reminds us that Christmas is about more than presents, and miracles do come true on Christmas if you truly believe. This movie shows us that those who are bitter and cold have not let Christmas into their hearts. If only you accept Christmas, you will feel it's magic. This movie shows that, and helps to inspire.
valentinestanford
Even then, I'm kinda iffy on the "Ok for kids" part. The buddies movies tend to be eye candy with little plot, stale scripts, and cute, well groomed dogs.The shows all have the Disney polish we've all come to expect from their films, and nothing in this film looked cheaply done or out of place. The dogs were adorable, and both my kids loved them (6 and 3).Christopher Lloyd was good, and added a recognizable fixture in a mostly unknown cast. The acting was good and most everyone did a great job with the script they had. Strangely enough, I thought George Wendt (Santa Claus) was the weakest actor. Compared to the rest of the cast his body language and deliveries seemed really off and wasn't on par with the quality of the rest of the film. The plot revolved around a magical icicle they had to stop from melting ... you have to admit that even for a Disney movie that's pretty lame.Ultimately, Santa Buddies suffers from being just another forgettable, consumable kids movie. Pop it in to keep the kids entertained for a bit, better yet just let 'em play outside.
Sarah Morrison
I am a big fan of the Air Buddies series. It's hard to find clean fun in movies nowadays, even from Disney. I think my children really enjoy these films. The story lines are sweet and heartwarming but not too complicated for younger ones to misunderstand. I find each of the buddies so unique and creative in their own ways.As soon as this movie started I noticed that, like all the buddies movies, the CG is terrible, but still believable for little eyes. The scenes of the toy factory really bring in the Christmas spirit for me. I was also surprise to see Christopher Lloyd back in films.. He has a wonderful role in this one. Also the soundtrack and all the songs are just wonderful.If you don't like the buddies... at least rent this one for your kids.. it's a really touching Christmas tale. It teaches the kids about responsibility for your actions, friendship, giving, and the importance of Christmas cheer.
