Owd Bob

Well, I haven't read the book. And my feeling is that the movie never lives up to the book anyway. It can't. It's a movie. But I still enjoyed it very much for what it was. The performances were good all around, and it was poignant. If you're looking for just a good interpersonal relationship type movie that's short and sweet, this is it.

When I saw this at the video shop I expected another Lassie clone and was prepared to quickly disappear after the start and go read a book. However, once the video started we never stopped. What unfolded was a strikingly true-to-life story about young people having to deal with loss and old people having to come to grips with what is really important.

Set in the same beautiful countryside as Waking Ned Devine (only this time the Isle of Man plays itself) this is the story of the America-raised grandson (David) of a crusty old sheep farmer (Babe's James Cromwell) being sent to the Isle of Man after the death of his parents in an accident. (shades of Fly Away Home) However, unlike the fantasy of a young girl learning to fly an ultralight, we just have a young boy learning to work on a farm. He finds himself, though, in the middle of an old conflict between his grandfather and the other townsfolk, in particular the family of his ex-landlord who's daughter becomes David's friend much to his grandfather's dismay.

The sheepdog trials which formed the center of Babe and which turned them into a bit of a farce, are shown in a much more realistic and enjoyable light where you truly come to appreciate the skill of the dogs, and the close relationship they have with their masters.

These Canada-UK co-productions rarely get their fare share of attention in the States which is too bad considering the quality compared to the flood of children's drek coming out of Hollywood. Do you family a favour, ignore the liner notes (which on our copy from the video shop were *completely* wrong) and get rent this video today!

Poor David (Dylan Provencher). His parents have died in a car accident in the States. With no other choice, he is sent to live with his only known relative, his grandfather Adam (James Cromwell) on the Isle of Man. Before David lands on the beautiful island in the Irish Sea, his grandfather has to be persuaded by the social services to let the boy stay with him, as Adam is a bitter, crusty recluse. However, things initially go well. Perhaps it is because David volunteers to help with the work almost the minute he arrives. This involves taking care of the farm, especially the herd of sheep. Yet, as David soon discovers, there is a sheepdog as testy as Adam, named Zack, who minds the sheep. One day, David makes the acquaintance of near neighbors, Maggie and her father Michael, but as soon as Adam finds out, he tells David not to see them again. There is, you see, a long-standing grievance between Adam and Michael. In addition, they are rivals in the island's annual sheepdog contest, where Maggie's dog Owd Bob is second only to Zack. David and Maggie continue to see each other on the sly. Soon, a crisis occurs. There are lambs turning up dead on the hills and the suspected killer is Zack, Adam's dog, though he vehemently denies it. Also, sadness arrives at Maggie's house and Zack wants to help but is forbidden. What will happen to all of the folks on this little speck of gorgeous land? This is a fine tale with a breathtaking setting which few will get to visit. The Isle of Man sits in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland and it will put your eye out with its beauty. Meanwhile, this is really a story of two dogs, Bob and Zack, and the quarreling families who own them. There is much screen time devoted to the problems of the humans, too. Cromwell is an exceptional actor and he repeats the farmer's role he had in Babe, only with no seeming warmth in his heart. Provencher, Colm Meany and all of the other cast members are quite fine, too. Be forewarned that tears are likely to gush forth at any viewing. But, for certain, get this film now, before you are OWD! Its wonderful.

I`ve seen the movie on ppv and there I only watched because of James Cromwell and Colm Meany (I'm a Trekker!). But then I began to forget about their roles in DS9. This movie takes you into the story like no other film! If you like films like this or not, watch it!

This is an excellent family film which sadly enough has not been rated with the same publicity as films out of the US, i.e. HOME ALONE. Personally, I feel that in the making of OWD BOB, the realistic story line which one can relate to plus the magnificent views should be able to hit our cinemas and deserve some credibility.

The content of this film can be compared to BABE but at the end of the day, OWD BOB shows life in reality but is also pleasing to watch and our children should be able to enjoy a film without having to be constantly entertained with the extremes, i.e SPACE JAM. I personally really enjoyed SPACE JAM but the contents are of course unreal.

I happened to watch OWD BOB which was shown on our TV this evening, only because of the write-up describing it being based in the Isle of Man. Having lived for a number of years in the U.K. this therefore 'took my eye'. What pleasure it was and definitely worth recommending as a good Friday evening family film with your hot chocolate and biccies.