SGT. Stubby: An American Hero is a charmingly old-fashioned children's story about a man and his dog. It's also a movie about one of the most brutal wars in human history. Blending these elements makes for a delicate balancing act, but it's one that the filmmakers largely succeed at. And to top it off, this is a true story, one that's long overdue for a big screen adaptation.
Most people today have never heard of Stubby, but a hundred years ago he was the country's most beloved canine and cutest little war hero. Just a scrappy little mutt living on the streets, he wormed his way into the hearts of a regiment training for the war and followed them to Europe, where he made a name for himself catching rats, carrying messages, and saving lives.
This movie follows his story with a focus on the relationship between Stubby and his adoptive owner, Private Conroy, and his bonds with his fellow soldiers. It's adorable, heartwarming, often funny, and sometimes scary, at least by children's standards. The pace is just right; quick enough to hold kids' attention, but never rushed. Likewise, the humor is enough to amuse without distracting from the story or the emotional elements.
Above all, Sergeant Stubby works because, it doesn't humanize its canine protagonist. Stubby doesn't talk, he doesn't wink at the camera, we don't hear his thoughts. He's just a dog, if a very clever one. Even so he's still brimming with personality; a hyperactive, mischievous, and very brave little ball of fur. Most of the film's humor derives from his natural goofiness and tendency to do certain dog-like things at the most inopportune moments, as any dog owner can relate to.
For a film set amidst the horrors of trench warfare, this is an amazingly kid friendly affair. This may be the first war movie where no-one is shot or dies on screen. There are frequent hints of danger and mildly scary images to remind young viewers that this is a war, but no blood or bodies. This is actually more sanitized than some Disney movies. It may not be an accurate view of war, but it's a good introduction for young audiences. And as stated before this is a true story. Certain elements have of course been embellished or filled in, but from the gas attack to the capture of the German spy most of this actually happened.
Admittedly, some of the supporting human characters are seriously underdeveloped. And occasional lines of dialog sound kind of dumb, but that's entirely excusable in a kid's movie. The biggest issue with Sergeant Stubby is that virtually no-one will see it. From what I've gathered, there appears to have been virtually no ad campaign proceeding its release. No TV or Radio spots. Few trailers in theaters. I only knew it was playing at my local multiplex because I spotted it while looking up the schedule for another movie.
I'm not surprised that the online ads I have seen implore readers that "Sergeant Stubby needs your help!" So by all means, take your kids to see this movie while you can, and spread the word about it. It'll be a real shame for a movie this good to go unnoticed.
Most people today have never heard of Stubby, but a hundred years ago he was the country's most beloved canine and cutest little war hero. Just a scrappy little mutt living on the streets, he wormed his way into the hearts of a regiment training for the war and followed them to Europe, where he made a name for himself catching rats, carrying messages, and saving lives.
This movie follows his story with a focus on the relationship between Stubby and his adoptive owner, Private Conroy, and his bonds with his fellow soldiers. It's adorable, heartwarming, often funny, and sometimes scary, at least by children's standards. The pace is just right; quick enough to hold kids' attention, but never rushed. Likewise, the humor is enough to amuse without distracting from the story or the emotional elements.
Above all, Sergeant Stubby works because, it doesn't humanize its canine protagonist. Stubby doesn't talk, he doesn't wink at the camera, we don't hear his thoughts. He's just a dog, if a very clever one. Even so he's still brimming with personality; a hyperactive, mischievous, and very brave little ball of fur. Most of the film's humor derives from his natural goofiness and tendency to do certain dog-like things at the most inopportune moments, as any dog owner can relate to.
For a film set amidst the horrors of trench warfare, this is an amazingly kid friendly affair. This may be the first war movie where no-one is shot or dies on screen. There are frequent hints of danger and mildly scary images to remind young viewers that this is a war, but no blood or bodies. This is actually more sanitized than some Disney movies. It may not be an accurate view of war, but it's a good introduction for young audiences. And as stated before this is a true story. Certain elements have of course been embellished or filled in, but from the gas attack to the capture of the German spy most of this actually happened.
Admittedly, some of the supporting human characters are seriously underdeveloped. And occasional lines of dialog sound kind of dumb, but that's entirely excusable in a kid's movie. The biggest issue with Sergeant Stubby is that virtually no-one will see it. From what I've gathered, there appears to have been virtually no ad campaign proceeding its release. No TV or Radio spots. Few trailers in theaters. I only knew it was playing at my local multiplex because I spotted it while looking up the schedule for another movie.
I'm not surprised that the online ads I have seen implore readers that "Sergeant Stubby needs your help!" So by all means, take your kids to see this movie while you can, and spread the word about it. It'll be a real shame for a movie this good to go unnoticed.