LASSIE

America’s favorite collie becomes Britain’s favorite canine in the family drama LASSIE. This version of LASSIE is set in pre World War II England, with Lassie being owned by the lower class Carraclough family. Struggling financially, Sarah and Sam Carraclough are compelled to sell the border collie to The Duke, a wealthy Brit who pays a handsome sum for the dog, in order to bring joy to his granddaughter Cilla. In spite of Lassie’s new ownership, the pooch continues to return to his owner Joe Carraclough, the young son of Sarah and Sam.

Animal movies are a dime a dozen, be it animated or live action, but rare are the animal movies which can authentically convey the love that many of us have for our pets. This latest version of LASSIE is just that kind of film. Writer-director Charles Sturridge transfers Eric Knight’s American dog to England, adds quite a bit of dramatic weight to the human character’s lives, and in the process accentuates Lassie’s importance to the Carraclough family. Sturridge’s England is reminiscent of many film, pre WWII landscapes, but still formulates an authentic and dreary atmosphere for Lassie’s owners to inhabit. LASSIE appeals rather simplistically at times, on an emotional level, with abuse to the dogs, but more often than not earns our sympathy through terrific performances by Samantha Morton, Peter O’Toole and young Jonathan Mason. LASSIE is a genuinely heartfelt family picture.

Grade: B+