Air Bud

The attraction here is the title character, golden retriever Buddy, a two-time star of David Letterman's "Stupid Pet Tricks" and the only dog who can shoot a regulation basketball into a 10-foot-high hoop. Buddy is a big brown-eyed indulgence with both sentimental and comic appeal: he slobbers on the ball, slides on the basketball court, and steals newspapers. Unfortunately, anyone over the age of 12 will find the rest of the story plenty familiar. Shy young sixth-grader Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers) finds a kindred spirit in Buddy, and their relationship encourages Josh to creep out of his lonely shell and onto the school basketball court. There's also a subplot in which Buddy's evil former owner makes futile attempts to reclaim him and exploit his talents for cash. Ultimately, Buddy teaches Josh -- and the young audience -- lessons about fidelity, honesty, and courage. Which is nice, but it helps to be a fan of golden retrievers. At the Copley Place, the Fresh Pond, and the Chestnut Hill and in the suburbs.

-- Ann Karash