tiei_91 Some people apparently didn't pay attention. The team is not a loosing team. The dog Buddy is an actual dog who already knew how to play basketball and many other sports. It is a great family film about a dog and a boy who connect in their friendship and help each other in their lives. I highly recommend watching it.

bts1984 The first of the 'Air Bud' series is as much wonderful as it is horribly underrated, truly a 90's classic. It has a dignified place in the list of the greatest animal movies as well. In many ways it is a depressing movie but it's also heart-warming, touching, feel-good and tons of fun. There's more to it to like, though. Cinematography is really beautiful and pure. The soundtrack is just perfect for this film. The boy and his devoted four-legged friend make a marvelous team and have a perfect chemistry.Even though the film's title obviously refers to the dog, his name is actually Buddy - that is, once he ends up in the hands of Josh Framm. Even as the movie starts, the little we see is enough to realize how horribly the clown treats his dog (constantly yelling at him, threatening him and hitting him hard with the newspaper). It is heartbreaking to see that. Fortunately, this horrible man accidentally loses him and he finds Josh Framm (a, I assume, 12-year-old who is loving and caring but very shy and silent and currently under depressive mood). They quickly become best friends, as Josh gives him the treatment he deserves. Buddy is a very special dog alone, but he has a special secret that makes him even more special: he can play basketball (even more amazing, better than humans can!).Even though the clown is a horrible person, he doesn't have that much of a role. He is not someone I sympathize with and he certainly isn't funny, although it is hilarious when his truck falls apart and he can't stop it and accidentally drives it into a river.Larry Willingham's father is a jerk. Even though Larry unfairly picks on Josh, at least he isn't too bratty and is funny at times. But Larry's father, that guy is such a jerk, although not overly annoying. Coach Joe isn't especially sympathetic because he is very impatient and temperamental, but he goes too far when he throws basketballs at Josh's peculiar friend Tom with aggressiveness.The movie is focused more on Josh and Buddy, who are the most likable characters of the movie. Kevin Zegers is flawless as Josh Framm. Buddy the Dog is amazing as Buddy (may this wonderful dog rest in peace, wherever he is now). Brendan Fletcher does a good job as Larry. So does Shayn Solberg as Josh's good friend Tom. The late Eric Christmas is hilarious as Judge Cranfield.Title in Portugal: 'Air Bud'.

sol (Some Spoilers) After being abandoned on the highway by his master the drunken clown Norm Snively played by Michael Jeter, no relations to Yankee star infielder Derek, Buddy the dog is befriended by young Josh Framm, Kevin Zegers, who found Buddy lost and hungry wandering around in the woods. Josh is having trouble adjusting to his new life in Fernfield Washington and Buddy is just what he needs, a friend, to spend his time with. As it soon turns out Buddy has this talent in shooting basketballs through hoops by bouncing them off his snout that can put Michael Jordon and Jerry West to shame! The film has Josh together with his dog Buddy become the sensation of Fernfield High School who do a half-time show that's draws more people them the basketball game itself. It's the teams new coach school janitor and boiler room attendant,it gets real cold up there in Washington State during the winter, former professional basketball player for the New York Knicks Arthur Chaney, Bill Cobbs,who sees potential in Buddy's,the team's mascot, ability to play on the team and waits just for the right moment to put him into the game. That comes at the critical game for the state championship honors between Coach Chaney's Timberwolves and last years champions Warriors! It's during this time that Buddy's former owner Snively, while recovering from the DT's, sees Buddy on the local TV news shooting baskets and a light bulb lights up in his head. Seeing dollar signs and six packs of beer in his future Snively decides to get Buddy back legally despite having abandoned him months ago. Something that both Buddy and his new found friend Josh will do everything in their power to prevent.Corny at times but heart warming film with the sharp shooting Buddy, who sadly passed away six months after the films release, making every basket count as well as stealing ever scene in the movie. Not only was Buddy able to score points but as Coach Chaney predicted motivate the players, especially Josh, to improve their game as well. While Snively tried to get Buddy back and make money with him by doing beer and dog food commercials the dog with Josh's help escaped and ended up in court in a dog custody case with Josh and Snively as the complainants.***SPOILERS***Even though the presiding judge in the case Judge Cornfield, played by Eric Christmas,is a big Knick, as well as former Knick player Arthur Chaney, fan and was very sympathetic for Josh in seeing what a crazy nut, coming to court dressed up as Bozo the clown, Sinvely was it was in fact Buddy who made the decision to whom he want's to stay with. And as it turned out that decision was final!

sfs133 I am in disbelief right now, seeing all these horrible comments about a great family movie. I grew up loving all of the air bud movies, especially the first one. It really is a feel good movie, and I found it realistic. You have a young boy, who is struggling because of his fathers death, and he really does not have anything to look forward too. But when buddy comes into his life, everything changes. He is having a lot more fun, and you can see that throughout this movie. How can anyone say this is movie has no plot? The plot centers around a boy struggling, looking for something, and finds it in Buddy I know it is not real realistic for a dog to play basketball, but honestly, i could care less. This is a great family movie, one that i would recommend to anyone.