classicsoncall Honestly now, is there a movie out there that has more unappealing actors in it than appear in "Cool Dog"? I come at this from having watched Tod Browning's "Freaks" more than once in my lifetime and that film actually has more engaging characters. What's with the Mom (Christa Campbell) in this story? Was she supposed to be a mean spirited stepmother to Jimmy (Jackson Pace) on purpose, or am I just being too sensitive? Not to be outdone of course by characters like Muriel and Reuben, the landlords from hell, Big Game Gostavo and all the other weirdos that populated this film. Even the kid Jimmy didn't seem all that appealing to me, but gee, did they have to pack him in a wooden crate to ship off to Mexico? Who thought that was a good idea?So here's the thing - my seven year old granddaughter laughed herself silly watching this flick, so there's something to be said for bad films that offer young kids a good time. The message of perseverance on the part of Rainy the German Shepherd is a good one, reinforced by young Jimmy's loyalty to the family pet who he never gives up on. Those are good values to expose one's kids to, so if you have to suck it up for an hour and a half to watch along, it's better than having them turn out to be juvenile delinquents.

Amy Adler Jimmy (Jason Pace) lives in Eagle Rock Louisiana and loves it. His best pal in the whole world is his very "cool" dog, Raney, a German Shepherd. In truth, Raney is quite a canine! He rescues a little girl before she falls off of a bridge and he can run down no-goodniks, too, and hold them until the police arrive. The boy and the dog are even closer because Jimmy's biological mother is deceased and his stepmother can be difficult. But, oh no! Terrible news arrives for Jimmy. His father has been given a big promotion at work and the household is moving to an apartment in NYC, where no pets are allowed. Jimmy is beyond sad when his father tells him they must leave Raney behind at a small wildlife park, until they can find a different apartment. Nevertheless, there is no other option. The family moves to Manhattan, where their new landlords are a domineering woman and her hen-pecked husband. They don't even want a child in their building. Jimmy also has trouble with a big bully at his new school. Meanwhile, back in Louisiana, the park ranger doesn't take very good care of Raney. Being cool and smart, too, Raney runs out of an open gate, hops a train with some fellow tramps and lands in the Big Apple. Jimmy is beside himself with joy but tries to hide the dog from everyone, in a building basement. But, in that basement, are some nefarious activities, as Jimmy and Raney soon discover. Now, they are committed to bringing the law-breakers to justice! Can they do it? Well, cool is cool, after all! This was a fun flick that families will love. Yes, there are many implausible elements, for Raney can play the piano and win at checkers. Also, many of the characters, especially the landlords, are larger than life, for certain. But, overall, there is so much physical humor and hijinks that kids will laugh and laugh. Although there are no well-known actors, except possibly Michael Pare, the ones in the film give it their all. Also, the scenery, photography and special effects are fine, too. One word of caution is in order. The landlord's wife does slap her husband a couple of times, totally uncalled for, while there are a couple of other incidents of mild violence when none is needed. However, parents and kids can discuss this if necessary. This viewer still feels the movie is an outright winner. Therefore, Cool rules so snatch the flick from the shelf or the order list.

Les Tanz This movie had some good qualities that could have been enjoyed by families in the 1970s or 1980s (which is the era that it looked like it was filmed, after all who dresses like that now or wears their hair like that?). However with that said, I do agree with the other reviews that the acting was deplorable!!! Honestly, why even make a movie when the acting was that bad??? Thankfully, we rented it at Redbox and only spent $1.00. In summary, the plot was predictable, the acting was bad, the corniness of the entire movie was ridiculous. The worst part was they made it look like the dog did all sorts of things. Other than that, the dog probably would have received my vote for best actor in the film. Trust me adults, if you want to rent this movie for your child...just leave the room while it is on.

Azlan Lewis I gave it 6 out of 10 for kids, Adults a -3 out of 10 Kids will like this movie ages 5 to 9 years old. Adults will suffer through it.OK, if you are a kid, this movie is a blast and enjoyable. If you are an adult this movie is bad, bad acting, bad continuity. In that of its self the movie is fun to watch for the things that can go wrong.The movie starts out in a small town in Louisiana then do to a new job the family must move to New York city.The dog throughout the movie is a "wonder dog", he can do anything. I wont say what so the kids and adults can find this out for themselves I wouldn't want to ruin the movie.For some reason only one person has any type of accent in the movie. No one from Louisiana or New York has one. Even the "rap" song at the end is badly done with again no sign of an accent though "Manhattan" is supposed to be twisted that way."Jimmy" the owner of Rainey (the German Shepard) is bullied at his new school, none of these kids have a New York accent. One of the boys is obviously older and taller but later in the movie he is in the same class as Jimmy with no explanation given.All in all this is a good movie for kids to watch on a day they are stuck in the house.One review stated this was a "New version of Lassie", I would disagree, with Lassie she would bark and children and adults would magically discern what Lassie was trying to convey. While Rainey barks, he doesn't try and convey anything by it. Only through his actions can one find out what he is trying to show you.If I were going to watch this with kids I would tell them to try and spot the mistakes in the movie (not what a dog couldn't really do but for example the magic green bucket full of fish, there and not there and there again).Nice family movie.