joebrian55
To begin, Shiloh is a very well-written novel. It deals with a boy who does what he believes is right in order to save a runaway dog from its abusive owner. It also deals with honesty, loyalty, friendship and standing up for what one feels is right.The movie, while a lot is changed, still worked for me. Despite some awkward editing (some shots last for about a second before cutting to another, but I'm sure I'll see worse), the movie was still good for me. Sure, they made "finally getting the dog from Judd Travers" much harder than in the novel.As many put it, even though Judd Travers is a very cruel character, he states that he had been abused by his father during his childhood and never understood or got sympathy and anyone with a dark past can relate to him (not me, but I am against child abuse so I understand).Another good point is the acting, Blake Heron acts like he cares about the dog, Scott Wilson really puts effort into acting like a man who never understood sympathy, kindness, love and nurturing and Rod Steiger's performance as Doc Wallace is also well-done, especially during the scene where he encourages Marty to stand up for what's right by recounting a memory from the past.I bought this film and Shiloh Season from a secondhand store, but I have yet to read the second novel and watch the second film, so I'll see how they are.I know this film is not 100% true to the original novel, but I have heard of worse book-to-movie adaptations. As someone who is against animal cruelty, I loved this movie and the novel to the point where I recommend giving both a try.
drmrmv
I liked the movie as a good lesson for children in the case that if they want to get a pet they should be responsible for feeding and taking care of the animal. In this movie "Marty Preston" is a very responsible child. However, here my spoilers,when I rented the movie, I was moved for the little synopsis in the back that says "an abused Beagle", the reason this was interesting is because I recently adopted an abused Beagle that makes us laugh and we have to be very careful in giving her discipline.Now that I am getting to know this breed, these are smart dogs that require discipline and at the same time they are stubborn and that is why she makes us laugh. So I was expecting a Hollywood dog that showed some of the funny and smart behavior of the Beagles. On the contrary the behavior of Shiloh was not the most important part of the movie, even though the movie has its name. For instance, SPOILER, When Marty and Mr Trudders are fighting in Marty's house for Shiloh, The dog "Shiloh" is just standing there watching his former owner and Marty fighting for him and he is doing nothing, In my mind I was expecting some king of heroic act from the dog, like biting Mr Trudders, in order to defend,Marty, but no, the dog stands there and If I could read its mind, Shiloh was probably thinking, "oh please, somebody open the door of the house, I want to take a nap on the sofa".I like the movie in the sense of a lesson for life like if you want something in life, you have to work hard for it and because the dog did not impress me I Think the movie should have the name of "Marty the boy that worked hard for a dream" or if the title of the movie needs the name of the dream, well, if Marty was going to be working hard for a PlayStation or a bicycle then the movie could be called "PlayStation" or "Bicycle' and believed me, you could replace this toys for Shiloh and you would not notice the absence of the Beagle.
sojourn
Heartwarming story with real values for family viewing. Well written script is faithful to the Phyllis Reynolds Naylor bestseller which won the Newbery Award. Scott Wilson excels as Jud Travers bringing a palpable menace to the character while at the same time making him a fully believable human being with his own back story. Blake Heron shines as the boy who falls in love with the dog and fights to keep him. An engaging performance from a young man with promise. Rod Steiger adds distinction to the film and emotional weight in his portrayal of the kindly store owner. Anne Dowd is the perfect Mom, gently chiding and always loving. Michael Moriarty lays down the law as the father with a sense of humor and engagement with his children. Dale Rosenbloom wrote the screenplay and directed the film with a finely tuned sense of the heartbeat of the story. A film that will be evergreen for the generations.
OP_Pimiento
I think that this is just the cutest little movie! It is about the special relationship between a boy and a stray puppy that he finds, the little floppy ears are the most irresistible thing in the world.This movie was well done, especially with the casting. Michael Moriarty (Bang the Drum Slowly and Law & Order) plays a believable discipline-oriented father. He turns out to be the character that you both love and hate.I saw this with my two nieces (4 and 6 years old) and we all cheered. I might warn though that there are some scenes which imply abuse of animals, so be sure to watch this movie with your children.
AD
