Cool Dog (2010)

Release Date:

2010

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 28m

Cool Dog (2010) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

Cool Dog follows the adventures of Jimmy, a young boy who is heartbroken when he learns that his family is moving from their small town in Louisiana to New York City. The move means leaving behind his best friend, a German Shepherd named Rainy. Determined to reunite with Jimmy, Rainy embarks on an incredible journey across the country. Along the way, Rainy encounters various challenges and makes new friends, showcasing his cleverness and loyalty. Meanwhile, Jimmy struggles to adjust to city life without his beloved pet. As Rainy gets closer to New York, both he and Jimmy face obstacles that test their bond. The story unfolds with Rainy's determination to find his way back to Jimmy, highlighting the strong connection between a boy and his dog.

IMDb
3.8
Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic

Where To Watch: Cool Dog

Parental Feedback

Cool Dog, released in 2010, is a family-friendly adventure film that falls under the genre of comedy and drama. As a movie rated PG, it is designed for kids and offers a light-hearted and entertaining experience. Parents generally have mixed feelings about the film, with some appreciating its wholesome themes and others noting a few unrealistic elements that might not resonate well with all children.

Why Kids Should Watch Cool Dog

Cool Dog offers a heartwarming story that emphasizes friendship and loyalty.

  • The movie promotes the positive message of friendship and loyalty between a boy and his dog.
  • A standout scene is when the dog helps the boy in a moment of need, showcasing bravery and intelligence.
  • Kids will enjoy the visual appeal of the dog's antics and the adventurous journey.
  • The film also includes humorous moments that are likely to entertain young audiences.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Cool Dog

Some parents express concerns about the film's unrealistic portrayal of certain situations.

  • The emotional challenge of separation might be difficult for sensitive children.
  • There are scenes where the dog performs unrealistic feats that could confuse young viewers.
  • The film's pacing might be slow for some children, leading to a lack of engagement.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its unrealistic elements.

What Parents Should Know About Cool Dog

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The movie showcases the importance of loyalty and friendship through the bond between the boy and his dog.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The theme of separation from loved ones may require parental guidance to help children process these emotions.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, the film demonstrates consequences when characters act selfishly or recklessly, reinforcing positive behavior.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The characters often work together to solve problems, highlighting the value of teamwork and cooperation.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the enduring bond between a pet and its owner, delivered through their shared adventures.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Cool Dog's biggest strength lies in its portrayal of a loyal friendship between a boy and his dog, which many parents find endearing. However, the film's unrealistic elements and slow pacing may not appeal to all children. Parental involvement can help address any confusion or emotional challenges that arise. For families seeking similar themes, movies like "Homeward Bound" or "Air Bud" might offer a more balanced experience.

Official Cool Dog Trailer

The Core Values Learned From Cool Dog

Cool Dog's most common core values include Friendship, Loyalty, and Family love. Kids can easily connect with the story as it highlights the deep friendship between Jimmy and his dog, Rainy. Rainy's loyalty is evident when he decides to travel across the country just to be back with his best friend. As Jimmy tries to adjust to his new life in New York, the importance of Family Love is clear, as his family supports him during the move even though he misses Rainy every day.

These values come into play strongly when Rainy faces various challenges during his journey. One scene showing Loyalty occurs when Rainy helps a fellow animal in trouble, proving his dedication to staying true to his new friends. The Friendship between Rainy and Jimmy shines brightly near the end when, after overcoming numerous obstacles, they finally reunite. This moment emphasizes Family love as well, as Jimmy's joy at seeing Rainy shows just how much the dog means to him, almost like a member of the family.

Other Core Values Explored: Being a good friend | Being a good neighbor | Courage | Determination | Problem-solving | Taking care of pets | Teamwork

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Cool Dog

Believing in Yourself: Rainy's incredible journey across the country is a testament to his unwavering faith in his own abilities. Despite being a dog, Rainy navigates through unfamiliar territories, believing he can find his way back to Jimmy.

Practicing Loyalty: Throughout his journey, Rainy exemplifies loyalty not just to Jimmy but to the new friends he meets along the way. His actions show that being loyal often means going the extra mile for those you care about.

Never Giving Up: Jimmy's resilience in dealing with the challenges of city life without Rainy, and Rainy's determination to reunite with his boy, both underscore the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.

Building Friendships: As Rainy travels, he befriends other animals, highlighting how opening up to others can lead to meaningful connections, even when you're far from home.

Importance of Family: Jimmy's family's move to New York and their support during his adjustment period underline how family support is crucial, especially during times of change.

Other Lessons Learned: Supporting Your Friends

Why Kids Love Cool Dog

Join the amazing journey of a brave dog named Rainy as he travels across America, facing interesting challenges and forming unexpected friendships along the way. Kids love how Rainy, with his clever tricks and fearless spirit, encounters wild landscapes and animals, keeping them on the edge of their seats. From tickling chases in small towns to finding ways to cross tricky paths, Rainy's journey is all about quick thinking and exciting adventure. With every stop, a new friendship blooms, whether it's a sprinting squirrel or a playful park pup, making his quest fun and sometimes a little chaotic. Kids find themselves cheering for Rainy and laughing at all the unpredictable moments that make his journey truly unforgettable.

While Rainy is on his epic trip, Jimmy is having his own adventure navigating the big city, trying to fit in with new faces and unfamiliar streets. Kids get swept up as Jimmy discovers quirky street performers and hidden spots, finding that his own world can be just as wild as Rainy's. The busy city life has its own rhythm, with skateboard stunts and rooftop surprises making Jimmy's days exciting. As Jimmy and Rainy travel their separate paths, both discovering new places and allies, kids feel like they're exploring two vibrant worlds at once. It's the mix of country trails and urban magic that keeps the excitement ever-present, transforming each moment into an exploration filled with surprises and laughter.