Netflix Self-Torture Experiment Trilogy #14 - Air Bud: Golden Receiver
I feel kinda bad that the last movie I watched was somewhat good, so I’m doing my best to make sure this one is truly awful. Having not seen the original Air Bud, I hope I don’t miss out on any subtle references to the first film.
Synopsis from Netflix: Picking up where the original Air Bud left off, Josh Framm (Kevin Zegers) has become the lawful owner of golden retriever Buddy, who now plays football instead of basketball. Josh reluctantly becomes his school’s new quarterback, and Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team. Soon, the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship while fending off a pair of sinister Russian circus owners trying to steal Buddy.
My thoughts: Okay, first things first. I understand that this is a film geared towards children and that it’s not fair to hold it to a standard other than what it was meant for. That being said, this a self-torture experiment wherein I watch movies that I assume will be painful for me (a 32 year-old man) to watch. Fairness has absolutely nothing to do with it.
With that disclaimer taken care of, let’s focus on the movie. I’m even going to avoid making the obvious argument that dogs aren’t allowed to play football. My biggest gripe with Air Bud: Golden Receiver is with the opposing coaches. How do you let the dog get so wide open all the time? The Timberwolves only have one play that works (Buddy goes deep and they throw it to him for a touchdown) and you don’t think to double cover the dog? Come on, just go Cover 2 and get your cornerback some fucking safety help over the top. You’ve seen how incompetent every other player on their team is; just double cover the fucking dog! Jesus! [One out of five stars.]
