A wild ride of emotions

From the co-writer/co-director of both Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon comes the newest adaptation of the classic novel The Call of the Wild.

The story follows Buck, a big dog with just as large a heart whose life is completely altered when he’s abducted from his California home and shipped off to the wilds of Alaska during the 1890s Gold Rush.

As Buck adjusts to his new world, he experiences all sorts of adventures – from running with a dog-sled team to exploring Alaska’s uncharted terrain with the gruff yet kind-hearted human Jack Thornton (Harrison Ford).

This movie really does make you feel so many emotions. One moment you’re laughing, the next your stomach is churning with dread. You can be crying then you can be filled with joy.

It’s a testament to both the story and the characters to evoke so many emotions in its audience, especially when the main protagonist has no lines of dialogue.

With regards to Buck, it is pretty obvious from his first scene that he is a CGI character. But, over time I found that I got used to this until I was barely noticing that the dog I was watching wasn’t real.
It also did nothing to stop me getting emotionally invested in Buck’s story, cringing when he was abused and smiling when he experienced success or love.

The human characters also performed well, from the lovable dog-sled postman Perrault (Omar Sy) to the despicable and greedy Hal (Dan Stevens).

The standout has to be Ford, whose character forms a beautiful bond with Buck.

Overall, The Call of the Wild is a touching film that celebrates endurance and friendship. Just be sure to have a box of tissues with you in the cinema.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS

RATING: PG

RUNNING TIME: 100 MINUTES