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Michael Jeter, Kevin Zegers, Wendy Makkena, Bill Cobbs, Eric Christmas ... see more see more... , Brendan Fletcher , Norman Browning , Jay Brazeau , Stephen E. Miller , Nicola Cavendish , Shayn Solberg , Buddy

The heartwarming story of a boy, his dog and a basketball forms the basis of this family comedy from Disney. Snively (Michael Jeter) is an unfunny clown whose appearances at children's parties are usu... read more read more...ally upstaged by his dog Buddy, who has learned how to shoot a basketball. Snively is tired of being upstaged by the pooch, and he eventually abandons him. Buddy is taken in by Josh (Kevin Zegers), a shy boy whose father recently died. Josh's mother Jackie (Wendy Makkena) moves them to a small town in Washington, where the naturally withdrawn Josh doesn't quite fit in. Too shy to try out for the basketball team, he instead becomes team manager, and he practices on his own after the team goes home. One night, Josh discovers Buddy that can not only shoot hoops, but he's a better shot than anyone on the team. Coach Barker (Stephen E. Miller), hungry for victory, adds Buddy to the team and soon the dog with game is famous -- just famous enough, in fact, for Snively to return, demanding the return of his pet. Buddy the Dog was spotted by the film's producers shooting baskets on the "Stupid Pet Tricks" segment of The Late Show with David Letterman. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

42% liked it

330,890 ratings

Critics

45% liked it

20 critics

PG, 1 hr. 37 min.

Directed by: Charles Martin Smith

Release Date: August 1, 1997

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DVD Release Date: February 3, 1998

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Stats: 8,645 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (8,645)

  • spielberg00
    August 12, 2011
    spielberg00
    Great
  • ajv2688
    July 21, 2011
    ajv2688
    I don't understand why people think a basketball playing dog is entertaining. It's impossible for a dog to play in the first place, although the movie tries to make it seem feasible. Overall, I hated this movie.
  • fb733768972
    October 1, 2010
    fb733768972
    This was fun and original but you get thinking that it is kind of ridiculous that a dog plays basketball! However,I love the concept and these films can keep on coming!
  • YosemiteSamFan
    December 20, 2009
    YosemiteSamFan
    A dog that can play sports - that's crazy! Like all the Air Bud movies, totally radical!
  • LoughnerWasLucid
    June 11, 2009
    LoughnerWasLucid
    please....
  • arashxak
    August 4, 2008
    arashxak
    I hate this kind of movies, Good for kids I guess
  • deano
    November 25, 2007
    deano
    This family film gives me lots of laughs and tears and unbelievable transition the dog makes from mascot to basketball team player.
  • gatorgirl13
    May 18, 2007
    gatorgirl13
    Every kid has to see this movie. It's adorable.
  • puffchunk
    May 6, 2007
    puffchunk
    saw it on a plane. Wished I had a parachute
  • SarahG1988
    August 29, 2006
    SarahG1988
    think i saw this when I was about 7

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Critic Reviews

Mike Clark
January 1, 2000
Mike Clark, USA Today

Dull but harmless.

Heather Boerner
September 9, 2010
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media

A high-flying dog tale for kids. Full Review

Kevin Carr
April 18, 2009
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures

There's an air of acceptance throughout the film, but the movie never stops to stand at a pulpit and preach this message. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 5, 2009
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

A basketball playing Golden Retriever shows his stuff on several high-school basketball courts. Full Review

Philip Martin
January 2, 2005
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

I guess it was a pretty good movie, though I got a little bored halfway through and took a little snooze. I like air conditioning. There was lots of popcorn on the floor. Full Review

Maria Garcia
January 1, 2000
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

Air Bud may be bland, but it's also offensive. Full Review

Leonard Klady
March 26, 2009
Leonard Klady, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Jeff Strickler
November 6, 2002
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Click to read the article Full Review

Mick LaSalle
June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

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February 14, 2001
Los Angeles Times

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Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Air Bud Trivia

  • What type of dog is Air Bud?  Answer »
  • Who plays Josh Framm, the little boy in Air Bud?  Answer »
  • What movie did Leonardo Dicaprio NOT act in?  Answer »
  • In the Air Bud films, who played Josh Fram?  Answer »
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