Film Reviews

Lassie

• Rating:
• Director: Charles Sturridge
• Starring: John Lynch
• Details: UK/PG (104mins).

With the advent of WWII and the country reduced to rationing, the Carracloughs - a northern family - are forced to sell their dog to the rich Duke of Rudling to make ends meet, much to the dismay of nine-year-old Joe (Mason). Transported to the lonely highlands of Scotland, Lassie escapes and so begins the long trek back home; meanwhile, Joe's father is sent off to war and times get even harder for the Carracloughs. Opening with coal miners pissing and swearing, it is obvious from the outset that this is no Disney gloss-over as director Charles Sturridge attempts to revamp the ageing story; although it may be the same old tale on the surface, there is certain harshness in the subtext. Coming across as an adventure road movie rather than a boy's coming of age drama, Lassie is a welcome addition to the canon as it mixes humour and loss to good measure. The kids who may not be familiar with Lassie will find this new and exciting, as Lassie finds interesting ways to escape his various close calls, while the adults will find nostalgia in seeing this classic tale get a make-over without losing the essence of what made it great. With a few lip-trembling moments, Lassie is fun for all the family.

Review by Gavin Burke