Charming family film that works best when young Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor are onscreen with Lassie.
No amount of CGI could ever match these old school scenes of geniune warmth and connection between kids and a very smart, clever, and loyal dog.
Scenes of Lassie's long, dangerous trek home across forests, rivers, shorelines, mountains, and valleys are also first rate and well orchestrated.
Movie loses some impact due to unecessary side excursions into Lassie's dealings with a street performer, and an elderly couple.
But the film's feel good appeal is strong enough to overcome these few storytelling lulls.
No amount of CGI could ever match these old school scenes of geniune warmth and connection between kids and a very smart, clever, and loyal dog.
Scenes of Lassie's long, dangerous trek home across forests, rivers, shorelines, mountains, and valleys are also first rate and well orchestrated.
Movie loses some impact due to unecessary side excursions into Lassie's dealings with a street performer, and an elderly couple.
But the film's feel good appeal is strong enough to overcome these few storytelling lulls.