Miracle Dogs (TV Movie 2003) Poster

(2003 TV Movie)

User Reviews

Review this title
11 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
6/10
sweet,good hearted family film
drwoowoocl21 June 2006
I thought that this was a pleasant inoffensive film.Its about a boy who finds these dogs,who turn out to be special.Plenty of familiar faces from TV,like Kate Jackson,Wayne Rogers,Stacy Keach,and especially Rue McClanahan,who gives a very moving performance as a cancer victim who is changed by the dogs.In an age when even kids movies seem to be infected by crude humor,this is a refreshing change of pace.It is sweet,and I think its heart is definitely in the right place.It is typical made for TV level writing,but I thought the performances and the cute puppies make up for it.This is movie I would let my kids watch,and maybe even watch it with them.
6 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Doggone it, families will love this one, has cute critters and a sweet tale!
inkblot118 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The Logan family, Terri (Kate Jackson), Dr. Ben (Ted Shackleford) and young son Charlie (Josh Hutcherson) have just made the move from Colorado to Cleveland! There were good job opportunities at the famous Clinic so they go. But, Charlie has the most difficulty, leaving his friends behind. Also, the rented house they inhabit won't allow pets. This is most upsetting, since Charlie immediately rescues a dog by the side of the road. The kindly vet has to amputate one of the canine's front legs and tells Charlie he will keep him at the animal hospital as long as possible. Ben even tells Charlie that they will try to find a new house soon. But, knowing the dog he names Annie deserves better than this, Charlie makes off with her and hides her in the basement of the Cleveland Clinic! A gruff but kind janitor (Stacy Keach) becomes the lad's partner in secrecy. Soon, Charlie lets the dog "loose" at night on the clinic's floors, where they sick folks start to make miraculous improvements, even a grouchy, rich cancer-stricken lady (Rue McClanahan). Dr. Ben, who is part of the research team can't believe it. But, staff reports sightings of the dog at various times, even though he disappears before they can catch him! Oh, and one more thing. The vet told Charlie that Annie probably had a litter of pups somewhere, before surgery, cause she had the look of a nursing mother dog. Sure enough, Charlie finds the pups in the woods and these little charmers start to make the rounds at the Clinic, too. Can this secret operation last forever? What a fine family flick this is, with a sweet story, lovable dogs, a great cast (how nice to see and hear Jackson), and plenty of fun. Keach makes a strong impression, too, while gals, here's your chance to see the now young adult idol, Hutcherson, as a young boy. Doggone, don't wait. Everyone will enjoy Miracle Dogs!
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Simply an awful movie
RushTag27 February 2006
This is an example of bad Hollywood gone unchecked. Don't settle for this type of movie. There are much more rewarding movies out there to watch than this Derek. Watch a Japanese Anime film, watch an old black and white romance. Try something different with children's's television time and don't settle for this unoriginal, uninspired reprocessed drivel.

The acting from all of actors in this movie is completely second rate. The directing, assuming there was one, would be considered workman like even for a daytime soap opera. The scenes are set, the actors walk into the scene, speak some lines, and then we repeat. The pacing is awful. I couldn't believe just how bad this movie is. My kids when asked, said, " It was good", but I believe that was just out of politeness. They never laughed or cheered or acted frightened during the entire movie. That's the best way to sum up this movie; It's just a waste of time.
4 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Predictable but fun
ozbear18 March 2005
Good Sunday evening with the kids movie. You'll have it figured out in about 10 seconds but don't let that detract from it. No violence but with some pretty silly doctors.

Rue McClanahan was especially good.

The puppies were adorable.

On second thought, maybe not a good Sunday evening movies with the kids if you don't have a dog and don't want to get pestered into getting one.

I seem to recall seeing another movie similar to this one but can't recall its name.
9 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Great idea, great acting, could have been great film
SpaceComics10 August 2007
This film has a great idea and some terrific actors like Kate Jackson, Wayne Rogers, Rue McClanahan, Stacey Keach, and newcomer Josh Hutcherson (who has since starred in Little Manhattan, Bridge To Terabithia, and several others). The idea is about a boy who has to give away some puppies, and in the meantime when the puppies (or their mother) visit hospital patients, the patients miraculously get better. The reason I only give it 8 stars is that the film doesn't stay focused on that idea and follow individual stories for each puppy & patient, but gets sidetracked with other characters like a doctor (Wayne Rogers) who has little to do with the main story, a janitor (Stacy Keach), and a dog catcher. These characters and their stories are fine in their own rite & well acted, but they take time away from the main theme which could have been developed more and made this a great 10-star film.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Nice and furry Family friendly flick
sguphx27 May 2005
I liked this movie. It is a lot better than the Beethovin dog movies. The cast was refreshing, bringing some names to the screen we haven't seen for a while. Newcomer KC Clyde -The Best Two Years- is a very good actor and I hope to see more of him. Craig Clyde ,I assume they are related, did a very fine job with the screenplay and direction. We need more films like this for our children to enjoy. Alana Austin was adorable. Kate Jackson is still quite breathtaking. Stacy Keach showed a side to his acting we have not seen before. It was also good to see Wayne Rogers again. When I first viewed this page the part of Dr.Holdorman was mistakenly credited as the other MASH sidekick Mike Farell. But is indeed Wayne Rogers. I hope this has been corrected by the time you read this. Another great actor, Daniel Roebuck, also appears in this film. I have been seeing him everywhere lately. Oh yeah, the three legged dog, Annie, was also quite superb!
4 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Cute dog story for children of all ages.
lividevereux10 December 2006
I'd never seen this movie before, but saw it twice today. It's so cute. The puppies are absolutely adorable. These dogs put a whole new meaning to modern medicine. It's a well known fact that animals have a unique ability to have therapeutic capabilities. Because of that, this makes the basic concept of this movie believable. I don't think the dogs themselves heal, but can alter a person's attitude, which in itself will allow the patient to think positive thoughts. That is what can lead to a healing process.

I had one problem, however, the mother dog, Annie, was supposed to have only three legs. Some scenes show her with three, while in others she has four legs. I found it confusing and wondered if there were supposed to be two adult dogs (the father and mother). Yet, I don't believe that issue came up. I guess it all boiled down to bad directing . . . and possibly two different adult dogs were used in the movie. Other than this, it is a fun film. One that puts a smile on your face.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
What a great movie
dewey-355 February 2007
This is a terrific family movie. I am so glad I decided to watch it. I will surely get the DVD. I do have to say it is one of the best that I have watched in a long long time. I wish more movies were like this. I wish all families would take the time to sit and watch this movie. I wish our library had it because I know many children and families that would love to see it but don't have the money to buy it. I found it on our satellite by accident.It is a movie of faith and gives a message of hope. It would be a great movie to have in a hospital or nursing home library. If you want to get an awesome birthday or Christmas present, this DVD would be perfect for anyone. Happy watching.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Love Dogs or Not, You'll Love this Movie
ronca2031 December 2006
A beautiful TV movie about a litter of dogs with mysterious healing powers. Great to watch with the kids, and as an owner of my own three legged dog, I had a special love for Annie, this movie's mom-dog.

Although the plot is somewhat sublime and predictable, the cast selected for this film adds a special dimension to the experience. Kate Jackson and Wayne Rodgers seem to be aging well. Stacey Keach shows versatility as C.W., especially for those that remember him from the Cheech and Chong era.

The training of the dogs in this movie is far from ambitious, but apart from looking cute, running down halls and licking faces, these animals of course are the key to a most endearing movie. Want to see great animal training? See Eight Below for that! But all in all, a wonderful movie with a second look at Rue McClanahan of The Golden Girls genre who makes you wish there were more people like her in the world.

Spend an evening with the kids and see this wonderful film.....
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Funniest Movie Ever
phughes_0329 April 2007
First of all there was three of my college buddies sitting down to watch this nice movie. Not sure where to start, but by the end of this movie three of us were laughing so hard that we almost pee-wee in our pants. I mean once the parents waved goodbye to their kids at the end is when the tears starting pouring. Next we see 1000 "Hell's Angels" driving down a one way street the wrong way. Next you see a 10 foot Tasmanian devil bouncing up and down. We gave this comedy a 3 legged thumbs up. Oh and by the way, when the Golden Girl appeared we almost lost it. My God, it was too funny... Please, if a sequel comes out, get a hold of us because we are horrible actors (perfect for the job) This movie wouldn't have been so wonderful without the bad acting and horrible script writing. Although tomorrow morning I will be bidding on this masterpiece on Ebay because I want to remember the time I almost pee-wee'd myself from watching Miracle Dog.

****** 5 Stars Question: What was up with the Hells Angels being in the movie? They are awesome, but what do they have to do with a Miracle 3 legged dog.
2 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Loved it!!
sue-carbonaro2 January 2013
I don't know why there's such a bad review about this movie.

I guess it's each one to his/her own though.

I stumbled across this film on TV and I was moved by the love that's shown in it.

So what if the acting isn't that great? Sometimes the best movies are the simple ones!

Young Josh Hutcherson is adorable in it too :)

All in all, this is a great family film which will definitely hold you to your seat to keep watching it!

I definitely recommend it, especially during the festive season :)
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed