Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

In the first 5 minutes the kid works on showing us how not to use riffle by pointing it around, followed by unbelted car ride with his father. I saw nothing even remotely watchable in this move and about halfway through turned it off. A complete waste of time unless you like animal cruelty and self torture, which me and my 6 year old are not. Oh and speaking of torture the actors look like they are being torture by the script. Feel sorry for the poor guy that had to edit this, but not like he spent much time. Think I will pay the library for this movie just so I can destroy the DVD and save others from this. IF you see this movie run, run, run!

Everything about this film is clichéd. From the one dimensional nuclear conservative family values to the animal rights message, this movie reeks of something that is 50 years past it's best viewed by date. From the characters to the plots, this film puts me in mind of a long Leave it to Beaver episode with a little more edge.But it's cliché after cliché after cliché... simply horrible. Even my 5 year old didn't like it.Acting, especially Blake Heron, was great, but the cast was let down by the plastic screenplay.I would have liked to have seen a little more subtlety, let the viewers discover things instead of just throwing so many clichéd images and lines of dialog at them. Kids are smarter than some give them credit for. Let them discover gravity by watching an apple fall, not by smacking them on the head with an anvil.

I can't remember the first time I saw this movie, but it's a great movie for anyone. Be warned; there's animal abuse in this movie, though. The scenes where Judd Travers (Scott Wilson, I think?) is abusing Shiloh will wrench your heart; it did mine. I literally cry every time I see them. The first time Judd abuses Shiloh is at the beginning of the movie: Judd's out hunting with his dogs. Judd hits him with the butt of his rifle for barking and scaring a raccoon, then he kicks the poor puppy, then he tries to shoot him, then he yells at him to come back.'Come back' to someone who's abused you and tried to kill you? If anyone thought a dog would do that, they'd be crazy.I like the end of the movie. Marty gets to keep Shiloh.

kids who say this is a corny film may want to watch it when they get older- they will appreciate seeing the good side of human nature which is only brought out by a dog.(Hint: when you are an adult, kids, you will not will not be in such a hurry to grow up and be cynical).Shiloh is a beagle who was abused, and adopted by a boy who gives him a good life. The father is portrayed by Michael Moriarty; the veterinarian is empathic, as played by Rod Steiger.Please watch this film. It is great for younger kids- but also for adults who need a lift. The film was very highly rated by Siskel and Ebert, who also highly recommended it. 9/10