AIR BUD IV: SEVENTH INNING FETCH
Safe at home with an adorable, positive sports adventure.
Should You Watch It?
This is a good positive movie for children of all ages, especially children who love dogs. It is adorable and entertaining, with plenty of moral values and themes of self-sacrifice worked into the story.
The movie is not as strong as the original, and it has a few plot holes. Still, it is better constructed than the previous sequels. The content concerns are light, and the dognappers are presented as slapstick and non-threatening to little children.
If your family wants an uncomplicated sports comedy with lovable dogs and positive values, this is worth watching together.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESJosh is off to college, leaving his step-sister, Andrea, to face a new challenge. She has entered high school and must choose a sport, so she tries baseball despite being a disaster at first.
With help from her friend Tammy and Buddy the dog, Andrea begins learning how to throw, bat, and retrieve. Meanwhile, a mad scientist wants to kidnap Air Bud and his puppies to isolate their super sports gene and market it.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means a charming, entertaining movie that does not reach the level of the original. The dogs are adorable, and the contemporary special effects help the filmmakers successfully combine children and animals. The acting serves the story, and this sequel exceeds the production values of the previous installments.
The film is also better constructed than the earlier sequels, although it still has a few plot holes. Its moral values and themes of self-sacrifice give the light sports comedy a positive center.
The Worldview
The film presents a moral worldview with redemptive elements. It values friendship, perseverance, helping others, and self-sacrifice. Andrea’s growth comes through accepting a challenge and learning with help from Buddy and her friends.
The movie also includes politically correct elements. Its biggest weakness is the idea that Andrea can quickly learn baseball and surpass her male teammates, making them look foolish. The source review finds this point unrealistic, though still cute in the context of Air Bud teaching Andrea to play.
The film’s emphasis on putting others first connects with Scripture: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Moral worldview with redemptive elements and politically correct elements; six very light obscenities such as heck and gosh darn and changing baby relieves itself; dognappers kidnap dogs, slapstick violence, person hit by baseball; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Andrea begins as a disaster at baseball but keeps learning instead of giving up. What helps you persevere when you are not good at something yet?
Galatians 6:9 · James 1:2–4The movie includes themes of self-sacrifice. What does it look like to put someone else’s good ahead of your own?
Philippians 2:3–4 · John 15:13Andrea and Tammy challenge assumptions about who can play sports. How can your family encourage both boys and girls to use their abilities faithfully and humbly?
Romans 12:3–8 · 1 Peter 4:10Buddy helps Andrea learn and grow. Who has helped you develop a skill, and how can you thank or encourage that person?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 · Hebrews 10:24The Final Word
AIR BUD IV: SEVENTH INNING FETCH is not as strong as the original, but it is adorable, entertaining, and filled with positive values. For a light sports comedy that children and dog lovers can enjoy together, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP.
