Ozzy

What it's about:

The pampered life of Ozzy, a lovable beagle, is turned upside-down when his family leaves him in what seems to be the best canine spa, Blue Creek, before going on a long vacation. But the place’s perfect appearance turns out to be a façade concocted by its villainous owner, Mr. Robbins. Ozzy soon discovers that Blue Creek is a jail for dogs, inhabited mainly by tough street mongrels and where it’s a case of survival of the fittest. Ozzy will now have to avoid danger, find strength where he didn’t think he had any and learn to rely on Chester, Fronky and Doc, his new friends who will accompany him on his adventure as he tries to get back home safe and sound.

What we thought:

I thought I was going to watch a warm fuzzy tale about a cute dog, but boy was I in for a surprise. 

The main issue I have with this film is that the themes are too dark for the target audience. 

Watching a loved family pet mistakenly land up in a prison, working like a dog (excuse the pun) in a sweatshop-like frisbee factory where he gets caught up in a war between a Mafioso and the cruel warden isn’t light viewing.  

There is animal abuse, bullying and some under the belt humour. 

With that said parents could use the film as a teachable moment about the above issues. 

It isn’t all bad. 

The voice cast do a great job at bringing the characters to life especially Ozzy, his enthusiasm is infectious and you can’t help but root for him.

In comparison to other high end computer-animated films this one feels a bit dated.

There are a lot of good animation films out there for the younger audience and this is not one of them, rather watch Moana again.