The Call of the Wild (2020) Review in 2025
The Call of the Wild is a heartwarming and action-packed adventure film based on Jack London's classic novel. The movie follows the journey of Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Shepherd mix, who gets stolen and sold to work as a sled dog during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
The Call of the Wild is suitable for families with older children, as it contains some intense scenes and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
The Call of the Wild is worth watching for fans of adventure and family films, but it's not a must-see. It's suitable for streaming or watching in theaters, but it's not a film that will leave a lasting impact.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dramatic turn when Buck is sold to a cruel owner, Perrault, who mistreats him. Buck's life takes a turn for the better when he is sold to John Thornton, a kind-hearted man who treats him with love and respect. Buck forms a strong bond with Thornton and becomes a loyal companion, but their relationship is put to the test when Thornton is injured and Buck must make a heroic sacrifice to save him.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it lacks depth and complexity. The film's themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption are well-explored, but the plot is predictable and lacks surprises.
acting8.00/10
The acting is solid, with Harrison Ford delivering a standout performance as John Thornton. The supporting actors also deliver strong performances, but they lack depth and complexity.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, especially Buck, who is a lovable and loyal companion. The supporting characters, such as John Thornton and Perrault, are also well-portrayed, but they lack depth and complexity.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, but it lacks creativity and originality. The film's cinematography is stunning, but it's not enough to make up for the lackluster direction.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the Canadian wilderness. The film's use of lighting and camera angles is also impressive, but it's not enough to make up for the lackluster direction.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's cinematography is stunning, and the acting is solid. The story is engaging and well-paced, and the themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption are well-explored.
Cons
The direction is lackluster, and the plot is predictable. The characters lack depth and complexity, and the film's themes are not original or surprising.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm not a sled dog, I'm a friend.'"
"'You're a St. Bernard, for Pete's sake! You're a sled dog!'"
