The Dog who Saved Christmas (Gary Valentine)

(Amazon UK link)

We like watching Christmas films at this time of year, even if most of them are rather predictable and schmaltzy. I acquired several new Christmas films (new to us, that is) at charity shops last year, and last night we decided to watch ‘The dog that saved Christmas’. We had already seen a trailer for this on the film we watched last week (‘The Christmas proposal’) so had a good idea what to expect…

The film is mainly set in the large and luxurious home of the Bannister family. George (Gary Valentine) is the likeable, genial father who is married to Belinda (Elisa Donovan). They have a teenage son Ben (Charlie Stewart) and a daughter who must be about eight, Cara (Sierra McCormick). Cara is still a firm believer in Santa Claus, and the main part of the film opens with George and Belinda trying to secrete a large number of parcels upstairs without the children noticing. 

It sets the scene for a well choreographed light-weight film with a clear Christmas theme. Belinda is the practical one of the family, and she is concerned about their lack of security. The children want a dog, as does George… and when he goes to the pound, his choice falls on Zeus, a golden labrador who was previously a police dog. Zeus, he is told, is very clever. However he appears to be unable to bark. 

Belinda is not happy at the dog’s arrival, and even less so when she discovers his lack of barking. We hear Zeus’s thoughts narrated through the film by Mario Lopez; he’s a very loving dog, and means well, but his enthusiasm sometimes gets him into trouble. This happens several times, leading Belinda to insist that he be returned to the pound, so they can have a dog who is better at deterring burglars.

It’s no surprise that, when the family go to visit Grandma (Mindy Sterling), two rather bumbling burglars attempt to break in. Zeus takes action against them and there’s a lot of chaos - and some mild tension - as well as a fair bit of humour before the inevitable happens. 

The title of the film is a spoiler and it was all rather predictable, but we thought it very well done, if caricatured. Slapstick isn’t our favourite form of comedy, but when it happens it’s appropriate, and I found myself smiling several times. Zeus’s actions are far more intelligent and anthropomorphised than would be possible for a dog, but they add to the amusement. 

There’s a cameo role from a neighbour, reputed to hate dogs (Adrienne Barbeau) and a low-key message about not judging people (or dogs) based on rumours or appearance.  There are carols in the background (or foreground, once or twice) and the whole thing is entirely suitable for all the family. Ideal for curling up on a cold day with blankets and hot drinks. 

After the film there are a few brief outtakes, mostly involving characters unable to stop laughing. The only 'extra', other than a trailer, is a brief cameo showing Mario Lopez doing the voice of Zeus. 

Recommended, if you like predictable, slushy but overall uplifting Christmas films.  Apparently there are several others featuring the same family, and they can sometimes be bought as boxed sets. But I think just this one is enough for us. 

Review copyright 2023 Sue's DVD Reviews