THE CALL OF THE WILD - A Breath-taking Adventure !

By Edgar Allan E. Yu

This the story of a dog named Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix, who was stolen out of his California home and sold to carry freight and be part of sled dogs in the icy mountains of the Alaskan Yukon. In the course of events that followed, he meets John Thornton (Harrison Ford) who took him under his care. This is based on Jack London's 1903 classic novel that is set during the 1890's Alaskan Gold Rush.

When I went to watch this movie, I didn't know that Buck and all of the animals in the film were CGI. They all looked so real. I did noticed though that Buck seemed to be capable of showing different emotions, much like humans did. But that didn't took me away from enjoying the film. There were scenes where the dogs were put to hard work, and some where they faced real danger. So it's only logical that they used CGI dogs to fully capture what they went through in the movie.

The cinematography is beautiful and breath-taking.  It made the audience feel like they were actually in the wilderness of the Yukon. Harrison Ford gives a fine performance as John Thornton. His interactions with Buck were funny and relatable. Made me wish my pet dog was still alive. Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Omar Sy also appeared in the movie. But the real star of the film is Buck, who is so cute and adorable, despite his size.

Director Chris Sanders, who also helmed Lilo & Stitch, How To Train Your Dragon, and The Croods, is on his first live-action film here. This family flick feels much like a Disney movie; even though it was made under 20th Century Fox, which is now owned by Disney. Rated PG-13. From 20th Century Studios. (Photos c/o Walt Disney Philippines)