Simple Saving Shiloh Splendid for Entire Family

     Saving Shiloh is whole grain cinematic goodness. It is fairly impossible to find a series of movies that is more wholesome than that of Shiloh and its two sequels. Like its two predecessors, this flick, the final film based on the trilogy of books written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, teaches important morals while keeping youngsters engaged with an enticing story and cute animals. Now, there is such a thing as being too cute, which Saving Shiloh occasionally shifts into at a veterinary office. Yet, the majority of the motion picture is the perfect antidote to your family moviegoing needs.

     The real question is whether or not Saving Shiloh is worth the trip to the theatre. The easy answer is no, it is not. While the flick is extremely pleasant, there is nothing grand enough about it to warrant a big screen viewing. Instead, Saving Shiloh is the ideal rental for family movie night. Then again, one peculiar element will be lost without the theatre experience. The themes, storyline and characters of Saving Shiloh are reminiscent of a simpler time. Seeing the movie in a theatre transports the viewer to this very different world – think Mayberry – and the same feeling may be difficult to achieve on a television screen.

     The movie stars Jason Dolley as Marty Preston, the caring owner of Shiloh, a dog that was abused by his previous owner Judd Travers played by Scott Wilson. Shiloh is still terrified of being in Judd’s presence. The whole town despises Judd for his many mean-spirited acts, too. Marty, on the other hand, believes that there is a certain amount of goodness in everyone and that people can change therefore he is willing to give Judd another chance.

     When Marty and his friend find an abandoned vehicle in the woods, mystery surrounds the town. The dead body of a man seen arguing with Judd is soon discovered and Judd becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Marty is one of the only people that does not think that Judd is capable of murdering another person and frequently visits him to prevent him from feeling like a complete outcast. Now, it is up to Marty and Shiloh to find the real murderers and, despite their differences, clear Judd’s name.

     Saving Shiloh is sure to keep children entertained and adults are bound to become engulfed in the story as well. Aside from being so simple, the main flaw of the flick is its extended conclusion. Just when you think the movie is over (since the main plot is resolved), another twenty minutes remains. These twenty minutes are the best, though, living up to the film’s title. Unfortunately, this section of the motion picture is not woven very effectively into the rest of the plot. It makes sense and delivers a satisfying ending to the trilogy, but it is somewhat disconnected from the main plot of this individual installment.

     Saving Shiloh may sound a bit preachy at times, but its spirit is in the right place. The morals presented in the movie are ones that every person – young and old – should learn. Saving Shiloh teaches those morals while touching your heart and keeping the whole family entertained. It’s that simple.