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Runt (2024)

The image shows a promotional poster for the film "Runt" (2024). It features a cheerful group of characters standing in a rural setting. In the foreground, there is a large dog with fluffy fur, capturing attention with its playful expression. Behind the dog, a young girl with short curly hair and a striped shirt stands smiling, flanked by other characters: an older man with a white beard, a boy holding a bicycle, and two women, one in overalls and another wearing a patterned dress. The background showcases a sunny sky and an expansive field, suggesting a wholesome and heartwarming story set in the countryside.

In the heartwarming Australian family film Runt, directed by John Sheedy, we’re introduced to the drought-stricken town of Upson Downs, where young Annie Shearer and her stray dog Runt embark on a journey to save their family farm through dog agility competitions. It’s a classic underdog story that’ll have you cheering for the plucky pair, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.

From the get-go, Runt sets its sights on being a feel-good flick, and boy, does it try hard. The film’s got charm by the bucketload, with its nostalgic 1980s vibe and campy performances that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. But while it’s as Aussie as a kangaroo in a cork hat, sometimes it lays it on a bit thick.

Lily LaTorre shines as Annie, carrying the emotional weight of the film with a grace that belies her years. She’s the heart and soul of Runt, and her connection with the titular pooch (played by the adorable Squid) is palpable. Jai Courtney does a solid job as the down-on-his-luck dad, though it’s a far cry from his action-hero days.

The supporting cast, including Celeste Barber and Jack Thompson, ham it up to high heaven, which works… most of the time. There are moments when the over-the-top performances veer into pantomime territory, and you can’t help but wonder if they’re playing to the cheap seats or the back row of a stadium.

Visually, Runt is a treat. Sheedy’s got an eye for the picturesque, and he makes the most of Western Australia’s stunning landscapes. The production design is top-notch, creating a world that’s part reality, part storybook. It’s like stepping into a children’s illustration, which is fitting given the source material.

The plot, while predictable, has enough heart to keep you invested. It hits all the beats you’d expect from a family sports movie: the underdog rising to the challenge, the villainous rival (a delightfully hammy Matt Day), and the nail-biting final competition. There’s even a dash of magic realism with a rain-making machine subplot that feels a tad out of place.

Runt stumbles is in its pacing and tone. At times, it can’t decide if it wants to be a whimsical romp or a serious drama about rural hardship. The film occasionally veers into preachy territory, hammering home its messages about community and perseverance with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

The soundtrack and editing are serviceable but unremarkable. They do the job without drawing attention to themselves, which in a family film isn’t necessarily a negative thing. The dog agility sequences are well-shot and genuinely exciting, even if you can see the outcome coming a mile away.

In the end, Runt is like a lovable mutt—it’s got heart, charm, and enthusiasm in spades, but it’s not quite best in show material. It’s a film that’ll likely become a favourite for young audiences, watched on repeat until the DVD wears out. For adults, it’s a pleasant enough diversion that’ll leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to. Runt may not be barking up the right tree for cinephiles looking for groundbreaking cinema, but for families seeking a good-natured Aussie adventure, it’s worth throwing this dog a bone. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough tail-wagging charm.

Rating: 3 out of 5.