The Call of the Wild
Buck is a big-hearted dog living a contented life at a California home when a string of events uproots him to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. He becomes the newest recruit on a mail-delivery sled team and soon proves he can lead as well as follow, using wits and courage to... Read more
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About The Call of the Wild
Buck is a big-hearted dog living a contented life at a California home when a string of events uproots him to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. He becomes the newest recruit on a mail-delivery sled team and soon proves he can lead as well as follow, using wits and courage to endure brutal cold, steep terrain, and demanding masters. The Yukon wilderness tests Buck's instincts, loyalty, and sense of self, yet he forges a deep bond with a human caretaker who offers gentleness and a sense of belonging in a place that feels foreign. The tale tracks Buck's awakening to where he belongs and what it means to define his own path. The film emphasizes family ties and personal responsibility.
Directed by Chris Sanders, The Call of the Wild reimagines London's novel with screenwriter Michael Green. Released in 2020, it blends practical performances with digital animals and features Harrison Ford as John Thornton alongside a supporting cast that anchors the story. The film emphasizes family ties and personal responsibility.
Audiences responded positively, reflected in a 7.5 out of 10 rating from 3878 votes. Critics highlighted the film's striking wilderness visuals and solid performances, especially Ford's restrained, protective Thornton. The film centers on belonging, resilience, and the tension between civilization and the raw pull of the wild, while celebrating loyalty and courage in the bond between human and dog. The interplay between Buck's instincts and Thornton's care resonates.
Awards: While it did not rack up major award nominations, the movie earned recognition for its technical craft and faithful adaptation of a beloved classic. Viewers appreciated the emotional core and the way the production brought Buck's world to life on screen. It stands as a solid example of family cinema that marries spectacle with heart.
Box office: The worldwide gross was modest, reflecting the film's appeal to families seeking a modern wilderness adventure rather than a blockbuster spectacle. Its production values and faithful adaptation earned it a respectable footprint in the market.
What Viewers Are Saying
Viewers are divided over The Call of the Wild's adaptation, with some appreciating Harrison Ford's solid performance and the story's engaging depiction of the dog-master relationship. However, many criticize the heavy reliance on CGI for the dog character, finding it unconvincing and detracting from the film's authenticity. While some see it as a decent family film, others feel it fails to capture the novel's spirit, resulting in a bland and soulless experience. Overall, audiences note uneven visuals and a lack of emotional depth despite likable elements in the acting and narrative.
Details
- Release Date
- February 19, 2020
- User Ratings
- 3,878 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Adventure, Family, Drama
Official Trailer
Cast
Harrison Ford
John Thornton
Dan Stevens
Hal
Colin Woodell
Charles
Karen Gillan
Mercedes
Omar Sy
Perreault
Raven Scott
Pastry Chef
Wes Brown
Mountie
Cara Gee
Françoise
Jean Louisa Kelly
Katie Miller
Terry Notary
Rail Worker / Live Action Reference Performance of Buck
Director: Chris Sanders
Written by: Jack London, Michael Green