Mar. 17, 2022|United States|90 Min.|TV-G
Genre: Drama;Family;Reality
Description: Is it possible to create a bad dog movie? Even with certain flaws, the presence of an adorable puppy on screen makes it difficult to outright dislike such a film. This is the case with Netflix’s *Rescued by Ruby*, a true-life story overflowing with affection for its central canine. Directed by Katt Shea and featuring a heartfelt performance from Grant Gustin, *Rescued by Ruby* embodies the essence of a crowd-pleaser. While it may lack depth and occasionally leans too heavily on obvious sentimentality, the film is sure to bring smiles and tears to anyone who has ever shared a bond with a dog.
The story follows Rhode Island state trooper Dan O’Neil (Gustin), whose lifelong dream is to join the prestigious K9 unit. Despite applying to the local program year after year, run by the straightforward yet encouraging Matt Zarella (Scott Wolf), Dan faces constant rejection. His luck begins to change when he adopts Ruby, a spirited puppy from the animal shelter who has yet to find the right family. Ruby’s boundless energy, refusal to obey commands, and tendency to wreak havoc make her a challenging candidate for the K9 team. Determined to succeed, Dan takes on the task of training her, fully aware of the difficulties ahead.
*Rescued by Ruby* is based on a true story and inspired by the short works *Ruby: A Dogwink Story* and *Dogwink Ruby* by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt, who also serve as executive producers. The screenplay, written by Karen Janszen, follows a predictable yet heartwarming narrative. While the film may not break new ground, its charm and emotional core make it an engaging watch for dog lovers.
Cast director: Katt Shea
Cast actor: Grant Gustin, Scott Wolf, Kaylah Zander, Camille Sullivan, Tom McBeath, Sharon Taylor, Eileen Pedde, Jude Culham-Keays, Giacomo Baessato, Brad Mann
Original name: Rescued by Ruby