All Roads Lead Home MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: +3

Vivien Cardone, Peter Coyote, Jason London, Vanessa Branch, Peter Boyle (in his last role). Written by Doug Delaney. Directed by Dennis Fallon.

FILM SYNOPSIS: The story is about a 10-year-old girl (Belle) who loses her mother in an automobile accident. Her father (Cody) struggles with the loss of his wife and trying to raise a young girl who believes her father is partly responsible for her mother's death. Belle's grandfather, Hock, has trouble communicating with Belle, because she reminds him too much of his daughter. It is Atticus, the new puppy, that will change Belle's life and everyone else's around her.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Its a coming-of-age story. Its an animals-deserve-respect-too film. Its a movie featuring a young female protagonist. Its family fare. So far, theres not much negative to say about it. Indeed, its not a bad little movie. Filmed in and around Kansas City, the makers have incorporated all the themes and travails that were a successful part of a jillion other girl-and-her-pet adventures. Nothing stands out or is terribly memorable, but it is sweet natured and somewhat absorbing. And if your preteens havent seen National Velvet or Black Beauty or Lassie Come Home, then theyll not be comparing a great movie with one that merely passes the time.

Note: Winner of Best Feature Drama in the International Family Film Festival.

Discussion note for the family: In the story, the young girl asks her grandpa if animals have souls. She argues, Could you imagine Heaven without them? Though I believe only people have souls, I have to admit, dogs are a good argument for the other side of the debate.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Waldo West Productions