Shelby likes to think of himself as a lone wolf, enjoying his life as a stray dog, living off of scraps and goodwill and constantly on the run from the dreaded dog catcher; that is, until he escapes the pound just before Christmas and meets budding magician and school yard loner, Jake. The two become fast friends with Jake seizing the opportunity to make Shelby a magic assistant and a best friend.
The pair have a few hurdles in the way: Jake’s mum is terrified of dogs and the dog catcher is hell bent on getting Shelby back and will stop at nothing to find him. Jake needs to keep Shelby hidden until Christmas morning when he can pretend that Santa has left him as a gift for Jake.
Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas has everything you expect from a family Christmas film including a great moral, which runs a little deeper than the usual good verses evil. The storyline explores friendship, loneliness, loyalty, family values and has a great Christmas feel.
Shelby, voiced by Rob Schnieder, is absolutely adorable and his new best friend Jake, played by John Paul Ruttan, is endearing. Tom Arnold plays the tenacious dog catcher who has an ulterior motive for getting Shelby back to the pound, while Chevy Chase fits well into the grandpa role as Grandpa Geoffrey.
Directed by Brian K Roberts, Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas also stars Jennifer Gibson, Natalie Lisinka and Brent Parker.
There are plenty of chuckles, quite a bit of toilet humour and even cute dogs in silly hats, providing enough family appeal, and a Mission Impossible style operation, which the kids will find great fun.
If you are looking for a heart-warming Christmas film to get your young family to watch together and get into the spirit of the season, Shelby will do just that.
Reviewed by Ceri Horner
Twitter: @CeriHorner
Rating out of 10: 7
Shelby: The Dog Who Saved Christmas will be released on DVD on 18 November 2015.
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