An update of the Lassie legend stars Thomas Guiry as a troubled city kid whose family retreats to the country, where he befriends the famous collie and changes for the better. Conflict develops when a ruthless sheep rancher causes trouble for everyone.
For better or worse, "Lassie" is as safe and square as the TV show of yesteryear.
– Kevin McManus,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
It's somehow reassuring, these days, to see a movie where there's no problem Lassie can't solve.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
A stubbornly sweet, picturesque children's film ...
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Writer-director Charles Sturridge doesn't mess with the Lassie formula%u2014he provides plenty of dog-porn shots of the collie bounding through scenery in slow motion%u2014but the overqualified cast puts the film over the top.
– Scott Tobias,
AV Club,
31 Aug 2006
fresh:
What makes "Lassie" work is the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness that director Petrie and his creative team bring to the task.