Based on actual events, The Trial of Old Drum is a story that depicts the bond between a boy and his dog and the turn of events over one summer that threatened to tear them apart. While I would stop just shy of calling the film a classic, its messages regarding family values, courage, honesty, integrity, and love
certainly provide a heartwarming family viewing experience.
The script is riddled with clichés to be sure. But there is earnestness in the delivery and, given the 1950?s era setting, an innocence that is endearing. When Ron Perlman delivers a line about bullies not being as tough as you think if you just stand up to them it transcends hokey and feels right for the time.
The cast includes a pack of recognizable character actors. In addition to Perlman (Blade 2, Enemy At The Gates, Hellboy) the cast includes Bobby Edner (Spy Kids 3-D), Scott Bakula (American Beauty, Netforce), John Schuck (Dick Tracy, Curse of the Jade Scorpion), Dick Martin (Laugh-In), and Randy Travis (Black Dog, Texas Rangers) as the narrator.
The DVD bonus features are few ? a standard making-of feature and a handful of deleted scenes.
Originally aired on Animal Planet, The Trial of Old Drum is a fair family feature, particularly enjoyable if you are a firm believer in the adage that a dog is man?s best friend.
March 19, 2004
