Jack London’s 1903 tale of survival in the Yukon, ‘The Call of the Wild’, has been adapted for the screen numerous times. And if the 2020 version proves anything it’s that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
‘The Call of the Wild’ is mostly a one man show for the fittingly gruff Harrison Ford – and the feature is blessed to have him, for…in all his grumbling glory…he totally clicks with this subject matter. That said, he’s not the star. That honor goes to a computer generated dog named Buck…he’s big, he’s brave and he’s inescapably lovable. Many audiences have already noted (at length) the distraction that Buck’s obviously animated look causes…but honestly, I think his expressions add to the big heart of this film. And let’s face it, this is one mutt-centric picture that you really didn’t want some Hollywood actor providing the pipes of the canine. (I mean, I love Josh Gad…..but he ain’t no Buck.)
There are also significant alterations to the storyline about the aforementioned St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix, kidnapped from his plush California home and transported to the Yukon territory during the heyday of the 1890’s Klondike Gold Rush, when sled dogs were in high demand. The film is faithful to the author’s raw depictions of animal exploitation – but softens when exploring the relationship between Buck and John Thornton (Ford), a prospector who escaped to the north not in search of gold, but in search of himself after the death of his son. They also have to dodge the stereotypical dastardly creep (Dan Stevens) who, (gasp) hates dogs….and believes that Thornton is hiding the secret to where the gold is at.
The desire here is, quite obviously, to re-create a classic old fashioned adventure, the kind of picture you’ll be safe to treat the little ones to. That said, how fitting is it that ‘The Call of the Wild’ is under the Disney banner as a 20th Century Studios acquisition? This film FEELS like a charming throwback to Disney’s live action gems like ‘The Incredible Journey’ and ‘Swiss Family Robinson’. Simple, maybe a little imperfect, but so winsome and earnest, it’s easy to get swept up by.
