PLOT

A young boy and a talented stray dog with an amazing basketball playing ability become instant friends. Rebounding from his father's accidental death, 12-year-old Josh Framm moves with his family to the small town of Fernfield, Washington. The new kid in town, Josh has no friends and is too shy to try out for the school basketball team. Instead he prefers to practice alone on an abandoned court, he befriends a runaway golden retriever named Buddy. Josh is amazed when he realizes that Buddy loves basketball...that is playing basketball...and he is GOOD! Josh eventually makes the school team and Buddy is named the Team Mascot. Josh and Buddy become the stars of halftime. Buddy's half-time talent draws media attention. Unfortunately, when Buddy's mean former owner, Norm Snively, comes along with a scheme to cash in on the pup's celebrity, it looks like they are going to be separated

Theatrical Release: August 1, 1997 / Running Time: 98 Minutes / Rating: PG

Director: Charles Martin Smith / Writers: Paul Tamasy, Aaron Mendelsohn (screenplay); Kevin DiCicco (character)

Cast: Michael Jeter (Norm "Happy Slappy" Snively), Kevin Zegers (Josh Framm), Wendy Makkena (Jackie Framm), Bill Cobbs (Arthur Chaney), Eric Christmas (Judge Cranfield), Jay Brazeau (Referee 1), Nicola Cavendish (Principal Pepper), Brendan Fletcher (Larry Willingham), Norman Browning (Buck Willingham), Stephen E. Miller (Coach Barker), Shayn Solberg (Tom), Chris Turner (Greg), Christine Kennedy (Melissa), Jessebel Mather & Kati Mather (Andrea Framm), Buddy the Dog (Buddy "Air-Bud")

Product Description

Buddy, the sensational real-life hoop hound with 22,000 career baskets under his collar, stars in this hilarious and touching Disney comedy critics cheered as "irresistible" family entertainment! When Josh Framm, a 12-year-old boy, finds himself in a new city with no friends, he's too shy to try out for the basketball team. However, while practicing, he meets Buddy, a runaway golden retriever, who surprises him with his ability to score baskets. Josh and Buddy eventually make the school team, and the dog's extraordinary talents spark a media frenzy -- one that attracts Buddy's greedy former owner (EVENING SHADE'S Michael Jeter), who wants to cash in on the dog's notoriety. Boy and dog must keep one step ahead of the brute -- while at the same time rallying their school team to the state finals! Get ready to be delighted, moved -- and amazed -- by AIR BUD, destined to become a timeless Disney favorite!