The original 1997 film, "Shiloh," was a small family movie that went undetected in theaters but became a hit on video and was praised by several notable critics. It remains unseen by me, and after viewing the well-intentioned, but painfully sappy sequel, "Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season," it probably will remain just that way: unseen. Practically a carbon-copy of most other "dog" movies, the film tells the story of 12-year-old Marty (Zachary Browne), who loves his faithful dog, Shiloh, just about as much as anyone could love a pet, but he finds their happiness put in jeopardy when the alcoholic, bitter Judd (Scott Wilson), Shiloh's abusive former owner, demands for him back. "Shiloh 2" may be acceptable for undiscriminating young viewers, and is certainly a few steps up from the awful "Inspector Gadget," but the movie has not an ounce of originality and mostly plays like a corny episode of the old television show, "Lassie." If only families were as perfect and happy as the one shown in this film, the world would be a better place, indeed.

©1999 by Dustin Putman