Watch Kids' Reviews of
BILLIE

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What's not to like - dogs and happy endings! It's heartwarming to see how dogs enrich our lives. Billie the pooch gets so attached to his new owners as he learns to love them like he did his original owner. Show him a walking cane and he'll show you some great affection.

Billie's original owner, who walked with a cane, dies suddenly in his sleep. Billie has fond memories of playing ball with that owner. When a new family adopts him, their ball toy doesn't seem to interest Billie. But the grandmother, who walks with a cane, gets his spirit going again.

This short has some issues with continuity. Jump cuts take place that move the story along very quickly but make it a little hard to follow at times. I liked the zooming-in special effects that highlight Billie's facial features and the curly patterns of his fur. Also, the visual effect of the thrown ball rolling into a washed-out, featureless wasteland emphasizes Billie's initial feeling of loneliness after his original owner dies.

My favorite part is when Billie warms up to the new family, after Grandma shows up with her walking cane. The message of this film is to give dogs and other shelter animals a chance. They can very easily learn to love again.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It would make a lovely addition to a film festival for youth and families, especially one that showcases the importance of animals in our lives. Reviewed by Jeff M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.

The Labradoodle Billie's happy life comes to a sudden end when one morning her beloved owner doesn't wake up anymore. She is taken away to a place she does not recognize. She is sad and lonely until one day her life takes a new turn...