The original was a sweet tearjerker directed by an accomplished director (my review). Despite TV helmer Gail Mancuso’s best efforts, this weakly-written sequel doesn’t do it justice. The story begins with the return of Dennis Quaid and his beloved Bailey, then transfers the caring canine over to his granddaughter (Kathryn Prescott). It takes several incarnations of the pivotal dog to bring about the predictable happy ending. Although the performances are genuine, the dialogue and situations are strictly Lifetime-movie fodder. Sadly, even most of Bailey’s human observations (voiced by Josh Gad) aren’t clever or cute. Sentimental folks could do worse, but it’s doesn’t hold a bone to the original.
(2 / 5)