SGT. STUBBY: AN UNLIKELY HERO
(PG) ★★★★★
BRAVERY on two and four legs during the First World War wags the tail of director Richard Lanni’s charming if lightweight computeranimated history lesson.
Sgt. Stubby: An Unlikely Hero pays tribute to the most decorated dog in US history, who served his country for 18 months, predominantly alongside one master for 17 battles and four campaigns.
Patriotic pride courses through the veins of a script co-written by Mike Stokey, which narrates the flourishing bond between man and beast in the words of Conroy’s sister Margaret (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter). “This is the true story of a special friendship my brother made while training for the war,” she coos in the opening voiceover.
The narrative is simplistic in order to appeal to children and parents, both of whom will struggle to resist the wide-eyed charms of the titular terrier.