Call of the Wild 2009

Ryann, played by Ariel Gade, finds herself spending time with her grandfather “Grandpa” Bill Hale, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd, in the picturesque snowy landscapes of Montana while her parents are away. One day, she stumbles upon a critically injured creature—a half-dog, half-wolf—waiting on the garage porch. Despite the local veterinarian, Dr. Spencer (Jaleel White), suggesting that the dangerous animal should be put down due to its severe injuries, Ryann feels an unwavering connection to it. She names the creature Buck, after the protagonist of Jack London’s classic tale, but her grandfather warns her about the difficulties of taming such a wild creature.

To bond with her, Grandpa reads passages from “Call of the Wild,” unfolding the story that resonates with Buck’s nature. Ryann, undeterred, is determined to nurse him back to health, spending her precious savings on food, even as Buck shows little inclination toward being domesticated.

Meanwhile, Oswald “Ozz” Heep, played by Devon Graye, faces the wrath of the local bully, Jack Ferguson (Kameron Knox), over a misunderstanding involving a rude shop assistant, Marla (Devon Iott). Ozz’s father, Timothy Bottoms, claims he was the first to rescue Buck, painting a picture of the animal’s rebellious nature. As Jack discovers Buck’s potential as a lead sled dog, he takes charge of training him, a decision that greatly excites Ryann, who still hopes to take Buck back with her when her family returns to Boston.

The tension escalates when Sheriff Taylor, played by Veronica Cartwright, arrives with the Heep family, insisting on claiming Buck. In a bid to settle the matter, Grandpa suggests a thrilling race where the winner gets to keep Buck, igniting excitement as they all prepare Buck for the competition. Grandpa continues reading Jack London’s story, enriching Ryann’s understanding of Buck’s wild spirit. However, challenges arise when Ryann runs into a mysterious man, Hatcher, represented by Wes Studi, stirring rumors about his past and amplifying the aura of danger surrounding Buck.

As the competition day approaches, Ryann’s bond with Buck grows stronger. She learns about responsibility and the wild instincts of the animal she cares for deeply. The race becomes a pivotal moment not just for Buck but for Ryann and the boys as they deal with their personal conflicts and the manipulative tactics of the Heep family.

With a mixture of heartwarming moments and tense confrontations, Ryann ultimately faces the reality of Buck’s wild nature when Sheriff Taylor decides to put him down. With her heart aching, Ryann realizes that true love means making difficult choices, leading her to read the ending of “Call of the Wild” on her own, marking not just the end of an adventure, but the beginning of her understanding of love and sacrifice. Grandpa gives her a smaller dog as a parting gift, leading Ryann to develop yet another heartwarming connection.