ACE OF HEARTS
(PG)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: * (out of 5)
STARRING
Dean Cain as DANIEL HARDING
Anne Marie Loder as LILLY HARDING
Britt McKillip as JULIA HARDING MACKENZIE
Developed by: David Mackay
Studio: Fox
BY KEVIN CARR
We’ve all heard the stories of a dog taken away from its owners, only to find its way home by a series a bizarre events. While the events may not be so bizarre for the story of “Ace of Hearts,” the story is still loveable enough for dog fans to enjoy.
“Ace of Hearts” tells the story of a police officer named Daniel Harding (Dean Cain) who has devoted his life and career to his German shepherd partner named Ace. In fact, Daniel’s attention to his dog supercedes that which should go to his family, especially his daughter Julia (Britt McKillip). However, when Ace chases down a burglary suspect who claims he was bitten, Daniel is ordered to put the dog down.
Ace escapes from the medical facility and travels across the state to try and come home. Julia doesn’t believe Ace is gone, and she does her own detective work to find her father’s dog as well as solve the crime that almost cost Ace his life.
This film, like most direct-to-DVD family films, has a somewhat limited market. However, it should do well with dog fans and children. I watched the movie with my two sons, and they loved the story, enjoying a chance to cheer Ace on through his journey.
The character can be a bit two-dimensional. Still, for the acting talents of a cast that includes Dean Cain, everything seems appropriate. There are some silly moments that seem out of place, like when a local sheriff’s deputy has Ace track down the Sheriff while he’s on the toilet. But the film still has heart.
The detective story which follows Julia on her quest to track down the burglar who got Ace sent away has some noticeable plot holes. However, this should appeal to the younger crowd looking for a low-rent Nancy Drew.
When you look at it from afar, Ace of Hearts is a decent enough film that has a wholesome quality that makes it good for kids of almost any age. Having grown up on Saturday morning programming and after-school specials, this reminds me of that genre, something with a good message and not too much peril for the younger characters.