Movie Review: “The Call of the Wild”

There are some movies that employ computer-generated graphics in an effective manner. 

There are other movies that use computer-generated graphics to the point of distraction. 

The new movie adaptation of Jack London’s 1903 novel “The Call of the Wild” is firmly in the latter camp. 

The filmmakers behind “The Call of the Wild” opted to forgo real-life animals in the movie, and instead crafted all of the animals — including the dog named Buck — in the computer. 

We’ve seen some terrific computer-generated animals in recent years, but they’re best utilized in small doses. Care needs to be taken to assure they feel credible. 

“The Call of the Wild” was released by Disney. However, the film was acquired from 20th Century Fox when Disney purchased the studio last year. 

I have a feeling “The Call of the Wild" would have been better if Disney had helmed the movie during its production. 

The reason I say this is that we have an example of a period drama involving a Siberian Husky pup named “Togo” that debuted on Disney+ last December. That movie (which I will be reviewing soon) does a wonderful job combining real-life dogs with CG elements. 

I’m going to harp on the CG elements in “The Call of the Wild” because they were pretty distracting, and the dogs just didn’t look real. 

The computer-generated animals took me out of the story. 

Speaking of the story, “The Call of the Wild” follows the exploits of Buck, a St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix who inadvertently finds himself living a life of adventure. 

The movie takes place during the 19th century and the early moments find Buck living in California with Judge Miller (Bradley Whitford). 

Buck is abducted from his genteel life and sent to the Yukon Territory. Upon arrival, he is purchased by a man named Perreault (Omar Sy) and his assistant Francoise (Cara Gee). 

The pair delivers mail throughout the Yukon via dog sled. 

The sequences involving Buck with the dog sled team reminded me of the movie “Togo.” However, none of the scenes in “Call of the Wild” ever felt particularly authentic. That fact made it hard to willfully suspend disbelief. 

Anyhow, the gig with the dog sled team doesn’t last for long because Perreault and Francoise learn that their mail delivery route is being cancelled. The reason mentioned is that telegraph lines are being built in the area. 

(Why telegraph lines would supplant mail is beyond me. I have to believe mail was still delivered to and from the Yukon during that era, but whatever… )

Buck is soon sold to a wealthy man named Hal (“Downton Abbey’s” Dan Stevens) whose only emotion seems to be severe cruelty. (I’m surprised he didn’t spend his time twirling his mustache.) Hal runs the team nearly to death in his quest to find gold (the film takes place during the Klondike Gold Rush). 

I feel like there might have been more to this subplot. One of Hal’s companions is played by actress Karen Gillan, who is a fairly high profile star to get relegated to a bit part. 

I guess I should mention that a kind man named John Thornton (Harrison Ford) encounters Buck during the early stages and forges a bond with the dog. 

Thornton eventually rescues Buck from Hal, nursing the weary animal back to health. He and the dog eventually set out on a wilderness journey (inspired by Thorton’s dead son). 

These sorts of movies don’t tend to have much in the way of plot. That’s okay. The selling point of wilderness stories is typically built around mood and environment. 

The film wasn’t shot in Alaska or Canada. According to Harrison Ford (in a video interview with “Vanity Fair”) it was shot in Santa Clarita, California — with a number of the scenic vistas being crafted in the computer. 

Therein lies the overall problem with “The Call of the Wild” — nothing feels real. 

The film was directed by Chris Sanders — best known for writing screenplays for animated films like “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Croods,” and “Lilo & Stitch.” His résumé hasn’t really featured any live-action films. 

I think we all understand the need to use visual effects for certain elements in an adventure movie. However, the filmmakers overused technology in this instance. 

It goes back to my earlier comments about the computer-generated dogs in the movie. Buck is the central character in “The Call of the Wild.” In order to be credible, the dog has to feel authentic. His mannerisms and demeanor made him feel more like a cartoon character.  

It’s a shame because this could have been a compelling wilderness adventure film. Harrison Ford — who is a terrific actor — does a solid job with the material given. 

Unfortunately, his performance wasn’t enough to overcome the myriad of problems.

It pains me to say it, but “The Call of the Wild” isn’t worth answering. 

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