Snow Dogs

When a Miami dentist (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) inherits an Alaskan sled dog team, he becomes determined to learn the ropes of mushing in this entertaining, but elementary and hackneyed, throw-away kiddie flick from Disney. Gooding provides plenty of choice comedic double-takes and ice-induced pratfalls as he shivers his way through a story that includes mischievous sled dogs, assorted friendly Yukon ruffians, a sparky Eskimo love interest (Joanna Bacalso) and the Disney-traditional long-lost father. The fact that Gooding's gruff, weather-beaten birth dad (he was adopted by his Miami parents) is played by James Coburn demonstrates one of the ways in which director Brian Levant (The Flintstones, Jingle All the Way) at least takes Snow Dogs in unexpected directions within its cookie-cutter story structure. A strong optional purchase. (R. Blackwelder)