Can You Take the Kids To The Call of the Wild? Parent Movie Review

THE CALL OF THE WILD REVIEW

The Call of the Wild opens this week and is an adaptation of the literary classic by Jack London. Is Call of the Wild safe for kids to watch? In this parent movie review, I’ll let you know what concerns your young ones might have about this movie to help you decide if this PG movie is suitable for your family. Read on to find out more about the language, violence, and intensity of The Call of the Wild. 

About The Call of the Wild

Adapted from the beloved literary classic, Twentieth Century Fox’s THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Canadian Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.

Rated: PG

Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

The Call of the Wild Parent Movie Review: Is Call of the Wild Safe For Kids?

I do love a good dog movie, and in this one, we meet Buck in The Call of the Wild. And he’s a very good boy. 

But I also hesitate before going to any dog movie because, well, we’re super big dog lovers over here! And you bet your Milk Bones I Google “Does the dog die in…” before any movie. 

The good thing about The Call of the Wild is that you probably already know the story- and no, the dog does not die. 

But that doesn’t mean this story isn’t something you might want to rethink before taking your small children to the theaters this weekend. 

Language in The Call of the Wild

This movie is rated PG and it’s pretty true to that rating when it comes to language in the film.

You won’t feel the need to cover your kid’s ears during this one; The Call of the Wild is pretty safe for kids on a language scale. 

Violence In The Call of the Wild: Where I’m Not Sure This One Is Safe For Kids (at least the sensitive ones!)

This is where I’m going to say, parents, proceed with caution. 

There is violence in this movie toward the dog in particular. Enough was seen and suggested on screen to have my animal-loving 8-year-old balled up in tears next to me during this movie. 

Her review: “I do not think little children who love dogs should see this movie.” 

Take that as you will; while the visuals aren’t shocking, they are enough for a discerning child to be hugely affected by the violence. 

There are also some fight scenes, one in a bar, that could be concerning to families with sensitivity to alcohol use. 

Alcohol Use and Sexual Situations in The Call of the Wild

Harrison Ford’s character has seen some -ish in his life, and he is self-medicating with alcohol as well as running off to the Alaskan frontier.

There are a few scenes in the movie that revolve around his drinking that you might need to be aware of. 

There are no sexual situations or nudity in The Call of the Wild that should concern parents; this movie is kid-friendly on that level! 

When Can You Pee During The Call of the Wild?

I’ve got that covered for you. 

Because when you gotta go- and you aren’t a dog in the wilderness!- you need this kind of information. 

Here’s when the best times to pee during The Call of the Wild happen. 

The Call of the Wild Podcast Review

I also discussed the overall feeling of the movie on the No-Guilt Fangirls Podcast Monday Movie Minute this week. 

Is The Call of the Wild entertaining? It certainly is a gorgeous film with some amusing and touching moments. 

But if you’re thinking Call of the Wild is kid-friendly based on that PG review, please consider your family’s feelings when it comes to animal violence before you go. And maybe Google for spoilers as well!