Review of Dakota

The reason I am rating this so high is because it was a true family film like I grew up on in the 90s. Films appropriate for the whole family are nearly impossible to find anymore. If it weren't for appreciating the family aspect so much, I'd agree with some other reviews. So much doesn't add up in this film and really requires the viewer to suspend belief. It is clearly low budget, with a small cast but that isn't its biggest flaw. The mom is instantly starry eyed over her new visitor while the daughter is still completely wrecked over the loss of her dad. The family is about to lose the farm despite Grandpa (who can afford to play golf) having given it to them as a wedding gift. What was the gift, a hefty mortgage? Why are they going to lose it? The caring grandpa isn't going to help? The town is depicted to be a very small town of maybe 400, yet they have a mall. The mom goes into the daughter's room one night to look for her and stands with her back to the bed for a bit, very slowly turns to the empty bed, and finally slowly turns to the wide open window that was obvious upon arrival. While her daughter is still missing, she goes on with other business. The brilliant dog gets captured by some nitwits on the other side of a bush and can't be heard barking by the family. There are constant moments like this in the film that are outrageously unbelievable...just wait until the final scene 😳.

However, where this film deserves the high rating from me is on the basis of family friendliness. No controversial morals, no language, no intimacy, some slightly suspenseful scenes if you have a sensitive/very young viewer but nothing very intense. I did actually tear up at this movie a few times despite the issues with it. All in all, it was an enjoyable way to spend a bit of time with my 7 year old. If a cinema masterpiece is what you're after, this isn't it. If a whole family movie is what you're after, give it a watch!