Watch Russell Madness

In "Russell Madness," a 2015 family comedy directed by Robert Vince, the unlikely star is a cute little Jack Russell Terrier named Russell. Russell is adopted by a friendly and loving family and immediately feels right at home. What Russell doesn't realize is that his new family runs a failing wrestling gym, and they're about to be evicted by a heartless developer named Mick Vaughn.

Fortunately, Russell turns out to be a surprisingly talented wrestler, and he quickly becomes the star of the gym. With Russell as their secret weapon, the family hopes to save their business and defeat Vaughn, all while bonding with their new pet.

However, things get complicated when a sinister scientist named Fredericks kidnaps Russell and brainwashes him to become a fearsome fighter in underground dog-fighting matches. Russell's new family must band together to rescue him and undo Fredericks' mind-control formula.

As one might guess from the premise, "Russell Madness" is a family-friendly movie with an abundance of goofy humor and a lighthearted message. The film leans heavily on the charm of its animal protagonist, and Russell is an undeniable scene-stealer. His cuteness and spunky personality make him immediately endearing, and his wrestling moves are impressive enough to make even the most jaded viewer smile.

Beyond Russell, the human characters are a rag-tag collection of big personalities. Sean Giambrone plays Bodi, the kid in the family who bonds most strongly with Russell. Bodi is socially awkward and struggling to fit in at school, but his wrestling skills get a boost from his new four-legged friend. David Milchard plays Mick Vaughn, the over-the-top villain with a nefarious plan to destroy the gym. Milchard is clearly having a blast playing up his character's cartoonish evil, and his performance is one of the movie's highlights.

Other supporting players include the eccentric family members who adopt Russell, including a wrestler-turned-yoga instructor and a grandmother who has a surprising secret talent. There's also a lovable pet pig named Hunk, who steals a few scenes of his own.

In terms of story, "Russell Madness" is fairly predictable, with most of the plot beats following a formula that's familiar to anyone who's seen a family comedy in the last few decades. However, the goofy humor and undeniable charm of Russell himself make the journey worthwhile. The wrestling matches are surprisingly exciting, and the scenes of Russell navigating the human world are always adorable.

One of the film's strong suits is its focus on the importance of family and teamwork. Bodi and his relatives learn to work together to solve their problems, and ultimately it's their love for each other that helps them triumph over their foes. The message isn't subtle, but it's delivered in a way that's engaging and accessible to younger viewers.

Another point in the film's favor is its cleanliness. There's no foul language, sexual content, or graphic violence to speak of, which makes it a great choice for families with young kids. The humor is goofy and silly, but never mean-spirited. Overall, "Russell Madness" is a charming and wholesome movie that's sure to leave viewers with a smile on their faces.

In conclusion, "Russell Madness" is a fun and family-friendly movie that's bound to delight anyone who loves a good underdog story. Though it doesn't reinvent the wheel in terms of plot, it more than makes up for it with an adorable and talented canine star, a colorful cast of characters, and a heartwarming message about the power of love and teamwork. Whether you're a dog-lover looking for a new favorite movie or a parent in search of something safe and enjoyable for your kids, "Russell Madness" is definitely worth a watch.

Russell Madness is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.