This movie is the third movie that Disney has made using the same theme. The first was 1963's "The Incredible Journey." The second was essentially a remake of the first, "Homeward Bound." In the remake the animals talked rather than having a narration. This movie capitalizes on the success of the original with a variation on the theme of the original.



This time our three friends, Shadow, a golden retriever, Sassy, a Himalayan cat, and Chance, an American bulldog escape from their cages at San Francisco International Airport, thinking they are going to "the bad place," though they are actually heading for a vacation. Once their family arrives at their destination, they learn the animals have escaped and arrange to return home to find them. We see very little of the family after that except to see their concern and a few moments at the end of the movie.



The focus is on the antics of the three critters. Chance, voiced by Ralph Waite, is always focused on getting home and being safe. Sassy, voiced by Sally Field, is aloof and sarcastic, taking every advantage of spitting out a one-liner about any particular situation, most especially anything involving Chance. Chance, voiced by Michael J. Fox, is the oblivious goofball who attempts to interpret everything he sees in his own bizarre, usually wrong, way. Chance makes a perfect target for Sassy's barbed comments.



We follow the three animals, who really are friends, as they journey through San Francisco, trying to locate the Golden Gate Bridge and the way home. Along the way they encounter dog thieves looking for laboratory dogs, a fire, mean dogs and friendly dogs who do not understand how these three could want to go back to humans because of the experiences these strays have had with humans.



This story has everything you could want in an adventure story about dogs. There is love, humor, and a happy, nearly hilarious ending. While this story is not quite up to par with the original or the remake, it is readily worth watching with the kids more than once, especially if you are looking for an easy laugh. Even the youngest children in the family will enjoy this one, especially after the brief moments when things look dark for the animals. Just be prepared to say no when your little ones ask for a puppy or a kitten. Enjoy!