The Adventures Of Greyfriars Bobby Review

Anyone who has been to Edinburgh can't have escaped the local shaggy dog story of Greyfriars Bobby and the 14-year vigil he spent at the grave of his late master. Whether or not it's the "true story of a dog that changed the history of a city" as this new movie claims is debatable but director John Henderson's ("Loch Ness") movie is mildly entertaining enough to warrant a watch.

The film follows Bobby, a cute little Terrier, who does little but lie next to the grave of his owner, Constable John Gray in the grounds of Greyfriars Church. Despite some initial objections to his being there from the groundsman (James Cosmo), Bobby soon starts to pay his way by keeping the rat population in check while his fame grows and people start to visit the churchyard just to see this loyal little dog. But this inconveniences the local mill owner Mr. Smithie (Sean Pertwee) as the Greyfriars' vicar (Greg Wise) takes the opportunity to highlight the poverty that blights the area. So soon a plan is set in motion to rid the town of its most famous pooch.

Boasting a decent cast including Ardal O'Hanlon, Gina McKee and even Christopher Lee, "The Adventures Of Greyfriars Bobby" is a harmless retelling of what is, essentially, a rather localised story. Performances are decent enough while there's no doubt that dog lovers will adore the white Westie around whom the action centres. But whether this twee outing will appeal to youngsters more used to action, animation and gadgets is questionable because the film does come off with an air that it'd be more at home as an Easter TV special than competing alongside the latest Hollywood blockbusters.