In the beginning, Chance (Michael J. Fox) identifies the pound as the enemy. “The pound is where humans lock you up when they don’t want you anymore.” They put him “behind bars”. However when the pets get picked up, they are taken to an animal shelter for their protection.
Next, you may think it is Bob (Robert Hays), the new husband. He is the one who says they will be “living in pretty tight conditions”. He thinks he’s doing what is best for the family and the pets. After they find out the animals ran away from the ranch, he’s the one who makes and posts the wanted posters everywhere.
The actual protagonist is nature. Shadow (Don Ameche), Sassy (Sally Fields), and Chance face a myriad of obstacles to overcome. The first is the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The second largest mountain range in the United States makes it a dangerous journey for two dogs and a house cat.
These determined pets face skunks, bears, rivers, waterfalls, mountain lions, and porcupines. They handle themselves pretty well for being domesticated.
I am thoroughly disappointed the movie does not explain how they get out, but all of the animals do make it home and everyone is happy.
Nature fights these animals left and right. They fight through it and prevail. Even nature cannot holdback determined pets. They will find their family.
There are a surprising amount of tropes for this movie.
Think this movie is just a cute story of impossible feats? Many stories have circulated through the news of pets traveling hundreds of miles to find their owners.
Thanks for reading!