Sgt. Stubby An American Hero movie review

NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD and Blu-ray.

Movie Title: SGT. STUBBY: AN AMERICAN HERO

Grade: A

Rating: PG, 85 minutes

In a Nutshell: How have I never heard this story before? As if the heartwarming tale weren’t good enough, this family-friendly movie takes on meaningful value when you learn that it was based on a true, remarkable story. Its charm is in its simple, innocent telling of a time when people were more simple and innocent as well. Thank you, director Richard Lanni, for giving us an endearing movie that everyone in the family can enjoy and talk about together. The movie tugs at your heart and your tear ducts.

Most kids won’t know anything about World War I, so there is a lot for you and your kids to discuss. So much of the movie is historically accurate. The medals Sgt. Stubby earned, as well as his coat are currently on display in the National Museum of American History in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Sgt. Stubby is still the most decorated dog in history! Dog lovers and history buffs will especially enjoy this film.

Tips for parents:

A discussion of French wine
Some French words without subtitles.
Some shooting and violence, but no blood. Death is handled very delicately and with dignity.
It’s surprisingly engaging. Parents, grandparents, and kids will equally enjoy this and stay interested through to the end.

Uplifting theme:

Family
Valor and bravery
Friendship

Things I liked:

The talented Helena Bonham Carter voices the narrator, Margaret Conroy.
I haven’t seen Gerard Depardieu do anything for a while, so it was fun to hear his voice as Gaston Baptiste.
Logan Lerman had the perfect voice for young, kind Robert Conroy. It was so refreshing to see a main character in a movie not smoke or drink or swear or be disobedient.
My oldest son is an officer in the Army. He told me about how awful that gas mask experience was in Boot Camp. My husband’s grandfather served in WWI overseas and inhaled some of the poisonous mustard gas that is shown in the movie. I never got to meet him, but I’m told that he was never the same afterwards. What a vicious weapon. He kept a journal of his experience in the war that is now a precious family heirloom, as well as extremely interesting.
Gives new meaning to DOG tags. ha ha
Elmer Olsen (the red-headed soldier) had such cute hair. His character is voiced by Jordan Beck.
The entrance of a young George S. Patton adds an impressive detail.
I thought it was interesting that the movie included a German-American who was a good guy so children wouldn’t think all Germans were bad.
There were two different animation styles, which helped differentiate between the “live” action and the news reels and maps.
It’s impressive that an animated film is able to show some of the horrors of war, yet remain rated PG.
You get to see a few pictures of the real Sgt. Stubby and Robert Conroy at the end of the movie.
The Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) was a bit manipulative, but also very sweet.

Things I didn’t like:

The computer animation is pretty basic, although there are some cute details that make characters charming.

Funny lines:

“I think this war has just improved.” – Gaston Baptiste (Gerard Depardieu) after Stubby hunts a rabbit

Interesting lines:

“I’m not the most beautiful, but I’m strong and lovable.” – Gaston Baptiste
“We French make our home wherever we are. It’s about good food, wine, and company.” – Gaston

If you love this story and want to learn more, read the book!