A Dog with a Purpose or Oddball Saves the Day

G’day! How ya goin’. Let me bark at you about Oddball, an Australian movie released in 2015.

Oddball follows a Maremma Sheepdog named—yep—Oddball, whose chaotic exuberance keeps landing him in sticky wickets. He lives in the small town of Warrnambool, on the southwest coast of Victoria, Australia. The townsfolk are brassed off with the pup’s destructive ways (think bull in a china shop). They give Oddball one last chance to behave, warning that if he doesn’t, there will be serious consequences.

Meanwhile, foxes have discovered the nearby penguin sanctuary. These sly predators are picking off the little penguins, and if it keeps up, the island will lose its sanctuary status.

Oddball lives with his human, Swampy, who admits that Oddball, “isn’t much chop on the farm.” But Swampy soon discovers Oddball’s secret superpower: he’s fiercely protective of the penguins.

“Well, spin me frisbee. Looks like we’re in business!”
Swampy

Swampy, his granddaughter Olivia, and Oddball hatch a plan to save the penguins—but they’re up against some tough adversaries: the dog warden (who wants Oddball locked up), the foxes (who want the penguins gone), and certain folks who’d love to see the sanctuary land used for other, more lucrative purposes. And did I mention? No dogs are allowed in the sanctuary. Humans? Am I right?

If you are hunting for a typical action-packed Hollywood blockbuster with CGi and high-speed chases, this movie is not it.

If nothing for no other reason, Oddball is worth a watch for the gorgeous countryside, showcasing the unique charm of the Australian landscape, and the cinematography makes every shot feel like a postcard from the outback.

I’m Gus your canine critic and I give Oddball an enthusiastic best in show! Drop what you’re doing, grab a snack (or a chew toy), and watch. It’s got heart, heroes, and penguins. It is a feel-good flick that reminds us the underdog can win the day.

Click here to read about Maremma Sheepdogs and the Middle Island Project on which the movie is based.

Thank you for visiting GusBarks! May your nose be true, may your treats be plentiful, and may you catch the rabbit of your dreams.

And remember, dogs are people too.

— Gus