A truly wonderful, moving film... The Journey of Natty Gunn fits that description like a glove. Set during the depression, this is like Homeward Bound but with people. The result is a beautiful, harrowing, poignant and lovely film that is criminally underrated, for it is by far one of the better Disney live action films. The attention to detail is staggering, I mean the sets were superb and the costumes were lovely. The music is haunting and pleasant and the script is well above average. There is also enough action to satisfy kids and adults, and the film is effective especially in conveying the harsh realities of children living in the depression. The performances were also astounding. Meredith Salenger was absolutely fantastic in the title role, completely believable and even heart-rending, I am lost for words at how she hasn't gone on to be a major star, for her performance showed that she really could act, which could more than be said for some of the actresses working today. John Cusack is also impressive as the drifter who tries to convince Natty that the open road is no place for a young girl. The wolf featured here is very cute too, and Ray Wise is great. In conclusion, this is a pretty darn good film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

It's 1935 Chicago. Sol Gann (Ray Wise) is struggling to find work. There's a job in Washington state but he has to leave behind his daughter Natty (Meredith Salenger). He leaves her in the care of the bossy Connie who runs the hotel they're living in. The plan is for him to send her money to take a later train. When Natty gets into trouble with the police, Connie tries to leave her to the authorities and she runs away. She rides the rails and rescued by Harry (John Cusack). While at a dog fight, she helps release a wolf. She survives a train wreck and is stranded in the wilderness. She befriends the wolf as the two journey across the land. Sol loses hope when he's told that they found her wallet in the train wreck. On the journey, she joins up with a gang of youth and reconnects with Harry.

The only minor complaint is that the girl is suppose to be 12 and Salenger was probably 14 at the time. It's a close call but they may as well make the character 14 anyways. She looks older than 12 and it would also allow for her to be safely in puppy love with Harry. She's too nicely kept for somebody always on the road. It's a nice traditional light sentimental story. Salenger is compelling as the lead and it's a fine doggy movie.

I first learned of "The Journey of Natty Gann" in kindergarten when a video that I watched featured an ad for it. In fifth grade, the teacher showed the class another video that featured an ad for this movie, and she mentioned that it starred a young John Cusack. I've finally seen the movie. Like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Matinee", it uses a child's eyes to focus on surrounding events. In this case it's the Great Depression witnessed by a tough but kind-hearted girl venturing from Chicago to Seattle in search of her father. Even though this is a Disney movie, there are some intense scenes showing what the authorities did to people. Watching the movie, it's easy to get the feeling that almost no one has any street smarts anymore: Natty does some pretty gutsy things in the course of the movie.

I recommend "The Journey of Natty Gann". While not the grittiest movie ever made, it shows the lengths to which a person will go out of love. As for the wolf, Natty has an easier time relating to him than to many humans. And beyond that, we get some great shots of the British Columbia wilderness (where the movie got filmed). It's the right balance of fun and seriousness.

As for the cast. I mentioned John Cusack. The star is Meredith Salenger, who also appeared in 1982's "Annie". Also starring are Ray Wise (the henchman in "RoboCop"),Lainie Kazan (the mom in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"),Scatman Crothers (Halloran in "The Shining"),Verna Bloom (Mrs. Wormer in "Animal House") and an early appearance of Grant Heslov (the photographer in "The Birdcage" and later the producer of "Argo"). So the cast worked with Rob Reiner, John Huston, Paul Verhoeven, Stanley Kubrick, John Landis and Mike Nichols.

Anyway, good movie.