Free Puppies!

audience Reviews

, 100% Audience Score
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    If you watch 'Free Puppies!', you're probably not a dog hater. This a documentary feature about the United States rescue dog process. At 67 minutes, it is fast paced. The puppy mill issue is an epidemic in certain southern states and those dogs generally get shipped north when they become unwanted. It is a low-budget doc that should scratch you where you itch. This is essentially an advertisement for pet rescue and that isn't terrible. It will pull at your heartstrings and does exactly what it intends. Final Score: 9.3/10
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    Direct Cinema at its finest. Editors are co-directors. Please don't omit Muffie Meyer from editing credits on your site. Heart warming and poignant. I loved everything including the music. Good people rescue furry friends. Excellent film!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    MOVIE REVIEW Free Puppies! – Genre: Documentary Year Released: 2022 Runtime: 1h 10m Director(s): Samantha Wishman, Christina Thomas Where To Watch: Releasing on VOD on major platforms and DVD in the US and Canada on December 13, 2022, from First Run Features RAVING REVIEW: A feature-length film that took Sarah McLachlan's ASPCA commercial and expanded on the importance of preventing animals from getting into these situations in the first place. In the words of the long-running Price is Right host, "This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered." Unfortunately, this documentary will break your heart as its message tries to convey the film's purpose. Without question, this film was created to serve one goal, and it does so excellently. We see the story of groups of individuals who have come together to bring millions of dogs from the south up to the north, where more adopters are available. That sounds like an ultimate win/win, right? To some extent, it's beautiful that so many of these strays have found new forever homes. What you don't read about in the news articles are the countless others lost to time, overcrowding, and more. This is meant to show the story of Monda Wooten, Ann Brown, Ruth Smith, and others who volunteer to help these strays. Sadly, when push comes to shove, they can only make a small dent in these numbers. Even with the popularity and idea of spaying and neutering, the real-world numbers show that it's an uphill battle. I don't mean that as a negative; the work these people do are excellent, but sadly it's a nearly never-ending battle. Ultimately I would say that this is more of a PSA than a documentary, but that doesn't take anything away from the importance of the film or its message. I would have liked to have seen a deeper look into the world of some of these strays. So many stories were covered that they all blended instead of getting each story each deserved. I think that may have been the point to some extent, but at the same time, it took away the potency of some. For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews. I'm always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    Great doc that shows the reality behind the forgotten and unwanted pets in our society. This doc focuses on a few of the heroes out there fighting to protect dogs and give them a second chance to find a loving home. Such an eye opener to what goes on in the shadows of the pet and puppy industry.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    This movie is amazing. For a short film it elicits such a compelling mix of emotions. First there is the overwhelming dismay and disillusion one feels from the subtle but powerful portrayal of the overpopulation, neglect and abuse of multitudes of unwanted dogs in the South. Then thankfully comes the inspiration provided by a grass roots movement of women committed both to the rescue of as many dogs as possible and, against all odds, to a change in the culture that has allowed this terrible reality to exist. And finally there is the elation and hope with which one leaves the theater. Beautifully filmed, compelling personalities, great soundtrack, and of course the true stars of the movie, the heartbreaking, heartwarming dogs themselves. This film is a must see for everyone who has ever loved a dog and for all those who have never had the privilege.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    I'm so glad I saw this documentary. It gives you a closer look at the dedicated network of animal rescuers in the south. This world is both smaller and larger than I would have expected. Free Puppies shines a light on an serious topic and ultimately leaves you with a hope. If you are a dog lover (who isn't) go see this one!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    Extremely heartwarming documentary! If you're a dog lover, you must see this film!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    I thought it was poignant and compelling. Wonderful and informative. An important movie
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    A very emotional story that needed to be told. Accolades to the women that chose to make this film and bring it to our attention and the countless, volunteers (mostly women) that devote their time saving the lives of all the abused animals out there. Bless them.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    Free Puppies! is a must see for dog lovers. You always wonder about your pet's life before adoption, but this film really unveils the long journey and complicated dynamics. The rescuers are incredible examples of the impact any one person can make on big issues. This film is a triumph from debut filmmakers Samantha Wishman & Christina Thomas!