The film follows the story of Josh Framm (played by Kevin Zegers), a young boy who moves to a new town with his mother and sister after the death of his father. Feeling lonely and isolated in his new surroundings, Josh struggles to fit in and make friends.
One day, while practicing basketball at a local court, Josh discovers a stray golden retriever who has been abandoned by his abusive owner. Josh takes the dog in and names him Buddy. As Josh and Buddy bond, Josh discovers that Buddy has an extraordinary talent for playing basketball – he can shoot hoops with remarkable accuracy.
Inspired by Buddy’s abilities, Josh decides to enlist him as a member of his school’s basketball team. Despite initial skepticism from his coach and teammates, Buddy proves to be a valuable asset to the team, helping them improve their performance and win games.
As Buddy gains fame and recognition for his basketball skills, he attracts the attention of his former owner, Norman Snively (played by Michael Jeter), who sees Buddy as his ticket to fame and fortune. Snively tries to reclaim Buddy and exploit him for profit, but Josh and his friends band together to protect Buddy and keep him safe.
In the climax of the film, Josh and Buddy face off against Snively in a high-stakes basketball game. With the help of Buddy’s incredible skills and teamwork from his friends, Josh leads his team to victory, defeating Snively and securing Buddy’s future as a beloved member of the community.
In the end, Josh and Buddy’s bond grows even stronger as they celebrate their victory together. Josh learns valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the importance of standing up for what is right, while Buddy finds a loving home and a sense of belonging with his new family.
“Air Bud” is praised for its heartwarming story, charming performances, and lovable canine star. It offers a delightful blend of sports action, comedy, and heartfelt moments that appeal to audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic in the family film genre.