Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
Chasing his dream to join an elite K-9 unit, a state trooper partners with a fellow underdog: clever but naughty shelter pup Ruby. Based on a true story.
Rescued by Ruby is a heartwarming but formulaic family drama that follows a predictable underdog-and-dog narrative arc. The true story basis adds some emotional authenticity, and the performances are serviceable and warm, but the plot hits every expected beat without surprise. Cinematography is competent and pleasant without being distinctive. The pairing of a struggling trooper with a shelter dog is familiar territory, and the film brings little new to the genre. The ending is satisfying and emotionally resonant in the way true-story family films tend to be, but not exceptional.