This one aims high for the imagination and the likable kid actors help pull it off! Young Ace (Collin MacKechnie) is a gifted musician, a drummer, but he loses all confidence when he plays in front of others. His mother, Susan Cunningham (Jodi Sadowsky), is the new Music Teacher for Lugosi Public School (Gee, that name, Lugosi, sure sounds familiar). Ace attempts to play drums for the class, which needs a lot of practice, but falls backward off his stool which winds up as a video on the internet.
The school is in serious danger of being closed. However, Ace’s mother has faith in the music class, telling them if they win an upcoming music event, a battle of the school bands, they can become a charter school and stay open. A young science genius named Skylar (Julia Sarah Stone) takes a liking to Ace and helps him to develop his confidence. But life is nowhere near normal when Ace’s deceased grandfather wills his dog, Fang, to the family. Fang has an unusual secret until Ace learns it: he is a vampire dog and has to avoid sunlight. He happens to be able to talk as well and he can really talk once he gets his tongue in motion. Voice artist Norm MacDonald provides a unique and perfect voice for Fang, an interesting voice which seems to meld perfectly with the dog.
The film features themes of learning confidence, and that cheaters do not prosper, as well as the statement that life often gives us a second opportunity after we have messed up. We are happy to award the movie our Dove Seal for all ages. But beware, you just might enjoy this vampire…dog!
