Oddball

Oddball (2015) is an Australian family comedy that's a pleasure to watch online on iFILM with kids in the room. Off the country's southern coast sits a tiny island where a penguin colony is shrinking fast — foxes swim the channel and raid the nests. Lose the birds, and the seaside town of Warrnambool loses the attraction that keeps it alive. Eccentric chicken farmer Swampy decides to fix things his own way.

His secret weapon is a shaggy, thoroughly undisciplined dog named Oddball, who normally leaves nothing but chaos in his wake. Together with his granddaughter, Swampy sets out to train the mutt as a guardian for the penguins. At the same time he's trying to keep his daughter, played by Sarah Snook, from moving away with a smooth-talking American. Suddenly one dog is the last hope for the birds and the family alike.

The script is built on a true story: on Middle Island, Maremma sheepdogs really were put to work protecting the penguins, and the trick worked. Director Stuart McDonald delivers warm, un-sugary entertainment for every age, where the lush Victoria coastline competes for attention with its furry star. Kids will root for the dog; grown-ups will smile at the gentle tone. Stream Oddball (2015) online on iFILM.