Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996) is the beloved sequel to Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), following the heartwarming and adventurous journey of three courageous pets. Directed by David R. Ellis, this live-action family film continues the story of Shadow, a wise and loyal Golden Retriever, Chance, a mischievous American Bulldog, and Sassy, a feisty Himalayan cat. While the first film took place in the wilderness, this time, the trio finds themselves navigating the busy streets of San Francisco after getting lost during a family vacation.

In this review, we’ll explore the key elements of Homeward Bound II, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and provide a guide on where to stream or purchase this family-friendly movie online, particularly in the U.S.

Plot Summary

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco picks up with the Seaver family planning a vacation. This time, their pets—Shadow (voiced by Ralph Waite), Chance (voiced by Michael J. Fox), and Sassy (voiced by Sally Field)—are supposed to be traveling with them by plane. However, after a mix-up at the airport, the pets escape their crates and end up lost in the bustling city of San Francisco.

Now stranded far from home, Shadow takes charge, determined to find a way back to their family. Along the way, the trio encounters a group of street-smart strays, led by a tough dog named Riley (voiced by Sinbad), and a gang of dogcatchers. Chance also finds romance with Delilah (voiced by Carla Gugino), a beautiful stray dog, complicating their journey. The film is a delightful blend of adventure, comedy, and touching moments as the pets once again demonstrate the power of loyalty, friendship, and perseverance.

Cast and Crew

• Director: David R. Ellis
• Writers: Chris Hauty, Julie Hickson
• Starring:
  • Michael J. Fox as the voice of Chance
  • Sally Field as the voice of Sassy
  • Ralph Waite as the voice of Shadow
  • Sinbad as the voice of Riley
  • Carla Gugino as the voice of Delilah

David R. Ellis, known for his work in action films like Snakes on a Plane (2006), directs Homeward Bound II with a focus on blending humor and emotion, while staying true to the adventurous spirit of the original film.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

1. Vibrant Setting: The film makes excellent use of its urban environment, contrasting sharply with the wilderness setting of the first movie. The busy streets of San Francisco provide a fresh backdrop for the pets’ adventure, with plenty of obstacles that add excitement to the plot.
2. Memorable Voice Performances: Michael J. Fox once again steals the show with his energetic portrayal of Chance, the playful but lovable American Bulldog. Sally Field’s witty and sharp-tongued Sassy adds plenty of comic relief, while Ralph Waite’s wise and calming voice as Shadow serves as the moral anchor of the group.
3. Themes of Loyalty and Friendship: Much like the original, the sequel continues to emphasize themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the importance of family. The bond between the pets remains the emotional core of the story, which is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.
4. New Characters and Humor: The introduction of Riley and his group of stray dogs adds a new dynamic to the story. Sinbad’s voice acting as the tough-but-kind leader of the strays injects humor and excitement into the narrative, while Delilah’s romance with Chance adds a sweet, lighthearted subplot.

Weaknesses

1. Predictable Plot: While the movie is enjoyable for families and younger audiences, the plot is relatively straightforward and predictable, especially for those familiar with the first film. The formula of the pets getting lost and finding their way back home remains largely unchanged, which may leave some viewers wanting more depth or surprises.
2. Limited Development for Supporting Characters: While the new characters, like Riley and Delilah, bring some fresh energy to the movie, they don’t receive much character development. Their roles mainly serve to support the central trio’s adventure, but some viewers might feel that more could have been done to explore their backstories.
3. Less Emotional Weight: Compared to the first film, which had some truly heart-tugging moments, Homeward Bound II leans more heavily on comedy and action. While this works well for entertainment value, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor.

Where to Watch Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco Online in the U.S.

If you’re looking to stream or purchase Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, here are the best platforms currently available in the U.S.:

Streaming Services

1. Disney+
   • As a Disney production, Homeward Bound II is available for streaming on Disney+. This platform offers the movie as part of its subscription service, making it a great option for families looking for easy access to a wide range of Disney films and animated classics.
2. Amazon Prime Video
   • You can rent the movie for $3.99 or purchase it for $17.99 in HD. Amazon Prime Video also offers bonus features and allows you to watch on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
3. Apple TV
   • Homeward Bound II is available for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $17.99 in HD. Apple TV provides seamless streaming on Apple devices and other compatible platforms, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.
4. Google Play Movies & TV
   • Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $17.99 in HD. Google Play allows streaming on Android devices, smart TVs, and via Chromecast, making it a convenient option for users across multiple platforms.
5. Vudu
   • Rent for $3.99 or purchase for $17.99 in HD. Vudu offers an easy-to-use interface and supports multiple devices for watching your favorite films.

Subscription-Based Streaming Services

At present, Disney+ is the only subscription-based service offering Homeward Bound II without additional rental or purchase fees. Other platforms require renting or purchasing, but this might change as rights shift between streaming services.

DVD and Blu-ray

For those who prefer to own physical copies of their favorite films, Homeward Bound II is available on DVD. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy offer DVDs typically priced between $9.99 and $14.99. However, there is no current Blu-ray release of this film.

Conclusion

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996) is a fun-filled, heartwarming sequel that’s perfect for family movie night. While it may not have the emotional depth of the original, it makes up for it with humor, adventure, and the same lovable trio of pets who captured our hearts in the first movie. The urban setting of San Francisco adds a fresh twist to the story, offering new challenges and characters along the way.

For those looking to stream or purchase the film, Disney+ is the go-to platform, while rental and purchase options are widely available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Whether you’re revisiting this 90s classic or introducing it to a new generation, Homeward Bound II is a delightful watch for animal lovers and families alike.