Movie and Film Profile: Homeward Bound II: Lost In San Francisco (1996)

Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco was generally released theatrically on March 8, 1996. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. Based on the characters from the novel “The Incredible Journey” by Sheila Burnford. It is the sequel to the 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.

DMFE Rating: ★★¼☆☆ (2.25 out of 5 stars)

Caution: Possible Spoilers Ahead!

While traveling with the Seaver family to Canada, Shadow, Chance, and Sassy are accidentally left behind at the airport in San Francisco after Chance panics and escapes his carrier. The other two animals follow him, and the trio soon find themselves lost in the busy city.

As they attempt to find their way home, they encounter a group of street dogs led by Riley. Chance befriends a kind stray named Delilah, while Shadow and Sassy try to stay focused on reaching the Golden Gate Bridge so they can return home.

Along the way, the animals face many dangers, including animal control officers and aggressive stray dogs. Shadow and Sassy heroically rescue a boy and his kitten from a burning house, earning the respect of the stray dogs. After Chance is captured by animal control, the group stages a daring rescue.

Eventually, the three friends reunite and cross the Golden Gate Bridge, where they are finally reunited with the Seaver family. Delilah later finds her way to the family’s home, and she is welcomed as a new member of the household.

The soundtrack for Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco was released in 1996 and contains the film’s score, which was composed by Bruce Boughton.

First released on home video (VHS) on July 31, 1996. First released on LaserDisc on August 14, 1996. First released on DVD on April 23, 2002. Rereleased on DVD on February 10, 2008, in a 2-movie collection along with Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. Aired on The Wonderful World of Disney television series on July 30, 2000. Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco is available on Disney+.

CAST & CREW

• Director: David R. Ellis
• Producer: Barry Jossen
• Writer(s): Chris Hauty, Julie Hickson
• Cinematography: Jack Conroy
• Editor: Peter E. Berger, A.C.E., Michael A. Stevenson, A.C.E.
• Art Director: Eric Fraser
• Production Designer: Michael Bolton
• Costume Designer: Stephanie Nolin
• Music: Bruce Broughton
• Cast: Robert Hayes (as Bob Seaver), Kim Greist (as Laura Seaver), Veronica Lauren (Hope Burnford), Kevin Chevalia (as Jaime Seaver), Benji Thall (as Peter Burnford), Max Perlich (as Ralph), Michael Rispoli (as Jack), Michael J. Fox (voice of Chance), Sally Field (voice of Sassy), Ralph Waite (voice of Shadow), Al Michaels (voice of Sparky Michaels), Tommy Lasorda (voice of Lucky Lasorda), Bob Uecker (voice of Trixie Uecker), Tress MacNeille (voice of French Poodle), Jon Polito (voice of Ashcan), Adam Goldberg (voice of Pete), Sinbad (voice of Riley), Carla Gugino (voice of Delilah), Tisha Campbell (voice of Sledge), Stephen Tobolowsky (voice of Brando), Ross Malinger (voice of Spike), Michael Bell (voice of Stokey), Kristina Lewis (as Stacey), Adrienne Carter (as Tough Girl), Deryl Hayes (as Skycap), Gary Jones (as Baggage Handler), Jeff Chivers (as Baggage Handler), Robin Douglas (as Airport Worker), Ernie Prentice (as Poodle Owner), Ed Bong-Louie (as Fish Seller), Keegan Macintosh (as Tucker), Sandra Ferens (as Tucker’s Mom), Hrothgar Mathews (Animal Control Officer), Andrew Airlie (Tucker’s Dad), Rhys Huber (as Boy), Nathaniel De Veaux (as Fire Captain), Will Sasso (as Pizza Boy), Tom Wagner (as Truck Driver), Anson Leist (as Anson), Bailey Gwynne (as Bailey)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• MPAA Rating: G
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• Sound: Dolby Digital
• Format: Color
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Genre(s): Action and Adventure, Animals and Nature, Live-Action (from movies.disney.com)

BOX OFFICE (from IMDb.com)

• Budget: N/A (estimated)
• Opening Weekend (U.S. & Canada): $8,605,649
• Gross (U.S. & Canada): $32,772,492
• Gross (Worldwide): $32,772,492

RATINGS

• My Rating: 2.25 (out of 5) 
• Rotten Tomatoes: 56% (Tomatometer) | 45% (Popcornmeter)
• Metacritic: N/A (Metascore) | N/A (Popcornmeter)
• IMDb: 5.9 (out of 10)
• The Movie DB: 66% (User Score)
• Letterboxd: 3.0 (out of 5)
• Combined Rating: 55.17

MY THOUGHTS

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco is a solid choice for families and fans of the original Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. The film keeps the lovable trio, Shadow, Chance, and Sassy, front and center while placing them in a fun urban adventure filled with humor, danger, and heart. While it doesn’t reach the emotional highs of the first film, the sequel still offers entertaining moments, memorable voice work from Michael J. Fox and Sally Field, and a charming message about friendship, loyalty, and finding your way home.

Have you seen Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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