Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco
Sequel to Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, a 1996 American adventure comedy, serves as the sequel to the 1993 film *Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey*. It marked the feature film directorial debut of David R. Ellis. The story again follows the three pets from the original: Shadow the Golden Retriever (now voiced by Ralph Waite, taking over after Don Ameche's death in 1993), Sassy the Himalayan cat (Sally Field), and Chance the American Bulldog (Michael J. Fox). Additional voice work comes from Sinbad, Carla Gugino, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Jon Polito, Adam Goldberg, Al Michaels, Tommy Lasorda, and Bob Uecker. Actors Robert Hays, Kim Greist, Veronica Lauren, Kevin Chevalia, and Benj Thall also returned to their roles from the first film.
Critical reception was mixed, though audiences responded more favorably. Buena Vista Pictures Distribution released the film on March 8, 1996, and it earned over $32 million at the box office.
Three years after the first film's events, the Seaver family—owners of Shadow, Sassy, and Chance—prepares for a vacation to Canada, planning to bring their pets. At San Francisco International Airport, Chance panics, mistaking airport workers for pound employees after his earlier behavior angered Jamie, leading Chance to believe he was being sent back to the pound. Breaking free from his carrier, Chance triggers a chain reaction: Shadow and Sassy follow, and after evading airport authorities, the trio ends up lost in San Francisco. With their home on the far side of the Golden Gate Bridge, they set out to find their way back.
Early in their journey, Chance stumbles into a Boxer named Ashcan and his Bullmastiff friend Pete. Territorial, Ashcan blocks their path. When Shadow tries to explain they just want to go home, Ashcan and Pete threaten to eat Sassy. Shadow fights Ashcan while Sassy hides on a window sill. A group of streetwise strays called Riley's Gang intervenes, overpowering the bullies. The gang warns the trio that the city is dangerous for domestic pets. During the scuffle, Chance flees, and a gang member named Delilah is sent to find him, assuring him they mean no harm.
Shadow and Sassy travel through downtown with Riley's Gang.
Quick Facts
- Director
- David R. Ellis
- Producer
- Barry Jossen
- Writer
- Chris Hauty / Julie Hickson
- Based On
- The Incredible Journey / Sheila Burnford
- Starring
- Robert Hays / Kim Greist / Veronica Lauren / Kevin Chevalia / Benj Thall
- Music
- Bruce Broughton
- Cinematography
- Jack Conroy
- Editing
- Peter E. Berger / Michael A. Stevenson
- Studio
- Walt Disney Pictures
- Distributor
- Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
- Released
- 8 March 1996
- Runtime
- 89 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Three years after the events of the first film, the Seaver family plans a vacation to Canada and brings their pets. At San Francisco International Airport, Chance panics, mistaking airport workers for pound workers, and breaks free from his carrier. Shadow and Sassy follow, and the trio escape into San Francisco, setting out to cross the Golden Gate Bridge to return home. Along the way, they encounter territorial dogs Ashcan and Pete, and are aided by a group of strays called Riley's Gang, led by a Labrador Retriever-mix named Riley who distrusts humans due to being abandoned as a puppy.
Reader's Guide
The film received mixed critical reception but fared better with audiences. Noted film critic Stephen Holden praised its projection of a child's-eye view of family and pets. The voice cast includes Michael J. Fox as Chance, Sally Field as Sassy, and Ralph Waite as Shadow, replacing Don Ameche after his death. The film's plot involves the pets rescuing a boy and kitten from a housefire, Chance being captured by a 'Blood Red Van' that takes strays to a lab, and a final reunion with their owners. Its legacy lies in continuing the story of beloved animal characters from the first film, though it did not achieve the same critical acclaim.
Did You Know?
- The film is David R. Ellis's feature film directorial debut.
- Ralph Waite voiced Shadow, replacing Don Ameche after his death in 1993.
- The film grossed over $32 million at the domestic box office.
- It holds a 56% critic approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews.
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