Podcast Title: No Dunks
Host/Authors: Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD
Episode: Revisiting 'Air Bud' | Film Session
Release Date: July 26, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this special episode of No Dunks, hosted by Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD, the team dives into a nostalgic review of the beloved 1997 family film, Air Bud. The episode coincides with the exciting announcement of Air Bud Returns, set to release in 2026, marking the 15th installment in the franchise. Skeets introduces the episode by highlighting that the new film will build upon the original’s legacy rather than serve as another sequel or remake.

Notable Quote:

Skeets [01:45]: "To celebrate the big news, we're re-releasing one of our first ever film session podcasts from back in April of 2020 when we watched and reviewed the '90s movie. It was something. It was something."

Revisiting the Original Air Bud

The hosts reminisce about their initial encounter with Air Bud. Skeets notes that none of them had seen the movie during their childhood, setting the stage for a fresh yet critical walkthrough.

Housekeeping and Technical Hiccups: Before delving into the film, Skeets mentions technical difficulties they faced during a live session, causing delays and frustrations.

Notable Quote:

Trey Kirby [04:31]: "We were having some technical difficulties... Instagram can't quite handle the load."

Plot and Character Analysis

Premise of Air Bud: Air Bud centers around a stray golden retriever named Buddy who showcases extraordinary basketball skills, joining his owner Josh's school team and transforming the dynamics of his team.

Key Characters:

• Buddy: The titular dog with an uncanny ability to play basketball.
• Josh: A young boy coping with the loss of his father, finding solace in basketball.
• The Clown: An antagonistic character attempting to reclaim Buddy.

Notable Scenes Discussed:

1. The Abusive Clown: The episode critiques the portrayal of the clown, noting its unrealistic behavior and physical comedy, which left some hosts unimpressed.

   JD [10:02]: "I was angry that we even have to talk about this."

2. Buddy’s Basketball Skills: Hosts debate the plausibility of a dog excelling so effortlessly in basketball, with Skeets questioning Buddy’s limited actual playtime in the film.

   J. Skeets [07:01]: "There is not a lot of basketball really being played by this dog."

3. Emotional Core: The relationship between Josh and Buddy is examined, highlighting mixed emotional responses, especially concerning Josh's interactions with the clown and his own personal struggles.

4. Humorous Critiques: The hosts consistently infuse humor, mocking plot inconsistencies like Josh carrying a basketball in a knapsack and the unrealistic setting near Puget Sound.

   JD [06:25]: "100%, yeah. From the get go... The only thing they did like was when the dog was playing basketball."

Technical and Creative Commentary

The hosts delve into the filmmaking aspects, such as:

• Special Effects: Skeets references Roger Ebert’s remark about the believable portrayal of Buddy’s basketball actions without visible special effects.

  Skeets [65:01]: "The critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. 45%. The audience score based off of like 300,000 plus user ratings. 38%."

• Acting and Casting: Michael Jeter’s performance as the clown is both praised and critiqued for its physical comedy yet unrealistic actions.

Ratings and Final Thoughts

Each host assigns a unique, humorous rating system to Air Bud, collectively expressing a negative reception despite the film's nostalgic charm.

Ratings Given:

• Tas: 1 out of 5 vanilla pudding cups.

  Tas [79:35]: "I've got five vanilla pudding cups out, but four are empty. It's just one vanilla pudding cup out of five."

• Trey: Zero paws out of four.

  Trey Kirby [80:26]: "I'm giving it zero paws out of four. Doesn't even get one paw. It's zero. It's that bad."

• JD: 10 cans of SpaghettiOs out of 10.

  JD [82:14]: "I'm going away from my bobbleheads, and I'm gonna rate this. 10 cans of SpaghettiOs, 10 being the worst..."

• Skeets: Two Arthur Chaney Knicks cards out of five.

  Skeets [81:17]: "So I'm gonna give it two Arthur Chaney Knicks Cards. Out of five..."

Discussion on Sequels and Legacy

The conversation transitions into a light-hearted brainstorming session about potential future Air Bud sequels, suggesting various sports Buddy could master, from cricket to gymnastics, and even imagining Bond-themed or legal (Judge Bud) iterations.

Notable Quote:

Tasmelis [74:53]: "Swimming. No, you think it would be an Olympic swimming."

Engaging the Audience

The hosts encourage listener interaction, inviting fans to share their thoughts on Air Bud via social media and email, fostering a community discussion around the film's lasting impact and the upcoming sequel.

Closing Remarks: Skeets wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enjoyment derived from dissecting a “crappy” movie, emphasizing that humor and camaraderie make the review process entertaining despite the film's shortcomings.

Notable Quote:

Skeets [82:43]: "I listened to that Mad About Movies podcast and these guys were funny guys. I was laughing on my run... So two out of five Arthur Chaney, Knicks Cards. But that's what we think."

Conclusion

This episode of No Dunks provides a comprehensive and entertaining critique of Air Bud, blending nostalgic appreciation with sharp humor and critical analysis. The hosts’ dynamic discussions underscore both the film’s charm and its flaws, engaging listeners who may share similar sentiments or differing views on this classic family movie.

Stay Tuned: The team hints at future episodes, including a new week of podcasts with diverse topics such as survivor tales and more NBA insights, ensuring that listeners have plenty to look forward to.

Connect with No Dunks:

• Email: noDunks@theathletic.com
• Social Media: Follow on Twitter and Instagram at @NoDunksInc

Note: Timestamps provided correspond to the moments of notable quotes and discussions within the transcript.