The third time loses its charm

Less the story of a boy and his dog than the story of a boy with a dog, “Saving Shiloh” is the third film adaptation to come from the trilogy of children’s books written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Young Marty Preston (Jason Dolley) and his trusty beagle Shiloh investigate a local intrigue involving a missing man and the neighbor suspected of having some involvement.

Scott Wilson, in a Boo Radley variation, returns from the previous films as the scary, misunderstood neighbor who is once again the catalyst for the action. The veteran character actor’s grizzled, strangely dignified turn is undoubtedly the highlight of the film, as the other performances all tend toward flat and wooden, much like the film overall. Screenwriter Dale Rosenbloom and director Sandy Tung never find the right balance between earnest and boring.

As in the previous films, “Saving Shiloh” pushes traditional values -- don’t judge too harshly before the facts are in, help those in need, everyone deserves a chance to make things right -- that are hard to argue with, but there is such a sense of non-urgency, an in-built softness, that the film lacks much of a pulse. Although it is certainly pleasant to see a film aimed at children that doesn’t go for the shiny-keys aesthetic of most contemporary family fare, it doesn’t make “Saving Shiloh” any less of a chore to sit through. Even the presumed saving grace of the franchise, always having “puppies are cute” face-licking to fall back on, is kept to a surprising minimum, though there is the late introduction of a kitten to up the cuddle factor. Shiloh himself doesn’t much figure into the story apart from tagging along beside Marty until a rather half-hearted climactic river rescue.

“Saving Shiloh” (Rated PG for thematic elements and mild peril) Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.