The fourth of the family-friendly Air Bud franchise, each produced or executive produced by director Robert Vince, finds the canines and humans in capable hands in this live-action, broadly played, low-key adventure. Easily understood characters, colorful sets and costumes, a plot with very few complications, and, happily, no gross-out humor make for a lively outing. There are nice moments, and the finale will thrill the target audience of elementary school children. The baseball aspect of the plot doesn't materialize until the midway into the film, so youngsters expecting catching-and-fetching early on may squirm in their seats waiting for the setup. The original basketball-oriented Air Bud still rules, but this easily likeable puppy clearly shows its pedigree.