If there is one sure way to make a nice family movie, cast a dog as the lead star. A cute, furry one who has the right mix of adorable appeal and the ability to act on command (think Lassie, Marley or Harvey the advert dog on the big screen). And this is one of the few things that Diamond Dog Capers does well, this time with obviously named Diamond.

Diamond Dog Capers, in a Home Alone style, sees young adventurous Owen left alone for the weekend with his sister when their parents go away.

After losing his last dog, Owen longs for a furry companion and luckily finds one in cute golden retriever Diamond. The only problem being the mutt currently belongs to three bungling criminals involved in a diamond heist and the jewels are hidden on Diamond. As the hero of the piece Owen vows to rescue Diamond and foil the bad guys.

The film is incredibly cheesy and full of easy slapstick humour but it does just about fit into the family comedy genre that the makers were obviously aiming for.

Luke Benward (as young hero Owen) leads the film well when he spends most of the time with only co-star Diamond the dog for company.

Criminals Blackie (French Stewart), Arty (Kelly Perine) and Bud (Kevin Farley) often border of the comically ridiculous and are overplayed but their characters fit into the silly plot of the film.

Diamond Dog Capers does become a little tiresome at points, dragging on for just under two hours (which is more painful when the ending is quite predictable).

If you are watching with a four-year-old child happy to laugh hysterically at CGI squirrels throwing pine cones and fart jokes then the time will probably pass quicker for you than it did for me.

So if you are planning to sit down and watch it with the kids then put on a brave smile and maybe keep a book ready under the cushion, anyone else don’t bother.