Making movies about dogs has always been a challenge for the entertainment industry. As a dog lover myself, it is hard to tell whether these type of movies are made to make audiences go "aww" with no substance provided outside or made with hard work and effort to create an emotional experience that would entertain anyone. I am leaning towards the latter. I have a history seeing movies about dogs, especially family-orientated films where dogs talk. There are many to count, but that is a different story.
I recall my viewing experience with A Dog's Purpose, based on the best-selling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, which was released a week before my birthday. While not "bad" or "controversial" as critics and audiences called it, the concept was refreshingly intriguing, it had decent drama and solid acting, especially with Josh Gad. My only issues are the story and tone felt consistent at times. Of course, the movie was a commercial success and it spawned a spin-off and a sequel this year.
Bailey (narrated again by Gad) now lives happily with his original owner Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and his wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He also bonds with their infant granddaughter, C.J.. Until one day, her mother Gloria (Betty Giplin) takes C.J. away from the family and Bailey's time is near. Now, Bailey goes on a new journey through multiple lives while vowing to find and protect C.J. (Kathryn Prescott) at all costs.
As unnecessary as it sounds, the movie has pleasantly surprised me throughout. The main improvement that the sequel provided is the story. It is coherent where it maintains its focus on the dog's goal. The drama hits its marks at the right moments and you will feel the emotions. You will smile, you will chuckle, you will cry, you will be anxious, you will be relieved, etc.
While Josh Gad may provide a few chuckle-worthy moments, his innocence and valor nature continues to carry the heart of the story over the drama. Granted, some would argue that there will be occasional moments where the story would get dark and make you too depressed, especially if young children are watching it. Then again, to the movie's credit, it doesn't go too far and its keeps the emotional level in balance.
The acting from the human characters remains solid, thanks to the directorial debut of Gail Mancuso. Kathryn Prescott and newcomer Henry Lau provide charm and a genuine chemistry to their characters as childhood friends with a building romance.
On a side note, the way how the dogs were trained for certain scenes took risk and prevailed without causing controversy as the last film did.
Overall, A Dog's Journey is a slight improvement with a linear story and enough entertainment value for families and dog lovers to enjoy. If you are seeing it with younger children, be cautious for the occasional dark and downer moments.
RATING: *** out of **** (7.5 out of 10) (RECOMMENDED)
I recall my viewing experience with A Dog's Purpose, based on the best-selling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, which was released a week before my birthday. While not "bad" or "controversial" as critics and audiences called it, the concept was refreshingly intriguing, it had decent drama and solid acting, especially with Josh Gad. My only issues are the story and tone felt consistent at times. Of course, the movie was a commercial success and it spawned a spin-off and a sequel this year.
Bailey (narrated again by Gad) now lives happily with his original owner Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and his wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He also bonds with their infant granddaughter, C.J.. Until one day, her mother Gloria (Betty Giplin) takes C.J. away from the family and Bailey's time is near. Now, Bailey goes on a new journey through multiple lives while vowing to find and protect C.J. (Kathryn Prescott) at all costs.
As unnecessary as it sounds, the movie has pleasantly surprised me throughout. The main improvement that the sequel provided is the story. It is coherent where it maintains its focus on the dog's goal. The drama hits its marks at the right moments and you will feel the emotions. You will smile, you will chuckle, you will cry, you will be anxious, you will be relieved, etc.
While Josh Gad may provide a few chuckle-worthy moments, his innocence and valor nature continues to carry the heart of the story over the drama. Granted, some would argue that there will be occasional moments where the story would get dark and make you too depressed, especially if young children are watching it. Then again, to the movie's credit, it doesn't go too far and its keeps the emotional level in balance.
The acting from the human characters remains solid, thanks to the directorial debut of Gail Mancuso. Kathryn Prescott and newcomer Henry Lau provide charm and a genuine chemistry to their characters as childhood friends with a building romance.
On a side note, the way how the dogs were trained for certain scenes took risk and prevailed without causing controversy as the last film did.
Overall, A Dog's Journey is a slight improvement with a linear story and enough entertainment value for families and dog lovers to enjoy. If you are seeing it with younger children, be cautious for the occasional dark and downer moments.
RATING: *** out of **** (7.5 out of 10) (RECOMMENDED)