Review: A Dog's Purpose

Just how many times will you cry in A Dog's Purpose? 4.
It is difficult to review a film with so much controversy, whether or not you believe the accusations against the company that made A Dogs Purpose please know that this review is based solely on the plot of the film and not the ethical treatment of animals in the film industry.

A Dogs Purpose starts with Bailey’s first life as a puppy, we get to know that he isn’t quite sure why he has been born or why he is even on this planet. Not too long after he passes away and is reincarnated into another dog. The film follows Bailey into his many lives as a dog where he journeys to find the meaning of it all and you’ve figured it out, what a dogs purpose really is. The majority of the film centers around Bailey as a golden retriever. He is rescued by Ethan and his mother from a hot car where it things aren’t looking to good for him. Ethan begs his parents to let him keep Bailey promising that he will take care of him no matter what it means. This film is a very cute and innocent adventure starring Josh Gad (Olaf as I like to remember him) and Dennis Quad as adult Ethan. Gad really steals the show, his whimsical voice truly entertains the audience, makes them laugh and albeit so emotional that you might shed a tear or two. There are plenty of times the audience bursted into laughter by almost every sentence Gad spoke, although most lines were hysterical I feel majority of it has to do with the fact that these words were being muttered by a dog.

This film does a great job of taking you into the mind of an animal and tries to give explanation as to why a dog does what a dog does. From eating trash to wondering why humans kiss, there is no shortage of curiosity and that’s what makes the film work. Bailey was always concerned with making sure his owners were happy and often wondered why they weren’t. The film is filled with emotions and trying to understand them be it from a dogs perspective or that of a human. With all the emotions flocking in one film its no wonder people are so attached to their pets. There is a close and personal bond between Bailey and Ethan that translates well to the screen which makes the audience miss their own pet that is waiting for them at home. This movie will make you appreciate your pet and make you want to give them a big hug because according to this film your pet really does care about you. Now with out spoiling too much I will say that watching a dog pass away on film is difficult but watching a dog pass away numerous times is out right heart breaking. With that being said if you are lighthearted I suggest preparing yourself and get ready to be sad. No, no I didn’t mean to scare you off. Although this film is sad, it also has its happy moments for all those that might think about skipping this one. Just keep picturing Olaf as a dog and maybe you will be able to get through this film.

3 out of 5

Click here to read what I would Change
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Johnny Johnny (Contributor) was born and raised in San Diego. He's been a fan of films the majority of his life. He enjoys the feeling it invokes and the power it has to take you to another place. 

Comments

ribbon13 said…
Loved the movie, good family movie to take the kids to .
Nicole McNeely said…
This film DID make me go home and hug my dog after I saw it. It was heartbreaking at times, but also extremely touching. I agree that the bond shown between Ethan and sweet Bailey (Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey) was beautiful and really is the reason we love our pets so much. Wonderful movie...I hope people do some research and actually get the facts. The dog was not actually harmed during the filming. Anyone and everyone who is a dog lover should go see this beautiful film!
Kamela Kern said…
I cried multiple times during this film, but I loved it! Great family movie!
cheste said…
I think the controversy about the treatment of the dog will eventually derail the profits of this film. But I still want to see it.
Konnie Semonski said…
I loved this movie. Pet lovers everywhere know the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet. Yet, sometimes you wonder when you find the next right pet for you if they are a reincarnation of a former pet. This movie is a love letter from a dog to its owner or as Bailey puts it, I think I'll keep this boy. Good movie - this is a feel good must see movie.
Michelle said…
I loved this movie and made me snuggle my dog's and look at them a bit different. We have a great bond but I think this helped!
dawn g said…
Will have to see this one
Ed S. said…
It's on my list of movies to see.
Electricblue717 said…
I'm glad I decided to see this movie and enjoyed the story very much. Definitely a roller coaster of emotions to get through in this film to the end. Very good review Johnny of MOM. I give it a 4 out of 5 and say it's worth the price of a matinee ticket.
Lori Ann Wong said…
I saw it and liked it.
Brenda Tredway Oliver said…
I liked this movie, but being a huge dog lover myself, it was very emotional for me. The ending made it worth it
pearldj said…
great movie as it was easy to follow and great dogs and good story line, anyone can see this one and be happy
Amy VanDerhei said…
I cried pretty much the whole time
Melody Esser said…
if you love dogs, you will like this. I took my sister to see right after her first dog had just died and she loved it...
Junky Jones said…
I took my grandma to see this and we had a great time. It's obviously a family movie, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Good choice for a feel good movie.
Wendy Jewett said…
I so need to go see this movie. Perhaps this weekend with my munchkin.
sandy weinstein said…
i saw this movie last week. it had a surprise beginning that was not shown in the previews. i started crying from the beginning. many people were crying. i still don like the way the GS was treated in the training and think that needs to be addresssed but the movie was great. it was a very short movie per say.
icashootnstar said…
Bring on the hankies! This movie had the entire audience reaching for their sleeves.
Otila said…
This Movie was good i had to have my tissue out!!
Worlzbestmom said…
I enjoyed the movie. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking throughout.
kaitb1103 said…
This movie made me cry so hard :(
joan bush said…
I really wanted to see this, but now I will have to see it on matinee or DVD!
babsnc said…
Great movie, but you will definitely need some Kleenex or a sleeve or two. They did a great job of turning sad into happy almost instantly.
Wendy Jewett said…
Loved this movie! Had us talking about it for days.
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