Review of A Dog Year (2009) by Kenny O — 22 Mar 2011
Jon Katz is a writer with writer's block. He's temporarily separated from his wife due to his emotional distance issues. His main problem is that he isn't able to write about anything and it seems to be taking a toll on him. He owns two dogs that are sadly dipping into the decline, but it isn't the reason why he adopts a border collie.
A fan of his wrote to him asking if he wouldn't mind adopting and rehabilitating the dog. He isn't sure why, at first, he decided to go along with this adoption in the first place. When he goes to retrieve the dog at the airport, it makes it's first introduction. They both do actually. Jon is sent having to chase after the dog through the airport until revealing some things about himself kind of make the dog succomb to it's new master.
The dog's name is Devin whose last owner sadly abused him. Jon's reaction to the dog is one of remorse and as he tries to help Devin settle to it's new home chaos begins. Everyone is a bit confused by Jon's new addition. They even want to help him with the dog, but Jon is too stubborn. Just like Devin. How Ironic.
Jon is suffering from a mid-life crisis while all of this is happening. To top it all off, one of his dogs dies from old age. Soon the other one follows leaving Devin to be around for poor Jon. The film then takes a different turn, a quiet one, when Jon rents a farm house. He then is told to meet a woman who can help him with Devin. He later finds something to write about through this experience once Devin gains the ability to settle. The last shot of the film made me grin where Devin is finally able to stick his head out of the car window while it's in motion. Catching the breeze. It was nice.
Based on the book of the same name by the same guy, Jon Katz, it got me wondering if there was anything else left out of the movie that was in the book. Because it's a very short movie with not much happening except Jon trying to tame Devin. It was still not a bad movie either because at times Bridges would make the film watchable. He garners at least two stars for this film, the half of star that follows it was for some of the pretty scenery in the later half of the film.
Overall, a small quiet film that makes for a short viewing experience whenever you're bored on some lonely afternoon in August.
This review of A Dog Year (2009) was written by Kenny O on 22 Mar 2011.
A Dog Year has generally received mixed reviews.
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