Review of A Dog's Purpose (2017) by Elizabeth K — 29 Jan 2017

Hollywood couldn't honestly claim a genuinely well-done, thoroughly enjoyable, refreshingly wholesome, unabashedly feel-good, non-animated family-friendly film in recent times -- at least, not until A Dog's Purpose hit the big screen nationwide on January 27.

For fans of the touching and poignantly beautiful novel of the same name, written by prolific bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron, you will love watching this wonderful story brilliantly brought to life. The film adaptation visually renders an imaginative and satisfying, true-to-form cinematic experience that's sure to please audiences of all ages. I saw more than a few fully grown, strong, strapping men with big muscles leaving the theater last Friday night sniffling with red, watery eyes, and it wasn't due to the presence of any airborne allergens.

While it's certainly not a prerequisite to read Cameron's tear-jerker novel before watching the movie in order to fully enjoy it, I'd highly recommend doing so -- after all, the book has achieved the penultimate literary accolade in that it is now being taught to our children in schools across all 50 states, from middle school through college levels. There's even a Common Core-approved teaching guide, written by an award-winning educator, available for free download from the book's official website for K-12 curriculum. (I consider myself to be a highly literate human being, so yeah, I'll admit the film kind of had me at opening credits on this basis alone.).

Told from the innocent and ever-wondrous perspective of a dog who reincarnates multiple times, each time on an earnest quest to discover the purpose of his existence and the meaning of his life, this story is a self-proclaimed love letter to man's best friend. Alternating between being candidly funny and utterly heart-wrenching, the story explores concepts of human pain, loss and suffering, conquering obstacles, overcoming adversity, finding redemption and becoming whole again. It's about loyalty and humanity and the ties that bind us together. It's about love in its most unadulterated form, and supports the theory that true love never dies, transcending even the limits of death itself. (A romantic notion, to be sure, but I am a hopeless romantic.).

It is also quite possibly the greatest call to action in support of the pro-rescue movement for animals that the world has ever witnessed. The narration for the canine protagonist throughout each of his incarnations is provided by Josh Gad, the multi-talented actor who is also the voice of lovable snowman Olaf from Disney's ubiquitous Frozen franchise. The screenplay is well-written with dialogue that is disarmingly tender, and all of the actors deliver spot-on, emotionally compelling performances.

I have a four-year old daughter who is the love of my life, and I think most parents would agree that in today's society, we are hard-pressed to find good quality entertainment for our kids. Without pandering to any agendas, being sappy or resorting to shameless proselytization, this film offers messages of hope, inspiration, and good old-fashioned values that any parent can feel good about sharing with their children. I was enthralled from start to finish. Yes, I am a lifelong animal lover. And a professional gusher when it comes to anything I am passionately enthusiastic about.

Which brings me to my next inquiry: how can I get in contact with the ruggedly handsome Dennis Quaid, whose performance in this film absolutely stole my heart?!

Watch this movie if you want to leave the theater in a good mood. In a world where the top stories on any news broadcast are disturbing at best, obsession with celebrities has hit a mortifying pinnacle, and the graphic nature of most movies is nothing short of stomach-churning -- I'll spend my money on a happy-making movie like this one.

And seriously -- someone please give my phone number to Dennis Quaid.