Review of A Dog's Way Home (2019) by Kathy E — 18 Jan 2019

I will never look at a dog quite the same way.

If you're a dog lover, go see this movie. If you're not, you will be. I loved "A Dog's Way Home," the story of Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard), a rescue dog, who through the back-room workings of a classic bad guy, is taken from its owners. Bella is lovingly transported 400 miles away for her protection. But yearning for her person, Bella embarks on a long, difficult journey to "go home" to her people: college student Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King), his mom (Ashley Judd), and others, including a group of grateful veterans who have gotten to know and love Bella.

I found the acting (training) of the animals in this movie quite remarkable, as were the lessons of love shown through the hardships and realities of our many broken veterans hidden away in rehabs or on the streets. Whether it's the harsh, sometimes terrifying, and moving scenes in the woods - or on the highway - the loveable, loyal pup Bella carries this film to its heartwarming and victorious conclusion. There's a fair amount of white-knuckling to go around in what I thought would be a Disney-ish kids-only movie. In fact, this Grandma recommends a simple "It's just a movie" and some extra popcorn from parents who are inclined to take younger children to see it. But the underlying and important themes of love and justice make this film more meaningful than a walk in the Mickey-Mouse park.