The following is a movie review “A Dog’s Way Home” by Marc Primo.
Release date: 11 January 2019 (United States)
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Language: English
Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group, Pariah
Producer: Gavin Polone
Hollywood has not had a shortage of mutt movies throughout the years and for as long as America continues its love affair with man’s best friend, it doesn’t look like this genre of family films will be going away soon, and that is perfectly fine.
The real issue, however, is the challenge faced by filmmakers to unleash fresh themes and original storylines to keep even the most loyal human known to dog engrossed for more or less 90 long minutes.
While this latest major production has its heart in the right place, suffice it to say that it squanders an opportunity to reinvent the genre and is content to stay muzzled and play safe rather than sniff around new territory for a change.
We’ve seen it all before: separated from her owner, a smart little mongrel named Bella embarks on a cross-country journey towards home in the hope of being reunited with her hooman. Along the way, she encounters a motley crew of characters with whom she forges new bonds and learns the true meaning of friendship.
Thankfully, there is enough humor and adventure here to keep both parents and youngsters mildly entertained, while the ever-alluring Ashley Judd leads a supporting cast who manages to deliver stellar performances despite not being given much to chew on.
And even if the ending tugs at the heartstrings as most canine flicks are wont to do, the fact that ADWH’s overall feel straddles the line between feature length film and Animal Planet documentary will probably make your brain hesitate on whether or not to shed that tear.
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