Dogs are a human's best friend and we all know it. I can't remember a time when a dog wasn't in my life. If you're not a dog person are you even a person? Watching A Dog's Purpose literally reaffirmed everything I know about being best mates with a canine: they're your number one cuddle buddy, they don't care if you look like crap, they know when you're sad and you're never really alone when they're by your side. I haven't cried so much at a film since, ironically, another dog movie Marley & Me. The film has experienced box office success, already taking in over $120 million on its $20 million budget, in the U.S. . Lasse Hallström, the director of A Dog's Purpose, is no stranger to films centering on canine adventures having previously directed Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009).
Adapted from the book with the same title by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose focuses on Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad), a dog, dying and reincarnating several times over, the different lives he experiences and the owners he meets along the way. Although Bailey's reincarnations include an Alsatian police dog and an overfed Corgi, Bailey's relationship to his "boy" Ethan takes centre stage - think Woody and Andy in Disney's Toy Story. Ethan is played by three different actors: Bryce Gheisar (8 year old Ethan), KJ Apa, (teen Ethan) and Dennis Quaid (adult Ethan). In terms of acting, all three actors do a stellar job of conveying Ethan throughout his life with Quaid's charm and disgruntled attitude the icing on the cake.
A Dog's Purpose begins with the protagonist, Bailey, having an exciting life as a new puppy that roams through garbage and his neighbourhood only to be taken away by the Dog Pound. The scene cuts to his next life (cue a magic like montage) and leaves the audience to assume that Bailey has been put down. Moments such as these, that highlight Bailey's disposability, are not few and far between and showcases the disposability of pets and the irresponsibility of humans. Animal cruelty is a strong theme throughout the film with the beginning of one of Bailey's lives seeing him tied to a tree for several months. A Dog's Purpose, itself, came under scrutiny for suggested animal cruelty towards one of the film's dogs but it was revealed that the video, capturing a dog being drowned during filming, was edited to appear as such.
Much like Marley & Me, A Dogs Purpose relies on goofy, slapstick comedy to draw its viewers away from its emotional premise but it's more gut wrenching rather than laugh out loud. The feel good soundtrack includes Paul Simon and The Bee Gees which offers light moments of relief. Although A Dog's Purpose relies heavily on American middle-class values as emphasised by Ethan's suburban upbringing, perhaps more an ode to the past than a present reality, and Christian morals the film manages to successfully convey Bailey's innermost thoughts with believability.
A Dog's Purpose is an emotional, heart-wrenching and feel-good movie that won't win any Oscars but will more than likely become the go-to dog film for this generation. Although watching a lovable dog die multiple times can be nauseating at times and painful to watch for anyone who has or ever owned a dog, the film runs on Bailey's two core beliefs 1). there's never really a point to anything and 2). "be here now" which gives the film that feel-good factor. The abundance of adorable dogs featured in A Dog's Purpose will probably be enough for many to want to go see it. If you're bringing kids be prepared for a long discussion about death on the way home or, better yet, go alone and have a good cry.
Would I watch it again? Maybe.
Advertisement
A Dog's Purpose is in Irish cinemas May 5th.
Watch the trailer below:
Also Read: 27 Teen Films You Need To Watch And We'll Never Stop Loving
