I was a bit surprised to see that A Dog's Way Home only received a 6.2/10 (currently) at IMDb. The film is based on a story of the same name by writer W. Bruce Cameron. Cameron also wrote the book (and screenplay) A Dog's Purpose which has a sequel coming out later this year. That latter film had a slightly higher rating, although I like both films better than the aggregate scoring from IMDb would indicate. This isn't Academy Award writing here. It is a love letter to dog parents. The film also manages to send a sweetheart kiss to the American west, with picturesque scenery that captures the grand beauty of America.
Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) is a pitbull mix. She begins life in the rubble of a half-destroyed house in Denver, Colorado. When her dog family is captured by an Animal Control Officer, she is raised by a mother cat. She eventually meets the boy across the street, Lucas (Jonah Hauer King). It is love at first sight. For both Lucas and Bella. Lucas brings Bella home, where she is a comfort to his war-scarred veteran mom, Terri (Ashley Judd). Antagonism between the developer across the street and Lucas leads to conflict, which comes in the form of the same Animal Control Officer that "abducted" Bella's family. With local ordinances against Bella's breed, she is sent to New Mexico temporarily while Lucas makes plans to move out of the city. Feeling a call to reunite with Lucas, Bella sets out on a journey home. She meets interesting people and animals on her journey, not all of them nice. She must survive two winters and journey four hundred miles to find her way home.
A Dog's Way Home is a contrived, feel-good movie for dog lovers. Let me get that out of the way first. This film is not about the story. It is about the journey. It allows us to view the world through the eyes of a dog. Yeah, there is probably some social justice stuff thrown in, but I didn't feel like it was "in my face." The dog aspects of the story outweighed the subtle politics, not all of it necessarily bad. I don't care for pitbulls, but my brother has one. That is one sweet dog. It is unfortunate that people ruin dog breeds by training them to be cruel or breeding violent characteristics into them. This film isn't so much about that topic as the gentle bond between dog and owner. But it is an undercurrent that has some human implications as well. I chose not to dwell on those aspects and enjoy the ride. The CGI was a bit cheesy, but worked well enough to complete the illusion. It was mildly distracting at times. But I let that slide.
The performances in A Dog's Way Home were solid enough. I am not sure how one would rate Howard, who voiced-over Bella's dialogue. The dog was sweet, so that came through. I am not a fan of Ashley Judd, but she was solid in a minor supporting role. I liked Hauer-King in the lead role. He seemed genuine and still a bit boyish, which helped the story some. The whole boy-and-his-dog with an adult "boy" offers an interesting balance, but it worked. There were several actors who portrayed veterans in this story. I am not sure if the veterans were portrayed by real veterans, but I believe some of them probably were. Even if not, the story features a sub-plot that brings together shelter pets and veterans. A worthy program that received a bit of exposure related to this film.
A Dog's Way Home is rated PG by the MPAA. This is a heartfelt family-oriented film. It may be shallow in some respects and definitely contrived, but it is meant for a younger audience and for animal lovers. Those of us willing to look past its flaws for the "aaawww" moments. The story has a little bit of tension as our dog hero faces dangers like a pack of wolves. The subject matter has a deeper current, but one that younger viewers won't likely pick up on. The peril involving our star is the most striking content, which is the crux of the story. Overcoming the impossible out of pure love. I think children tend to be less judgmental. They are certain to love this film. Run time is one hour, 36 minutes.
I enjoyed A Dog's Way Home. It is what it is. It is a love story with all the sappy trimmings. The story highlights the bond between people and pets. Furry family. This film was imperfect in many ways. The journey was fun and, at times, intense to watch. It was superfluous at times and definitely felt contrived. The CGI could have been better as well. Yet I liked it. Not enough that I am going to run out and order the Blu-Ray. It was solid. But you can probably wait for it to stream. I wouldn't go as low as 6.2. That is a bit harsh. 7/10.
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