'A Dog's Purpose' Review

A dog is reincarnated time and time again in search of the canine meaning of life. That's the premise for A Dog's Purpose, a film that will be released this weekend embroiled in controversy. If you haven't heard about it and are wondering what could possibly be so controversial about a dog movie, then just do a Google search and the first thing you'll probably find is a set video depicting a dog seemingly forced into running water, although there has yet to be an official report as to what actually happened on set. Now, I personally think it's always appropriate to separate subjective entertainment from the circumstances surrounding it and considering that animal cruelty hasn't been undeniably proven I won't be slamming this movie with blatant accusations (although I would avoid that regardless). 

A Dog's Purpose is directed by three-time Academy Award nominated director Lasse Hallström, but you would have absolutely no idea of that from watching this movie. That's not to say it's directed poorly, just not with the caliber or prestige one would expect upon learning that tidbit. The screenplay was conjured together to adapt W. Bruce Cameron's source material by a team of five screenwriters including the author himself, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes, and Wally Wolodarsky. 

The writers could have easily been tangled up with the multitude of storylines and human characters but managed to keep the dog a steady focal point which drove the film forward. The narrative has a fair share of predictable cliché and convenient story beats but there's surprisingly some mature subtext for a "PG" film I didn't see coming like loneliness and alcoholism to name a few. 

Josh Gad provides voiceover for the various pups (Bailey, Ellie, Tino, and Buddy) and is the basis of a majority of the film's heart and humor but honestly isn't pushing himself as an actor, essentially just reading the script. Bailey's owner Ethan is portrayed at three different stages of his life by Bryce Gheisar, K.J. Apa, and Dennis Quaid who each imbue the necessary qualities to make Ethan an endearing character. The supporting cast are peppered throughout with melodramatic turns from John Ortiz, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Britt Roberson, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Gabrielle Rose, and Michael Bofshever respectively. 

In summary, A Dog's Purpose is a dispensable melodrama dog lovers will thorougly enjoy. If you plan on boycotting A Dog's Purpose then you honestly won't miss out on much, but for those on the fence, I think it's a cute enough movie to justify the price of admission. 

Film Assessment: C