Discuss A Dog's Purpose

Posted this review on the official Ray Bradbury Message Board http://raybradburyboard.com/groupee?s=8881014801&ORIGINAL_REFERRER_URL=http%3A%2F%2Fraybradburyboard.com%2Fgroupee so it's geared to that but decided not to change it.

After checking on the controversy over possible mistreatment of an animal during the filming of "A Dog's Purpose," http://www.adogspurposemovie.com I decided the incident, although a genuine occurrence (or rather several occurrences edited together to give the effect that they happened at the same time) which should have been handled differently, was blown out of proportion by someone with an agenda and that I could in good conscience view it.

During this film I experienced many Bradburyesque moments. Idyllic small town and rural American scenes unfolded on shady streets and at a country carnival. Shots of a dog bounding through wheat fields gave me a real "Dandelion Wine" feeling. In several places it was reminiscent of "The Emissary," and if one scene in particular did not recall that story to the viewer, that viewer is not a genuine Ray Bradbury reader.

Parts of the story also depict urban settings and characters from various backgrounds and walks of life, calling to mind Bradbury's extensive and colorful cast of characters. The use of music throughout the film, particularly popular music to set different time periods, was nothing short of brilliant, and the use of TV show clips and other aspects of American life are also skillfully employed.

The Bradbury story most specific to the movie's theme is "The Reincarnate," but many touches reminiscent of his best work and the film's emotional impact will overwhelm Bradbury fans and animal lovers alike. This film is utterly remarkable in that despite some distressing scenes, it is absolutely suitable for viewers of all ages, an unheard-of rarity these days. My friend brought her three-year-old granddaughter. By all means see this, take your family, and bring lots of tissues!

6 replies (on page 1 of 1)

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I'd like to maybe see it but I don't think I want to see it in a theater or any public place. I haven't watched Old Yeller since the first time I saw it when I was six years old. I love dogs and can't deal with seeing them harmed. I'm glad that behind the scenes incident turned out to be blown out of proportion because I would hate to think the people that made this movie would have such low regard for dogs especially considering the movie is marketed to animal lovers.

The only Bradbury I've read was Dandelion Wine and Martian Chronicles as well as a bunch of short stories (Farenheit 451 and Illustrated Man are on my list though) so if this movie is evocative of Dandelion Wine that's good enough for me. I still probably won't see it in theaters but will wait until DVD release so no one will see me crying my eyes out in public. grin

Thanks for answering. I posted this on the Stephen King message board and someone there said the same thing. Although no live dogs were actually harmed during the filming, the movie contains several heart wrenching moments depicting dogs in danger, including injury and death. The friend with me cried through at least half of it and another friend of ours claims to have cried throughout. The person on the Stephen King group, not wanting to be reduced to uncontrollable tears, does not want to see it. Trust me during this one any dog lover or anyone prone to cry at harrowing drama will cry at this as much for the happy as the sad moments. I would compare it to Old Yeller, The Three Lives of Thomasina, or any classic Disney fare.

I teared up just a tiny bit reading your post. I can see now that I will flow like Niagara at this movie so maybe I need to rethink this. lol

C'mon guys, what's so wrong with a couple of tears shed in public? I saw the movie in local cinema yesterday, it's priceless after all those noisy spectacles I normally watch in cinema...

Two months later and I am still thinking fondly of this movie.

@CoriSCapnSkip said:

Two months later and I am still thinking fondly of this movie.

I've just watched a short clip intro with trailer (on Youtube, on telly, in HD) and realised I'll watch it again quite soon :) But meanwhile, I realised that this one is Lasse Hallstrom's THIRD movie on dogs & people, (I saw Hachi: A Dog's Tale a few years ago), and now I must find a way to see his first... (made in Sweden in 1985 - My Life as a Dog - or in Swedish - Mitt liv som hund). Because I see a pattern here :)

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