The film “A Dog’s Purpose” has been a hot topic of discussion after a video surfaced on the popular gossip website TMZ. The leaked footage showed a startled German shepard being forced into churning water and then disappearing for a short time after being swept under a strong current.
The movie was called to be boycotted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and outrage was spewed by many online, questioning the possibility of animal abuse. Finally, director Lasse Hallstrom and screenwriter W. Bruce Cameron issued a statement defending the film and claiming that TMZ “falsely edited” the footage to make it look as if the dog was being mistreated. The animal trainers assured that the 2-year-old German shepherd, named Hercules, was not in any way injured during filming and insisted that he was chosen for the role because of “his love of water.”
Josh Gad (“The Angry Birds Movie”) narrates the film and is introduced as a conscious soul before being born into a liter of playful puppies, only to be taken away by the dog pound and euthanized. He reincarnates as a golden retriever named Bailey who is saved by a boy named Ethan (K.J. Apa “Riverdale”).
Bailey questions the meaning and purpose of his life, which he quickly understands is to bring happiness to his human companions. He watches as Ethan grows up to be a promising football star and fall in love. An accident compromises Ethan’s future and his dreams quickly dwindle. As Bailey ages, he becomes ill and is unable to make Ethan happy like when they were both younger.
Bailey’s unbreakable bond with Ethan transcends even after he leaves his physical body.
Bailey continues his journey, being born as diverse breeds of dogs. He brings love and companionship to all his owners, especially during their loneliest hours.
The movie is filled with tear-jerking moments that make viewers want to go home and hug their pooches. “A Dog’s Purpose” was planted with cliché themes of love, companionship and selflessness that dogs and other pets bring to humans’ lives. It can also trigger a brief reflection on the relationship viewers carry with their four-legged furry friends.
This is a good film to watch with younger kids or family members as it pulls at their heart strings with adorable puppy shots that make audiences say “aw” throughout the movie.
However, the film offers very little conflict and the biggest issue with the film is its predictability. The audience will have a pretty clear idea of how the movie will end before reaching the middle of the film, especially anyone who has already watched the trailer. So unless viewers roll into the theaters with their families and have a hard time choosing a film, this would be a pass.
