When it comes to American there’s nothing more appropriate about childhood than a boy and his dog. We’ve made television shows about it, etc., and contemplating the place of the animal in American life is something we do on a generational basis. It’s even a staple of modern dating; having a picture with your dog is about as cheesy as shirtless selfies and duck lips.
A Dog’s Purpose contemplates this from the perspective of Buddy (Josh Gad), a dog who is reincarnated over a span of about 50 years. We see through his viewpoint as he lives multiple lives, et al, with his final one starting back where he began.
It’s an interesting premise on paper; seeing humanity through how we handle our pets is definitely something that could’ve been developed much more. The film is essentially a sort of feel good piece about the nature of the relationship between people and dogs; there’s so much more interesting things that the film could’ve gone as opposed to this sort of family oriented film.
A Dog’s Purpose is a feel good, lazy comedy that doesn’t do much besides play up the “dog’s voice as he does wacky dog things” angle.
A handful of EPK pieces are included, as well as the usual deleted scenes.
Amblin Entertainment presents A Dog’s Purpose. Starring Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad (voice). Directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Written by W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes and Wally Wolodarsky based off the novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron. Run Time: 100 minutes. Rated PG. Released on: 5.9.17
