In this world we all seem to live on the stressful tightrope called life, and when we go to the multiplex, we have a tendency to choose films that seem to match out busy, hectic world. But what if we, occasionally, went to go see a film that was more heartfelt and endearing? Well, you can get that in the form of "A Dog's Way Home".
As a puppy, Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) finds her way into the arms of Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King), a young man who gives her a good home with he and Lucas' mom, Terri (Ashley Judd). When Bella becomes inadvertently separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog touches the lives of an orphaned mountain lion, a down-on-his-luck veteran, Axel (Edward James Olmos) and some friendly strangers, Gavin (Barry Watson) and Taylor (Motell Foster) who happen to cross her path. Through Bella's trek and all she goes through, she still is able to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to many people's lives.
Others to round out the cast are Alexandra Shipp as Olivia, Christopher Bauer as Kurch, Wes Studi as Captain Mica, Farrah Aviva as Nurse Matthews, Benjamin Ratner as Dr. Gann and Tammy Gillis as Officer Leon.
This was directed with heart by Charles Martin Smith ("Trick or Treat" '86, "Boris and Natasha (TV movie) '92, "Fifty/Fifty '92, "Airbud" '97, "Roughing It" (TV movie) '02, "The Snow Walker" '03, "Icon" (TV movie) '05, "Stone of Destiny" '08, "Dolphin Tale" '11, "Dolphin Tale 2" '14) plus TV. By shear longevity, Smith is a veteran director, however he doesn't helm just any project. And so when I realized he was the director of this, I felt it would be a solid film and it was. This film was heartfelt and entertaining with characters the audience could definitely trust. It was solidly written by W. Bruce Cameron ("Cook Off!" '07, "Muffin Top: A Love Story" '14, "A Dog's Purpose" '17) and Cathryn Michon ("Teen Queens" (TV movie) '01, "Cook Off!" '07, "Muffin Top: A Love Story" '14, "A Dog's Purpose" '17) based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron. As with other films like this one, this was written with a sense of realness to it. Surely, you will need a half a box of Kleenex while watching this, but it is written in a way that gives its audience a feeling of hope and assuredness for Bella. Other than a couple of small places of cohesiveness issues, this story rings true and eventually has you on your feet cheering for this amazing canine. The fact that other than Ashley Judd and a couple of other actors, this film used a plethora of lessor known working actors to give that sense of reality. And, of course, Shelby who played Bella actually stole the show here. Between the actual dog and that of Howard's voice for her lent an effective element to this storyline.
Certainly if you are a 'dog person', this will definitely fit the bill, but even if you're not, this is a compelling film nonetheless. It's a story about family and what we will do to save our family members, whether they have two feet or four. And with that, isn't that enough to pay the price of admission?
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 97mins.
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