A Dogs Purpose * * 1/2

   Adopted from a book of the same name, this film has done very well for itself, grossing much, much, much more than they expected.  

      In some ways it looks like a very simple film that wouldn’t have cost much to put together. Like a telemovie, it’s got a budget feel about it.  But director Lasse Hallstrom is very established and experienced, and although none of the actors are household names, for the final section it introduces Dennis Quaid.  As usual, he performs excellently.

And the purpose of this is?......

        It’s the story of a dog that dies and rebirths as another dog several times. Each time he comes back he or she finds itself in a new decade with new owners and a new set of circumstances: from loved pet, to police dog, to lap dog, to neglected dog.

        But to be honest it plods along.  It certainly won’t be the most inspiring animal film you’ll see.  It’s the kind of film you could walk out of at any time and not regret it, but at the same time not be able to give a good reason other than boredom.  It won’t offend you, but it won’t captivate you.  

        It’s success surprised me because there are scenes which some children might find disturbing but at the same time there’s not much here for adults.  It looks as though it might alienate both, but it seems to have drawn in both.  Maybe there is just a dearth of “films for the whole family”

         You never know though, dogs might like it. Let's see what happens when it comes out on CD