391. The Art Of Racing In The Rain; movie review
Cert PG
109 mins
BBFC advice: Contains scenes of emotional upset
Why are dog films so depressing when they are meant to be uplifting?
The ones I have watched lately have either involved owners dying or even the dog themselves popping their paws.
The Art Of Racing In The Rain is another with a strong undercurrent of melancholy inspired by tragedy.
Simon Curtis's movie stars an unseen Kevin Costner as the conscience of Enzo the Golden Retriever pup who, over the years, becomes the cornerstone of an American family.
Milo Ventimiglia plays Denny, an up-and-coming motor racing driver who lives alone and lavishes attention on the dog who becomes in love with his life at the track.
But then there become other demands on Denny in the form of a new girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) and baby.
The movie splits into various elements but it suffices to say that Denny isn't seen as marriage material by his potential future father-in-law (Martin Donovan).
Indeed, this relationship becomes more pivotal to the film than any other.
The problem here is that any movie which is narrated by an actor voicing the supposed thoughts of a dog is bound to be slushy.
We would all love to think that dogs are loyal without question and are always thinking happy thoughts.
When did a movie like this ever-present an angry dog? Nope, they are always Labradors, Golden Retrievers or the most cuddly of German Shepherds. Consequently, the films turn out similarly.
So, here I was having deja vu from A Dog's Purpose, A Dog's Journey or A Dog's Way Home.
The major difference here is the motor racing element - but, sadly, it is not prominent enough to distinguish The Art Of Racing In The Rain from the also-rans.
Reasons to watch: If you are a dog-lover
Reasons to avoid: Will be too slushy for many
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 5/10
Did you know? The Art of Racing in the Rain is a 2008 novel by American author Garth Stein
Final word. Amanda Seyfried: "I read Garth Stein’s novel when it was first published. It was this perfect time for me because I love animals and I thought, “Wow, how nice would it be if they did talk and they have this unique perspective.” Parade.com
0 Response to "391. The Art Of Racing In The Rain; movie review"
Posting Komentar