a dogs journeyDid you see Universal Pictures A Dog’s Purpose? I avoided this film because it seemed to be a real tear jerker. I don’t know about you, but I am not a huge fan of movies that make you cry. When I was invited to see the preview for the sequel titled A Dog’s Journey,  I really had to think about it. Did I want to subject myself to this torture with my 11 year old? I told myself, it’s ok – the dog does die, but he comes back as a new dog(not a spoiler). Once I was sufficiently convinced, I decided to check this one out.

Why should you see this movie?

A Dog’s Journey is a sweet, family-friendly(*see next section*) movie that follows Bailey’s adventures from the first movie. This film is perfect for ALL pet owners, not just dog families. We are cat people. Almost one year ago, we said goodbye to our orange tabby cat of 20 years.  A few years prior to that, we said goodbye to our very  first cat (who was 21, and also an orange tabby). Next month will mark one year since we adopted two rescue kitties that I swear are the reincarnation of my two orange tabbies. Talk about pulling on some heartstrings. But just the thought of seeing a movie where pets continue to find their way back to their “people” was endearing, especially if you have recently lost a furry loved one.

Is this movie safe for all ages?

A Dog’s Journey is rated PG, for thematic content, some peril and rude humor. While the majority of the movie is cute and full of fun canine antics, there are a few scenes you may not want your little one to see. Besides the fact that Bailey will transcend a few lives, you might have to answer questions regarding reincarnation, alcoholism and abuse.

My overall take?

A Dog’s Journey is a sweet, sappy, feel-good movie. It is definitely a movie you should see, if you are an animal lover. I don’t feel it is a movie I would watch over and over again, but it is a great family movie if you have older children and need a break from the “6 & under movie genre.”

A Dog’s Journey is in theaters everywhere Friday, May 17, 2019.

About the movie:

Some friendships transcend lifetimes. In A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to the heartwarming global hit A Dog’s Purpose, beloved dog Bailey finds his new destiny and forms an unbreakable bond that will lead him, and the people he loves, to places they never imagined.

Bailey (voiced again by Josh Gad) is living the good life on the Michigan farm of his “boy,” Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and Ethan’s wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannah’s baby granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJ’s mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), decides to take CJ away. As Bailey’s soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost.

Thus begins Bailey’s adventure through multiple lives filled with love, friendship and devotion as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott), and CJ’s best friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy and heartbreak, music and laughter, and few really good belly rubs.

Directed by Emmy winner Gail Mancuso (TV’s Modern Family), A Dog’s Journey is produced by Gavin Polone (A Dog’s Purpose), and written by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon, and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky, based on the best-selling novel by Cameron. The film, from Amblin Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment, in association with Walden Media and Alibaba Pictures, will be distributed by Universal Pictures domestically, and by Universal Pictures and Amblin Partners internationally.

 

What do you think?

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