Comedy. With JENNIFER ANISTON and OWEN WILSON. Director: David Frankel. A. Opens 20 March.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Leon van Nierop
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A couple who are soulmates but can’t have children decide to get a puppy instead - but what happens to the dog when a baby does arrive?
WHO WILL ENJOY IT?
This movie may seem sentimental and cute in a forced way but it’s an exciting, invigorating experience if you’ve been looking for a family film everyone can enjoy. The dog is a metaphor for marriage because he struggles with his owners through their human problems. But he can also be difficult and hard to handle and like life he subjects his humans to all kinds of pain and suffering, especially when he’s a puppy. At one point he almost destroys the house! But the heart of the film is the bond a family forms with their four-legged child/teen.
WAIT FOR DVD?
It’s the ideal movie to see on DVD - Fido can also watch and even add to the fun by catching the popcorn you throw for him. Human comedy is seldom portrayed so truthfully and with such a deft touch.
You never feel as if your emotions are being manipulated and anyone who loves dogs and whose family life has the odd hiccup will lovingly welcome this pooch and his clan to their DVD player. Highly recommended as an excellent family film.
