A Dog’s Journey is a sequel to the first movie about dogs dying. Now, Dennis Quaid has returned to satiate his craving for canine souls. What I love is how Universal has found a way to make the Bible Belt give a damn about reincarnation.
The talking dog movies are starting to hit a wall. After talking dog meets wild animals, we return with the second installment in Sometimes They Woof Back.
I could talk about the movie, but I want to address the undercurrent of these films. America has a real obsession with fatalism. Honestly, it seems to be the overarching cultural drive of the Baby Boomers.
Dennis Quaid takes on the role with gusto, as he could be most of your parents. Old, but not infirmed. Engaged and active, but still carries the weight of an old life.
A Dog’s Journey plays to this by creating a mild film about common cultural touch points. Yet everything revolves around how you can cheat death. I’m not saying one thing or the other.
Well, other than certain demographics’ obsessions with these movies is pretty stunning. A Dog’s Journey isn’t as good as the first movie. But, I don’t think it was meant to be. It’s just so odd when you think about it.
The Blu-ray comes with deleted and extended scenes. Plus, you get a gag reel, featurettes and a commentary. It wasn’t until the commentary when I realized Gail Mancuso directed the film. Don’t know who she is?
Well, she’s about the biggest sitcom director of the last 25 years. The A/V Quality pops for a talking dog movie. The 2.35:1 transfer is crisp, while the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track will seem overpowering.
A Dog’s Journey arrives August 20th
[…] Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, TV’s “This Is Us”), with Golden Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (2011, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, […]