By: Mckenzie Sussman
Arts Editor
“A Dog’s Journey” is yet another tear-jerking film about a dog’s epic journey of being reincarnated into different dogs to protect his owner.
Including many tear-inducing scenes, “A Dog’s Journey” is a must see film about a girl who grows up with the protection of her dog Molly, who was reincarnated from Bailey, the dog in a “Dog’s Purpose.” The film showcases prevalent and devastating themes and issues in the world today, such as child neglection, fatal accidents, and cancer. “A Dog’s Journey” has exceptional cinematography that shows the need for the love and wonders of a dog in one’s life.
“A Dog’s Journey” starts Josh Gad, who voiced the dog throughout his many lives as Bailey, Molly, Big Dog, and Max. Kathryn Prescott acts as the main character, CJ; Henry Lau plays Trent, CJ’s best friend; Dennis Quaid plays Ethan. Gail Mancuso directed the film and W. Bruce Cameron wrote the screenplay.
As a sequel to “A Dog’s Purpose,” “A Dog’s Journey” follows Bailey’s lives as he discovers his new purpose: protecting CJ as she grows up. CJ’s mother was absent as she grew up because of her career and her lack of care for CJ. Bailey, now reincarnated as a puppy named Molly, is destined to protect CJ and be there for her every need. Molly’s new destiny forms an unbreakable bond that will lead her and the people she loves through the hardships and joys of their lives.
“A Dog’s Journey” continues the story of Bailey, Ethan’s dog, in “A Dog’s Purpose” perfectly. Bailey continues his journey to protect CJ, Ethan’s granddaughter, through the lives of different dogs. The extraordinary bond that people share with their dogs is shown again through “A Dog’s Journey.” Through every up and down, “A Dog’s Journey” beautifully depicts the always present love of dog.
Each of the actors and actresses were uniquely cast and executed their roles wonderfully, which helped create an authentic feel to the film. The characters are well-developed and relatable to everyday people. Josh Gad voiced Bailey amazingly, showing different emotions in his voice in every scene and how Bailey feels through different moments in his life, which added to the impeccable overall production of the film.
The soundtrack adds to the film’s emotional rollercoaster on which the viewer is taken. Adding a slower melody when the scenes are heartbreaking and a faster, more upbeat melody when the scenes are vibrant and hopeful. The music adds to the suspense of the film’s dramatic scenes, keeping the viewer on the edge of his/her seat.
The film is not just about the continuous reincarnation of Bailey as he strives to protect CJ, but it’s also about family trauma, death, domestic abuse, neglectful parenting, addiction, and life-threatening illness. It’s about how dogs can fill the hole in one’s heart that a person might leave, showing the audience the purpose of dogs and their wholehearted love.
Throughout the film there are many dark issues that could be potentially very sensitive to audiences; however, many people are able to relate to the hardships that the characters go through, which makes the movie even more impactful. The film illustrates how dogs can offer people unconditional love during the obstacles and low points in their lives.
The film has a beautiful overall message about how dogs will always be a man’s best friend through all the ups and downs in life. The cinematography, actors, music, and prevalent issues take the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster through every touching and every heart-wrenching moment.
Released on May 17, “A Dog’s Journey” is rated PG and can be seen in theaters nationwide.
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