"A Dog's Purpose" Movie Review

There has been a lot of controversy behind the new film A Dog's Purpose, many times being accused of animal abuse behind the scenes. After some research, and a trip to the theater, I can say with confidence that the claims were wrong. No dogs were harmed in the making of this film. Now, I won't focus on the negative and false claims but rather focus on what an incredible film this was. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once, making you laugh and cry all the while bringing us to the realization that sometimes dogs are just as lost as we are and are simply looking for their purpose in the world.

Now, just to be clear, the film theorizes that dogs have many lives, not just one, and I like that idea. It's not necessarily reincarnation as that entails that your next life hinges on what you did in your past life. This idea is more the theory that dogs are reborn after death into a new life. It's heartbreaking to think that a dog that you have come to love so deeply is only alive for 5 or 10 or in some cases 15 years and then they're just gone with no afterlife to go on to. Just gone. The movie makes you think that dogs do have a higher purpose and that's heartwarming.

Our story begins with the birth of a puppy. The first life is short because of some annoying dog catchers. It's really not a necessary part of the story and could have been skipped altogether, however, it only lasts a couple minutes so there's not much worth complaining about. The puppy's second life begins and we are introduced to our first good human: Ethan Montgomery. Ethan is a young boy with a huge heart and wants nothing more than to love something. Well, to love something besides his Captain America comic books, that is. He finds that love in his new dog who he names Bailey. This is our main story and while the following ones are a beautiful testament to how beautiful, difficult, and at times sad life can be, you should invest into Ethan's story the most. I can't tell you why, just trust me.

There are a total of five lives: the beginning short one, Ethan, a cop, Maya, and a farmer. The latter four are crucial into Bailey discovering just what his purpose is and, when he does, it's an incredible parallel with what a human's purpose is.

In conclusion, don't listen to all these fake stories about the animals being abused. There were trained stunt dogs on set and they were monitored closely. Again, I specify that NO dogs were harmed or otherwise abused. Don't let anything keep you from seeing this amazing movie. It's a perfect film for the entire family, both young and old. If you aren't smiling with tears streaming down your face by the time the film's over, then I'd take a deep look into your heart. I give the film a perfect 4 out of 4.