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A Dog's Way Home

A Dog’s Way Home: Yet Another Canine Tale

Not all dog stories are Cujo (1983), however almost any film to feature a canine pooch or family dog has potential to appeal across all ages. While this new adventure in cinemas now, A Dog’s Way Home, is no Marley & Me, be sure to take some tissues as tears are sure to be shed.

An uncomplicated dog movie following former stray Bella taken in by a loving human family only to do what many dogs do, run off and get lost. Bella narrates the entire feature through an unwavering amusing voice supplied by wonderful Bryce Dallas Howard (Lady in the Water, Jurassic World), she somewhat unnecessarily explains ‘everything’ from beginning to end. A fortunate, happy ending – Bella eventually finds herself in a reputable Dog Rescue shelter.

This particular dog causes an avalanche, a car accident, is chased by wolves and makes friends with a cougar amongst other things. All family friendly PG rated viewing of course. Directed by legendary actor Charles Martin Smith (The Untouchables, I Love Trouble, The Hot Spot), also no stranger to directing animal related feel-good duo A Dolphin Tale 1 & 2. While not a classic, A Dog’s Way Home will proudly sit alongside well loved crowd pleasing feel-good features concerning tail wagging puppies.

Here are a few of my personal recommendations for dog movies of years gone by leaving out all versions or sequels of 101 Dalmatians, Lady & the Tramp, Benji and Lassie, as they’re givens as favourites.

BEETHOVEN (1992): All time favourite oversized St. Bernard misadventures so popular, it spawned several fun sequels all worthy of a view.

ISLE OF DOGS (2018): Flawless stop motion animation with an all-star voice cast, truly a wonderful thought-provoking dark comedy.

MANS BEST FRIEND (1993): Thriller of an out-of-control once kind faithful canine going berserk. One for the horror buffs, better than CUGO.

MILO AND OTIS (1986): Cult film, a cat, a dog, unlikely best friends running around the Japanese countryside, actually someones backyard.

EIGHT BELOW (2006): Antarctic heartwarmer of a beautiful survival story sharply produced by Disney, starring late-great Paul Walker.

RED DOG (2011): Huge down under hit family fable of outback dog travelling place to place changing lives along the way.

BEST IN SHOW (2000): Funny mockumentary following participants, both of four legged and two legged varieties, in the world of dog parades.

FRANKENWEENIE (2012): Instant classic, comedic, dark, emotional, heart-wrenching original from creator Tim Burton.

K9 (1989): Retro buddy cop action comedy should be revisited, Jerry Lee shows up his human detective counterparts in amusing style.

A DOG’S WAY HOME (Rated PG 93 min) with Ashley Judd, Edward James Olmos, Bryce Dallas Howard. Now showing in cinemas everywhere.

Shane A. Bassett

Sydney Unleashed is one of Australia’s premier entertainment publications exploring the latest in lifestyle trends. From Sydney’s finest restaurants, cafes and bars to the hottest in gadgets, products, and home entertainment, Sydney Unleashed is your one-stop lifestyle platform.