A Dog’s Journey (2019) – Movie Review

Directed by: Gail Mancuso
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott, Josh Gad (voice of Bailey)

A Dog’s Journey (2019) is a heartwarming and emotional family film that serves as a sequel to A Dog’s Purpose (2017). Based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the movie continues the story of Bailey, a dog whose soul reincarnates over multiple lifetimes to care for and protect his human companions. With its focus on loyalty, love, and the bond between pets and their owners, A Dog’s Journey is a touching exploration of the enduring relationship between humans and their dogs.

Plot Summary

The film picks up where A Dog’s Purpose left off, with Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad) living on a farm with Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and his wife, Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). Bailey enjoys his life on the farm but feels a new purpose when he meets Ethan’s granddaughter, CJ (Kathryn Prescott), who is just a toddler at the time. Ethan asks Bailey to watch over CJ, knowing how much she means to them.

However, CJ’s troubled relationship with her mother, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), leads them to move away from the farm, leaving Bailey behind. Before Bailey passes away, Ethan whispers a request for him to find and protect CJ in his next life. True to Ethan’s words, Bailey reincarnates into multiple dogs throughout the movie—each time with the mission to find CJ and care for her as she navigates the ups and downs of life.

As CJ grows older, facing challenges in her career, relationships, and family, Bailey remains by her side in various forms, always loyal and watching over her. From his perspective, Bailey’s journey is about fulfilling his purpose and keeping his promise to Ethan. In the end, CJ realizes the connection between her different pets, understanding that Bailey has been guiding her all along.

Themes

A Dog’s Journey focuses on themes of loyalty, love, and the unbreakable bond between pets and their human companions. Bailey’s devotion to Ethan and CJ drives the story, emphasizing the idea that dogs are more than just pets—they’re loyal companions who provide emotional support, comfort, and love. The film also touches on themes of family, personal growth, and healing, as CJ overcomes obstacles in her life, aided by Bailey’s unconditional love.

The concept of reincarnation is central to the film, with Bailey experiencing multiple lives, each with a different form and name, but always retaining his memories and loyalty to CJ. This notion of dogs having a larger purpose adds a layer of sentimentality, making the movie emotionally impactful for dog lovers.

Performances

Josh Gad’s voice performance as Bailey is charming, humorous, and heartfelt. Gad brings warmth and personality to Bailey’s character, providing both lighthearted moments and emotional depth throughout the film. His narration captures the innocence, devotion, and occasional confusion of a dog’s perspective, which adds to the movie’s emotional appeal.

Dennis Quaid reprises his role as Ethan, grounding the film with his performance as the loving grandfather. Although his role is smaller in this film compared to A Dog’s Purpose, Quaid’s portrayal of Ethan is heartfelt and touching, especially in his scenes with Bailey and CJ.

Kathryn Prescott delivers a strong performance as the adult CJ, portraying her character’s struggles with vulnerability and authenticity. As CJ faces difficulties in her relationships and career, Prescott brings a believable emotional arc to the character, making her journey relatable to viewers.

Emotional Impact

A Dog’s Journey is a deeply emotional film, especially for dog lovers and anyone who has experienced the bond between a pet and its owner. Bailey’s dedication to CJ and his determination to fulfill his purpose across multiple lifetimes will tug at the heartstrings. The film strikes a balance between uplifting moments, where Bailey helps CJ through life’s challenges, and sadder moments, particularly when Bailey’s various incarnations pass away, only to return in another form.

The movie’s exploration of the cyclical nature of life, love, and loyalty provides comfort to audiences, especially with its message that the bond between a dog and its human can transcend time and space. The film handles these emotional moments with sincerity, ensuring that the overall tone remains heartwarming and positive.

Visuals and Direction

Gail Mancuso’s direction ensures that the film remains visually engaging, with picturesque farm settings and urban landscapes that reflect the different stages of CJ’s life. The scenes between CJ and her dogs are intimate and endearing, allowing the audience to connect with their relationship on a personal level. The cinematography captures the warmth of Bailey’s perspective, often showing the world through the eyes of a dog, which adds charm and lightness to the storytelling.

Verdict

A Dog’s Journey is a touching and heartfelt film that explores the deep emotional bond between dogs and their human companions. With its charming performances, particularly Josh Gad’s narration as Bailey, and its emotionally rich storyline, the film is a beautiful continuation of the themes introduced in A Dog’s Purpose. While it may be predictable and sentimental at times, it’s a feel-good movie that will resonate strongly with dog lovers and families alike.