A Dog’s Way Home (2019) – Movie Review

Directed by Charles Martin Smith, A Dog’s Way Home is a heartwarming family adventure film that tells the touching tale of Bella, a devoted dog who embarks on a 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the film is an emotional exploration of loyalty, love, and the bond between humans and their pets.

Plot Overview:

The story follows Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard), a pit bull mix, who is taken in by a young man named Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King) after being found in an abandoned building. Lucas lives with his mother Terri (Ashley Judd) and works at a VA hospital, where Bella becomes a beloved companion to the veterans.

Due to local animal control laws prohibiting pit bulls, Bella is forced to live far away from Lucas. In a heartbreaking separation, Bella is sent to a foster home in another state. However, driven by her love for Lucas, Bella decides to take matters into her own paws and embarks on an incredible journey across rugged terrain, encountering various challenges and new friends along the way, including a cougar and a homeless man.

As Bella’s odyssey unfolds, she faces both danger and kindness, proving the lengths a dog will go to be reunited with the one they love.

Strengths:

1. Emotional Appeal: The central story of Bella’s journey tugs at the heartstrings. The film effectively captures the deep bond between dogs and their owners, making it an emotional watch for any pet lover. Bella’s determination to find her way back to Lucas is a testament to the loyalty and love that dogs offer.
2. Family-Friendly Adventure: The film offers a wholesome, family-friendly adventure that is safe for viewers of all ages. The positive messages about friendship, perseverance, and kindness shine through, making it a feel-good movie that families can enjoy together.
3. Voice of Bella: Bryce Dallas Howard’s narration as Bella brings a sense of warmth and innocence to the character. Her voiceover helps the audience connect with Bella’s thoughts and emotions, adding depth to the dog’s journey.
4. Beautiful Scenery: The film’s outdoor sequences, featuring mountains, forests, and rivers, are visually stunning. These scenes provide a scenic backdrop for Bella’s long trek and add a sense of adventure to the narrative.

Weaknesses:

1. Simplistic Plot: While A Dog’s Way Home is undeniably sweet, the plot is fairly straightforward and predictable. There aren’t many surprises along the way, and the film sticks closely to the typical “lost dog finds its way home” formula.
2. Heavy Reliance on CGI: Some of the animal interactions, particularly Bella’s friendship with the CGI cougar, can feel a bit unrealistic and take away from the natural charm of the film. The overuse of CGI for certain animals might pull some viewers out of the otherwise heartfelt story.
3. Lack of Depth in Supporting Characters: Aside from Bella, many of the human characters, including Lucas and his mother, don’t get much development. Their roles mainly serve to propel Bella’s journey forward, but they feel somewhat one-dimensional.

Themes:

• Loyalty and Perseverance: Bella’s unwavering loyalty to Lucas and her determination to find her way back home form the emotional core of the film. These themes are universally relatable and highlight the incredible bond between dogs and their owners.
• Kindness and Compassion: Throughout her journey, Bella encounters both human and animal companions who offer her kindness and aid. These moments of compassion stand out as uplifting examples of goodness, reinforcing the film’s positive message.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Bella’s adventure is filled with challenges, from natural threats to human obstacles. Her journey reflects the broader theme of persistence and overcoming adversity, which resonates with both children and adults.

Verdict:

A Dog’s Way Home is a charming, feel-good movie that delivers exactly what it promises—a heartwarming story about a dog’s determination to be reunited with her owner. While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, its emotional appeal, beautiful landscapes, and the lovable character of Bella make it a delightful film for animal lovers and families alike.