For the Love of a Dog (2007)

Awful, foul-mouthed, badly acted movie!

I rented this movie based on some glowing reviews and was terribly disappointed!! So much so, that this is my first review I've ever been compelled to write.

The movie rarely showed the dog, was awash with rude and negative comments, and was completely distasteful. "Shut up" was the most commonly shared comment between the children. The cover is so misleading with the sweet picture of the dog. The family isn't even kind to the poor dog either. It had an overwhelming mix of poor acting and terrible dialogue. The only slightly redeeming thing was the crusty performance by Sherman Hemsley that brought back childhood memories of "The Jeffersons".

The story had such potential but the movie was just a DOG. September 21, 2008

Sassy, Mouthy, Hateful Kids Distracted from the Story

I wasn't sure what D.G. Victory meant in his review until I watched this movie. The opening looked promising enough, showing snapshots of smiling kids with an adorable dog. We see the dog, Semper Fi, romping through a neighborhood and interacting with various people. What's not to love? Sherman Hemsley's antics as the grumpy neighbor made me laugh out loud.

Once the dog's family enters the story, though, the cuteness fades fast. I haven't heard this much mouthiness since "Cheaper by the Dozen": "Shut up!" "Nobody asked YOU!" "Why don't you make me?" The siblings were hateful to each other. They talked back to their parents. The mother (who ignored the backtalk) was rude back to the children. It wasn't just a time or two; the entire first scene involving the family was LOADED with mouthiness. Nearly every character, nearly every sentence. This was also accompanied by coordinating body language: eye rolling, huffiness, etc.

I realize that the characters were likely to go through some type of transformation which softened their hearts, much like the end of Cheaper by the Dozen. However, I have young children, and at this age they would not be able to overlook the 95% hatefulness and remember only the 5% sweetness at the end of the film. (Assuming it's even there.)

The kicker was a scene set at a high school. A teenage girl - who, at this point, does not play a part in the story whatsoever - walks by, chattering on a cell phone and saying, "Oh my G**!" This did nothing to advance the plot or add to the scene, which showed two other teenage girls discussing a problem. The cell phone conversation was mere filler.

Okay, I have serious issues with this. The back of the DVD case proclaimed in large, bold type: "A true family film...no violence, no adult language & no adult content...just fun for all!" Sorry, but any use of the Lord's name in vain is profanity, which is defined as, "characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things." (Dictionary.com) Profanity is "adult language," is it not?

I regret that I am unable to provide a complete review, as I was compelled to press "Eject" after only 15 minutes. I must say, I NEVER do this. I always want to look for the good in everything and give the benefit of the doubt. At first, I attempted to use the insolence as a teachable moment for my children: "That was rude. It must hurt the sister's feelings to be spoken to that way." "She didn't speak respectfully to her mother, did she?." However, it got to the point that I had to make a comment to counter every single thing the characters said. It was simply ridiculous!

In all fairness, I must say that as a conservative Christian, I am way more selective about the movies I let my young children see than most people are. You may love this movie. If you don't have a problem with your family being inundated with mouthiness, you may enjoy it. If you can get past the irreverent use of the Lord's name, you may adore this movie. If you have older children who are able to discern, this movie may be your new family favorite. Perhaps you can write a more complete review for everyone else who wants to see it.

One more note: From a technical standpoint, the cinematography was top-notch, with creative angles and skilled lighting. It certainly didn't look low-budget.
June 21, 2008

For the love of a Dog

This movie with pull at you heart strings as you follow the trials of a southern family facing a tough decision about their beloved pet. Your children or grandchildren will be entertained as well as the adults. A great choice for a family movie with a darling child actress that is outstanding. May 24, 2008

Great Movie

For the Love of the Dog

What a great movie, fun for all ages. I really enjoyed this movie & would highly recommend it. It has the same corny ending but still fun. February 9, 2008

Total Disgrace !L

Having lived in rural America all my life and being a farmer working around animals many of those years , I viewed this movie as a total disgrace to our society . One can see why our country is in such bad shape by how the kids in this movie show little if any respect for anyone or anything . The parents are to blame for the most part because they have not taken the time to teach their children any skills or values ,and since when do children or pets rule our society ? This movie isn't even good enough for a one star rating ! The only reason the other two reviews are some what favorable is because it was filmed in their town ,poor reason to rate it . A very discussing movie !!! January 24, 2008

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