It is possible that you might require a tissue while watching Dog Gone, starting January 13th. However, unlike some dog movies such as Marley & Me, this film about a young boy and his father searching for their favorite pet on the Appalachian Trail will not leave you gasping for breath. That deserves respect.
We love our pets. We can do anything to keep them safe. Dog Gone clearly illustrates this point. It is based on Pauls Toutonghi’s book, which was published in 2016. The movie is an adorable snack for human beings that want to feel good about themselves during the winter season. The main cast: a lovely labrador named Gonker. There isn’t any way to stop fondness of him from growing on you. (Cue Kleenex Run No. 1.)
Rob Lowe who also executive produces stars in Dog Gone (9-1-1: Lone Star, Code Black, St Elmo’s Fire). Tik Tok sensation Johnny Berchtold and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Nashville, According to Jim) are also part of the ensemble alongside Nick Peine (A.P. Bio) under Nick Santora’s script (Preacher, Scorpion). Stephen Herek sits at the helm with experience directing an array of films—from 101 Dalmatians and Mr Holland’s Opus to The Mighty Ducks and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
Netflix came with its $5 billion checkbook because Pauls Toutonghi did something amazing with his book “Dog Gone: A Lost Pet’s Extraordinary Journey and the Family Who Brought Him Home.” In fact according to Washington Post it was “a story full of twists that keeps its reader glued till last page.” Toutonghi’s read has more creative inertia than Dog Gone does but it manages to truly grab your attention midway through it all. Just pretend you don’t mind Lowe morphing into a Jack Pearson (This Is Us) who in turn is being a Mike Brady. I have not read Toutonghi’s book, so I cannot really say but am sure the father-isms you see at Netflix will explain it all. Therefore, bravo to Lowe’s character John for being the ultimate can-do alpha male devoid of any apparent “alpha” dysfunctions like our beloved Mike Brady and Jack Pearson.
Fielding (Berchtold), John’s son graduates from college and comes home with Gonker, an affectionate lab that saw him through school. Just before this happens there is a lot that led to this point, including how Fielding met Gonker and why they are great friends. Meanwhile, back in their new house he has never had a job offer yet, father John is worried about his son. Also wife Ginny (Williams-Paisley) is going to cope with owning a dog now as well. She copes just fine. Flashforward to several weeks later when everyone else in the family wants to cuddle Gonker. Now the canine needs medication due to some health problems he has been having recently; otherwise his life would be endangered.
On the other hand Fielding takes what seems like an innocent hike across the Appalachian Trail together with a friend (Peine). This paves way for danger along the way. While hiking Fielding reflects on his life path for such awhile that seconds seem longer than usual before they pass by again. He loses sight of Gonker . They try calling him but their pleas don’t yield any results so Kleenex Run No 2 starts here instead.(Cue Kleenex Run No 2.)
Where the movie is at its best is when we get to see them out there—anxiety on their faces, determination in their strides—father and son in frantic search of Gonker. Every second counts therefore Gonker must be found within a short time because he is sick and needs medicines. John and Fielding have also traveled far both physically and emotionally, trying to bond with each other while the script does a good job though it feels predictable elsewhere amidst the “yes, we are bonding now,” or “wait, you don’t really know me after all?”
The cast includes the scenery too as well as its beauty, for instance except for capturing wildlife scenes. They make us understand how much danger exist for any lost animals that may also include humans in this wild world. Some other drama awaits Fielding as well but let’s not discuss that so that viewers can find it themselves.
Moreover, her character name Ginny (Williams-Paisley) might be less common than others. Through her memory flashbacks suddenly we realize why she is always so passionate regarding finding Gonker; pinboards, flyers and phone calls! But here’s where directorial and writing styles seem to merge into one piece because it presents this concept perfectly: pets’ inexplicable hold on our minds and lives explained fully through characters’ actions appear like they are alive. They are simply living beings who breathe air just as people do…so how can’t you love them? Moreover these pet unite a family together somehow…that is what this film wants to show.
Several surprises occur that change the course of events during last 15 minutes of the movie. There is something curious about linking people together between Santora’s lines in the film-a very unusual occurrence especially today when everything seems jaded; but could it have always been there as suggested by this film despite what majority of media outlets would say?
However, Dog Gone’s creative collar often appears loose but still there’s plenty of everyday heroism and relatable humanity here to keep tails wagging for the entire family.
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