New Releases This Week For Home Viewing

Well only two films for home viewing this week to note. One is better than okay, the other is just okay.


A DOGS PURPOSE
Directed by Lase Hallstrom
Screenplay by W Bruce Cameron; Catheryn Michon; Audrey Wells; Maya Forbes; and Wally Wolodorsky
Based on the book by W Bruce Cameron
Starring Denis Quaid; Peggy Lipton; Kj Apa; John Ortiz; and Britt Robertson
Voice by Josh Gad




A dog comes back and back and back as different dogs.

This film had a lot going against it. An awful trailer. It showed a dog dying and a sad teenager. Really? It gives the impression we will see scenes like this over and over, which is not true. That happens one time and it is like 30 seconds, but that little scene in the trailer can turn people off.
Then throw in the animal cruelty allegations that were proved false.

I am here to let you know the film is kinda cute and pleasant. I think the film taps on the sadness of when you lose a pet. Not only do you miss the pet, but at that time you realize how much the pet has witnessed from deaths, too moving, too other pets, too births.
It is a cute film. Very light with a sweet ending.
What really makes it work is the wonderful performances:
The big name is Dennis Quaid. He is good but only in the film for 10 minutes maybe.
The highlight is a wonderful performance by KJ Apa as the teen Ethan.  He owns this part and it is not easy playing against a dog. He has you cheering for him and you also hurt for him. He is the all-American boy.
Then throw in one of my favorites Britt Robertson who never gives a bad performance. Here she shines as Hannah, Ethan's girlfriend. When they are together you almost forget the dog.

A sweet film that maybe a little too soft. Just...not much development, I think because the story jumps time so often that it is difficult to have time for development. Like I wanted to know more about Ethan but...we jumped time.

Still it is harmless and kind of sweet and silly so 3 stars out of 5 for A Dogs Purpose.



GOLD
Directed by Stephen Gaghan
Screenplay by Patrick Bassett and John Zinman
Starring Matthew McConaughy; Bryce Dallas Howard; and Edgar Ramirez



Well the trailer tells you everything, so then let me get to the review.

This film notes this is based on a true story. No it is not. Not even close. It had to do with penny stock mining.... not gold. And there was not one bit of excitement around that story. It is just odd.
Then you get to the McConaughy character who is not real. The weight and hair???!! Why??
I do not know...it throws you off because...I mean WHY?? Why everything. It feels like a lie.
If it stands alone and does not mention that it was based on a real story you feel like okay it is just a story. If that makes sense.

The odd thing is it is a fun story to watch. You kind of like the characters. They are underdogs. You cheer for them (however Kenny Wells is kind of a jerk often). He almost reminds you of Ray Kroc in The Founder film. You cheer but feel bad for others around him.
Howard gives a wonderful performance as Kay, Well's partner in life. You loooove her but when she is not in the film you miss her, which is too often. And that is a problem.
Now Ramirez steals the film here as Acosta Wells business partner. He is calm and bright opposite of the sloppy and unfocused Wells.

So...well acted. Interesting story with kind of a lazy twist and then a lazy ending...SINCE IT WAS NOT TRUE they could have gone anywhere with it. So right down the middle 2 1/2 stars out of 5 for Gold. Good...wanted great.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time as always.