Why is it always these kinds of movies that critics just slam? Do they fail to see that dogs are really "man's best friend"? That this movie is about a kid losing his best friend, and just wanting to get him back? It's getting old honestly -- the constant dislike towards live-action animal movies. Have a heart!! This movie shows that in powerful, emotional scenes.
I loved every moment of this movie, even getting past the somewhat cringy beginning. I had a dog once. His name was Nugget -- So I can relate to the biker whose dog's name was "Macaroni" LOL. Nugget didn't live past 1 year old -- :'(. Buried him in our backyard after he passed away. I must've been so broken after he died.
This movie triggered tears from every angle. There were so many meaningful, very well-acted scenes that I teared up -- the first being the Virginia Sun scene. The chemistry between Rob Lowe's "John Marshall" and Johhny Berchtold's "Fielding Marshall". I could see their differences as father and son. It was their side story that really brought the movie together.
Kimberly Williams Praisley's "Ginny Marshall" was [in my opinion] very well cast for this role. She brought a next-level approach to her character and her backstory. She was worried about her past, and she didn't want it to happen all over again. That brought tears to my eyes. So much emotion in this movie that I wasn't expecting AT ALL. Also, I love the name Oji.
Gonker is the cutest name ever given to a dog -- and it all started with a bonk.