Not your typical dog movie - here the dog actually acts like a real dog. No talking animals, no over-the-top staged smarts or heroics. It plays more like an episode of the Dog Whisperer - BEFORE they call in Cesar. Bridges plays a semi-creepy sad sack of a blocked writer who, through somewhat unclear circumstances, unwittingly and unwillingly adopts the border collie from hell. Having adopted a somewhat crazed border collie myself, I can say the dogs behavior and interactions with Bridges are spot on, and there is no need for the typical Hollywood (c.f. Beethoven) hyperbole - the dog is not quite the lovable scamp, and the Bridges' Katz is not a wholly sympathetic character. With a little unwelcome help from his friends, peace is eventually made between the writer and his dog. That's the good - the bad is this movie seems to be the anti-Marley - we only get a bare smattering of how the "adoption" came to pass, what the hell is going on between Katz and his family, and what happened to the other yellow lab? One gets the sense of script problems and/or a heavy hand in the editing room, which is too bad because while these details are not important, the missing pieces are distracting, and flaw this otherwise refreshingly realistic, yet still eminently watchable dog flick.
27 Reviews
Subject matter is presented in a realistic style
mbschan15 March 2011
For me the most important aspect of Jeff Bridges as an actor, is he is believable and real. I don't know if I would have rated the film any higher without his performance as Jon Katz the main character in the story. The film style is simplistic but projects a realistic view of what it's like to have a highly active and abused dog. What is most memorable to me are the few simple scenes that Jeff Bridges shares with Devon. I was so pleased that he filmmaker did not take a "Disney" format approach to the subject and presented in its true from.
If there is one criticism I have with the film is that I'm never explained the psyche of the main character Jon Katz. Why is he stubborn and unyielding and refusing to listen to other people's advice. We are told that he is an "mad" by the trainer but there is no evidence or background to support this.
These to me are minor points but worth mentioning. In all it was a very believable and realistic approach to the subject.
If there is one criticism I have with the film is that I'm never explained the psyche of the main character Jon Katz. Why is he stubborn and unyielding and refusing to listen to other people's advice. We are told that he is an "mad" by the trainer but there is no evidence or background to support this.
These to me are minor points but worth mentioning. In all it was a very believable and realistic approach to the subject.
Man's best friend
jotix10023 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes people get wrong ideas when getting a pet, especially a dog. We forget that, like other animals, certain breeds were meant to be helpers in the farm, rather than become house pets. Jon Katz, a man with knowledge of dogs, is asked to try to help with a border collie, Devon, that was abused. Mr. Katz had two older Labrador retrievers at home, the addition of a new dog proves to be a bigger challenge Jon had expected.
The frustrating acquainting process shows a dog that was abused. Jon had to do wonders to keep his sanity. Devon was destructive, almost unmanageable, because the dog had no discipline. Jon Katz's own life was going through a rough time. His wife having decided to live away from him, sent this man into a rotten state of mind. Even his own daughter, Emma, notices the state of her father's despair. What's more, as a writer, he is clearly blocked. One of his Labs gets sick and must be put to sleep, that is the last thing he ever wanted.
When Jon decides to go to the country in order to get away from the usual distractions at home, he decides to bring Devon with him. Trying to stay by himself, he becomes the little town's attraction. The plain folks in the area prove to be wiser than he gave them credit for. He is told to see Lois Blair, a no nonsense woman, the owner of a border collie herself. Lois, a woman of a few words realize what the problem is with Devon, but better yet, her advice to Jon is right on target. The dog has no problems; Devon was born to work the fields shepherding, whereas Jon's problem is greater, he must deal with his own situation as soon as possible.
Not having a clue as to what the film was about, we took a chance, and frankly, it was a surprise. Written and directed by George LeVoo, this is a film highly recommended for all dog lovers. It is a story that rings true from beginning to end. Jon Katz's messed up life was not exactly at a good point. Having to deal with an unruly abused dog, was certainly a big challenge for anyone, let alone a man that was facing a big marital crisis.
The film is even better by the presence of an actor of the stature of Jeff Bridges. No matter where Mr. Bridges decides to appear in, he always gives a good and honest performance. Mr. Bridges' work will endear him to audiences where the film is shown. Lois Smith plays Lois Blair, and Lauren Ambrose appears as Emma.
"A Dog Year" is a film that tries to stay focus by not going for the cuteness its theme might have become in big studios hands.
The frustrating acquainting process shows a dog that was abused. Jon had to do wonders to keep his sanity. Devon was destructive, almost unmanageable, because the dog had no discipline. Jon Katz's own life was going through a rough time. His wife having decided to live away from him, sent this man into a rotten state of mind. Even his own daughter, Emma, notices the state of her father's despair. What's more, as a writer, he is clearly blocked. One of his Labs gets sick and must be put to sleep, that is the last thing he ever wanted.
When Jon decides to go to the country in order to get away from the usual distractions at home, he decides to bring Devon with him. Trying to stay by himself, he becomes the little town's attraction. The plain folks in the area prove to be wiser than he gave them credit for. He is told to see Lois Blair, a no nonsense woman, the owner of a border collie herself. Lois, a woman of a few words realize what the problem is with Devon, but better yet, her advice to Jon is right on target. The dog has no problems; Devon was born to work the fields shepherding, whereas Jon's problem is greater, he must deal with his own situation as soon as possible.
Not having a clue as to what the film was about, we took a chance, and frankly, it was a surprise. Written and directed by George LeVoo, this is a film highly recommended for all dog lovers. It is a story that rings true from beginning to end. Jon Katz's messed up life was not exactly at a good point. Having to deal with an unruly abused dog, was certainly a big challenge for anyone, let alone a man that was facing a big marital crisis.
The film is even better by the presence of an actor of the stature of Jeff Bridges. No matter where Mr. Bridges decides to appear in, he always gives a good and honest performance. Mr. Bridges' work will endear him to audiences where the film is shown. Lois Smith plays Lois Blair, and Lauren Ambrose appears as Emma.
"A Dog Year" is a film that tries to stay focus by not going for the cuteness its theme might have become in big studios hands.
Short and Sweet.. 'Feel good' and quiet.
jahredem10 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This past weekend I caught the last 45 minutes or so at the end of this film on HBO, and enjoyed it thoroughly. So its obvious this isn't the kind of film you need to ask the chronology behind the character's behaviors. I waited to catch the rest of it at a later time.
Bridges did a terrific job as usual, accurately depicting a disgruntled fifty something with writers block. He's now numb to the yuppie neighborhood/lifestyle he resides. His outlook of life is droll, he has separated from his wife, his undergraduate daughter rarely visits, and he's constantly under his publishing agent's eye.
The dog (Devin) comes into Bridge's life when he agrees to one of his reader's pleas to rehabilitate it. Bridges, feeling he has nothing better to do, accepts the task. Devin is a mess but this film doesn't rely on cheap puns/humor and obvious scenarios that "Marley & Me" cranks out(that is if you drop the airport scene). Unlike "Marley", Riley had been an abused dog, he has some real reasons to have such odd behaviors and distrustful actions towards people. Nearing the end, the movie becomes quite touching as the dialogue fades away and the viewer relies on observation to analyze what exactly is going through the pair's minds. They really used each other to escape from depression and intolerance of the lives they have. Just a feel good quiet movie.
On a personal note, this is one film I (and many others) can directly relate too. I had the same issues with my dog which i adopted from a humane society. It just so happened to be during a rough period in my life too. Took a very long time for her to warm up enough to feel comfortable around me and others and now she's doing great, she loves being a dog again!
Bridges did a terrific job as usual, accurately depicting a disgruntled fifty something with writers block. He's now numb to the yuppie neighborhood/lifestyle he resides. His outlook of life is droll, he has separated from his wife, his undergraduate daughter rarely visits, and he's constantly under his publishing agent's eye.
The dog (Devin) comes into Bridge's life when he agrees to one of his reader's pleas to rehabilitate it. Bridges, feeling he has nothing better to do, accepts the task. Devin is a mess but this film doesn't rely on cheap puns/humor and obvious scenarios that "Marley & Me" cranks out(that is if you drop the airport scene). Unlike "Marley", Riley had been an abused dog, he has some real reasons to have such odd behaviors and distrustful actions towards people. Nearing the end, the movie becomes quite touching as the dialogue fades away and the viewer relies on observation to analyze what exactly is going through the pair's minds. They really used each other to escape from depression and intolerance of the lives they have. Just a feel good quiet movie.
On a personal note, this is one film I (and many others) can directly relate too. I had the same issues with my dog which i adopted from a humane society. It just so happened to be during a rough period in my life too. Took a very long time for her to warm up enough to feel comfortable around me and others and now she's doing great, she loves being a dog again!
A Different Dog Story
wisewebwoman16 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Jeff Bridges can do no wrong in my book, he is a brilliant, underplaying actor who catches a role and runs with it. He didn't let me down in this movie.
I could relate to it on many levels, having adopted a rescue - part collie - myself and it took two years for her to bond with me. But when she did it was like a marriage.
'A Dog Year', based on Jon Katz's book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis and writer's block, who adopts a crazy abused dog who is completely out of control. The story is basically how they both evolve into full beings and nurture each other back to a balanced life.
Jon's other two dogs, two golden labs, are perfectly trained and some of the funniest scenes in the film revolve around their appalled dignity as they watch Devin, the dog from hell, run amok. Jon runs away with Devin to a phoneless farm and slowly assimilates into socializing with the country folk as he and Devin work out the kinks and hurts in their relationship with each other.
It's a lovely little film on many levels. Jeff embodies the role and even though he is angry and unlovable, just like Devin, there is a spark of his innate kindness underlying his every action.
7 out of 10 from me. Worth catching for any dog lover.
I could relate to it on many levels, having adopted a rescue - part collie - myself and it took two years for her to bond with me. But when she did it was like a marriage.
'A Dog Year', based on Jon Katz's book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis and writer's block, who adopts a crazy abused dog who is completely out of control. The story is basically how they both evolve into full beings and nurture each other back to a balanced life.
Jon's other two dogs, two golden labs, are perfectly trained and some of the funniest scenes in the film revolve around their appalled dignity as they watch Devin, the dog from hell, run amok. Jon runs away with Devin to a phoneless farm and slowly assimilates into socializing with the country folk as he and Devin work out the kinks and hurts in their relationship with each other.
It's a lovely little film on many levels. Jeff embodies the role and even though he is angry and unlovable, just like Devin, there is a spark of his innate kindness underlying his every action.
7 out of 10 from me. Worth catching for any dog lover.
Lacks a Punch, but It's About a Pup, a Really *Good* pup.
ThomasDrufke8 May 2019
A dog movie that's not overly manipulative? That's one in a million. In all seriousness, 'A Dog Year' doesn't contain those certain scenes that most dog films too, or at least they don't play it off like something like Marley & Me. But it also doesn't necessarily have the heart that something like A Hachi's Tale or Megan Leavey do. So while it doesn't reinvent the genre in any way, it's a quick 80 minutes that gives you an enjoyable Jeff Bridges performances and plenty of good pup pup moments. I'll take it.
7.1/10
7.1/10
Ends abruptly -- WTF?!
curvy_vegetarian17 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Nothing ever happened, and then it was over.
Along the way, I was super annoyed with Jeff Bridges character. He was such a clueless dog owner, and he didn't ever seem to figure anything out. I wanted to yell at the TV he was so dumb and horrible. One minute he's gonna return the dog to whoever sent it to him, then he decides he loves the dog and he wants to keep it, then he's literally throwing the dog on the ground in anger.... He learns a little bit about border collies, and their need for work/exercise, but then he builds a tiny pen for the dog. Really!?
I kept thinking that something would be explained or resolved eventually -- why is the dog obsessed with school buses? What's going on with the main character's marriage? Etc. But nothing ever was.
Seriously, this movie is utter crap, even worse than Marley & Me, and that's saying something!!!
Along the way, I was super annoyed with Jeff Bridges character. He was such a clueless dog owner, and he didn't ever seem to figure anything out. I wanted to yell at the TV he was so dumb and horrible. One minute he's gonna return the dog to whoever sent it to him, then he decides he loves the dog and he wants to keep it, then he's literally throwing the dog on the ground in anger.... He learns a little bit about border collies, and their need for work/exercise, but then he builds a tiny pen for the dog. Really!?
I kept thinking that something would be explained or resolved eventually -- why is the dog obsessed with school buses? What's going on with the main character's marriage? Etc. But nothing ever was.
Seriously, this movie is utter crap, even worse than Marley & Me, and that's saying something!!!
Intresting as a dog lover and watchable for Jeff Bridges but why?
juneebuggy6 November 2019
This was okay, not great but interesting especially as a dog lover and watchable because of Jeff Bridges. He plays a writer who impulsively adopts an energetic border collie that turns his already frantic midlife crisis even crazier. Why is he having a midlife crisis, we never get to know. He is separated from his wife, why? The movie never tells. Jeff takes his new dog and rents a dilapidated farmhouse, where he begins to repair himself and the dog with random interactions with the townsfolk.
The biggest problem this movie has is the absence of a backstory or any kind of satisfying resolution, yup this movie just ends. you never find out why the writer is depressed and angry like he is, or why he's separated from his wife (interestingly voiced by his Starman wife Karen Allen) We never get to know the back story of the dog or if anyone in this is stable at the end. Very frustrating. I will say that the dog actually acts like a real dog, a bored dog who's had zero training. Bridges is also useless with the training.
The biggest problem this movie has is the absence of a backstory or any kind of satisfying resolution, yup this movie just ends. you never find out why the writer is depressed and angry like he is, or why he's separated from his wife (interestingly voiced by his Starman wife Karen Allen) We never get to know the back story of the dog or if anyone in this is stable at the end. Very frustrating. I will say that the dog actually acts like a real dog, a bored dog who's had zero training. Bridges is also useless with the training.
Doggone, I Really Wanted to Like this Movie
marshreed17 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Cute-but-mischievous pup meets fifty-year old ne'er do well. It's a formula that scores automatic points much like writing your name correctly on the SAT.
As expected, Jeff Bridges is solid. As expected, the dog makes you want to rush out and adopt from a shelter. Beyond that, there's simply nothing. There is no back-story, no moral, no climax, no score, no notable supporting performances. I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me the plot had been improvised.
I so very much wanted to like A Dog Year. I gave it five stars because, let's face it, who doesn't like Jeff Bridges or dogs? If the dog wasn't so lovable, I would have given the movie 1 star. If Jeff Bridges wasn't the lead, I'd have given it no stars.
Dog of the Year is a better antidepressant drug alternative than it is a movie. I suppose these days, that's not such a bad thing.
As expected, Jeff Bridges is solid. As expected, the dog makes you want to rush out and adopt from a shelter. Beyond that, there's simply nothing. There is no back-story, no moral, no climax, no score, no notable supporting performances. I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me the plot had been improvised.
I so very much wanted to like A Dog Year. I gave it five stars because, let's face it, who doesn't like Jeff Bridges or dogs? If the dog wasn't so lovable, I would have given the movie 1 star. If Jeff Bridges wasn't the lead, I'd have given it no stars.
Dog of the Year is a better antidepressant drug alternative than it is a movie. I suppose these days, that's not such a bad thing.
needs more story
SnoopyStyle22 August 2016
Jon Katz (Jeff Bridges) is under pressured to write his next book. He's alone with two dogs. His wife has left him and his daughter Emma (Lauren Ambrose) is away at college. A fan sends him a rescue Border Collie named Devon for him to help. Devon has been abused and is unmanageable. Emma returns to find a mess. Devon continues to chase school buses. Jon rents a farmhouse to write in isolation. Local handyman Anthony Armstrong (Domhnall Gleeson) sends him to dog trainer Lois Blair (Lois Smith).
This is based on Jon Katz's book about his real life with his rescued border collie. This is a little too bare bones. There isn't any drama. There isn't much story. There is a bit of character but it would be better to fill it out more. This could have given him a scene with his wife at the beginning. This could have given a sense of what he writes about. His scenes with his daughter are great but this needs more.
This is based on Jon Katz's book about his real life with his rescued border collie. This is a little too bare bones. There isn't any drama. There isn't much story. There is a bit of character but it would be better to fill it out more. This could have given him a scene with his wife at the beginning. This could have given a sense of what he writes about. His scenes with his daughter are great but this needs more.
Jeff Bridges is a Legend...
namashi_111 January 2011
While watching 'A Dog Year', I was once again sure to say, that I am a Jeff Bridges fanatic, and he is a Legend. Bridges has completed 40 years in Hollywood as an Actor, and yet he enjoys a fan-following around the globe, and keeps surprising himself and his fans with performances that are performed with absolute flourish.
'A Dog Year', based on a book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis, who takes in a dog that's crazier than he is. His relationship with his pet, his realizations, his ark, are wonderfully executed. It's a charming film. George LaVoo's direction is good.
Jeff Bridges embodies his part and rules the show. As Jon Katz, the Academy-Award Winning Actor delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. It's an astonishing act, that needs to be applauded by each and everyone.
Verdict - Though a charming story, I'd say Watch it for Jeff Bridges, he empowers the show and leaves you in awe of him. Bravo!
'A Dog Year', based on a book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis, who takes in a dog that's crazier than he is. His relationship with his pet, his realizations, his ark, are wonderfully executed. It's a charming film. George LaVoo's direction is good.
Jeff Bridges embodies his part and rules the show. As Jon Katz, the Academy-Award Winning Actor delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. It's an astonishing act, that needs to be applauded by each and everyone.
Verdict - Though a charming story, I'd say Watch it for Jeff Bridges, he empowers the show and leaves you in awe of him. Bravo!
Two stars for Jeff Bridges, otherwise it would have been zero.
Clairet-605-36080711 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Nothing happens in this film. Literally. Man adopts a dog. He's estranged from his wife (we don't find out why). He's angry (we don't find out why). He rents a house in the country (we don't find out why). He finds a dog trainer who charges $200 a session to a) teach the dog NOT to herd sheep and then b) sit. He drives back home with the dog's head hanging out the window. The End.
Disappointed. Who doesn't like Jeff Bridges? Me. He phoned it in.
wingsonwater3 August 2016
Really disappointed in the film as an avid Jon Katz reader and fan. It took how many weeks to build the HBO Memorial Lambing Shed? Where was it? And the film showed none of Bedlam Farm. Perhaps that hilltop where the Blair woman showed Katz what a real sheep dog can do was actually the steep hill on his NY property although the bulk of it was filmed several miles west of his home. The actual view of the village is stupendous, missed that. Where were the donkeys?
Sorry, Jeff Bridges fans, but I did not get any of Mr. Katz's true angst from him. He was his usual, my-way-or-the-highway character, which I have grown very tired of over the past few decades. And I've been there for his entire career. I once had a pre-teen crush on the guy when he appeared in Sea Hunt with his dad, but ended up loving his brother way more. The last film I liked Jeff in was "Blown Away". John Goodman would have brought more of Jon Katz to the Jon Katz in this movie. I kept waiting the movie to really start and suddenly it was over. As dog movies go, the one about the Pig was better.
Sorry, Jeff Bridges fans, but I did not get any of Mr. Katz's true angst from him. He was his usual, my-way-or-the-highway character, which I have grown very tired of over the past few decades. And I've been there for his entire career. I once had a pre-teen crush on the guy when he appeared in Sea Hunt with his dad, but ended up loving his brother way more. The last film I liked Jeff in was "Blown Away". John Goodman would have brought more of Jon Katz to the Jon Katz in this movie. I kept waiting the movie to really start and suddenly it was over. As dog movies go, the one about the Pig was better.
A Dog Year, That Seemed More Like a Week, That lasted a Year
krocheav21 February 2018
Having no prior knowledge that this movie was based on a year of the writer's own life - I thought it was going to turn out to be some wretched gangster movie with a dog thrown in. Thankfully it wasn't. But, it wasn't much of anything else either. At odd times it looked like it was going to lead somewhere...then, would take a dive. There were one or two nice dog/owner moments - the promise of a training session to add another dimension but, that goes nowhere either. Then it fades out - 'The End' what?
All looks like someone trying to prove they could make a tele-movie but forgot about the importance of a script with a complete story. Pity, it's the tail wagging the dog I'm afraid. Some reviewers hinted that only country folk would understand this tale, well maybe only those who have been in the country alone, for too long, and no longer understand the purpose of a story to go with their visuals. Only for the very easily pleased. Still, suppose it could have been worse, although not sure how much.
All looks like someone trying to prove they could make a tele-movie but forgot about the importance of a script with a complete story. Pity, it's the tail wagging the dog I'm afraid. Some reviewers hinted that only country folk would understand this tale, well maybe only those who have been in the country alone, for too long, and no longer understand the purpose of a story to go with their visuals. Only for the very easily pleased. Still, suppose it could have been worse, although not sure how much.
Excellent movie about man and dog relationship.
carpediem2130 December 2015
First off all, I loved this movie. It is just so hard to come by a decent movie in the past few years because almost all of them are filled with sex, violence, killing, drugs, etc. all that corruptness. Movies like this are one in a million among all that crap. So, that is one thing. Then, as an animal lover, this movie won my heart right away. If you have a pet or pets, you know how special a bond there is between you and them. It is love at its purest form and I don't believe it can be achieved between two humans. Jeff Bridges is brilliant as always and he plays a somewhat troubled man, having a writer's block and on a time-out from his wife and daughter. He already has two dogs but then this dog - Devon - enters his life but Devon is an abused dog, so he (Jeff Bridges) has trouble for a long time trying to live with him but he doesn't give up on this dog, he doesn't abandon him. Same rule applies if you wanna get along with an animal or a human: What's important is understanding and accepting each other, instead of forcing your wants and always going "my way". Or, this is me, sorry. No, we gotta learn to bend a little without losing our own identities. And finally, you can watch this one with your kids as there are no sex, violence drugs, etc.
Maybe the worst movie I've ever seen. Spoiler alert!
jeff62106 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The alert is this: if you watch this film, it will definitely spoil your evening. No back-story, no character development, and you would have to search far and wide for filmmakers who know less about dogs.
Beautiful scenery, though! What was Bridges thinking when he took this role? Seriously. My girlfriend and I laughed our way through this disjointed and utterly unrealistic "dog flick." I don't even know where to start. He jumps through a glass door and then they build a four-foot high pen that's supposed to keep him in? Who is Jon Katz? Who is the wife, who is the daughter, who is the dog trainer, who is ANYBODY in this film? The dog learns to "sit" on the first try without any reinforcement or guidance? Really? I'm embarrassed to say that I sat for the whole thing: my girlfriend and I repeatedly agreed to quit watching and do something more rewarding, like watching paint dry, but it was so fascinatingly bad that we couldn't tear ourselves away. On a sadder note: it's an hour or so of our lives that we will never get back. Tragic.
Beautiful scenery, though! What was Bridges thinking when he took this role? Seriously. My girlfriend and I laughed our way through this disjointed and utterly unrealistic "dog flick." I don't even know where to start. He jumps through a glass door and then they build a four-foot high pen that's supposed to keep him in? Who is Jon Katz? Who is the wife, who is the daughter, who is the dog trainer, who is ANYBODY in this film? The dog learns to "sit" on the first try without any reinforcement or guidance? Really? I'm embarrassed to say that I sat for the whole thing: my girlfriend and I repeatedly agreed to quit watching and do something more rewarding, like watching paint dry, but it was so fascinatingly bad that we couldn't tear ourselves away. On a sadder note: it's an hour or so of our lives that we will never get back. Tragic.
wrong introduction
lexivanz11 November 2013
Although the idea of this movie is okay, the introduction about Devon, the 'dog from hell' is so wrong. In this movie, Devon is introduced as a fearful dog who has been traumatized from the early abusive owner. However, the behavior of the scared dog doesn't really portray the trauma. Instead of being scared of his environment, Devon seems to enjoy his position as a king. Jumping on the bed, cupboards, cars and buses; stealing foods, running relentlessly and chasing people are not the character of a dog who lived in years of abuse. On the contrary, those are signs that the dog has been excessively spoiled, so he thinks he's the king - thats why he has major problems in obedience.
If you understand dogs, you'll see that this movie is just so wrong. Besides the wrong development of the dog's character, the people's characters also make me clueless. There is no single clear display of a strong character here, even the dog owner himself. Some other characters seem to appear from the middle of nowhere and that makes the movie even more ridiculous.
This movie is only for those who love watching dogs without understanding them.
If you understand dogs, you'll see that this movie is just so wrong. Besides the wrong development of the dog's character, the people's characters also make me clueless. There is no single clear display of a strong character here, even the dog owner himself. Some other characters seem to appear from the middle of nowhere and that makes the movie even more ridiculous.
This movie is only for those who love watching dogs without understanding them.
Burned out, middle-aged man finds himself. Though a dog.
toyoshimad15 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The "Dude" is back. And with a dog. Jeff Bridges plays a struggling, middle-aged writer (Jon Katz) who of course has writers block, adopts an abused border collie. Another "crazy dog" who's hijinks resemble Marley from "Marley and Me." The dog is seemingly untrainable. Par for the course. Katz already has two wonderfully mannered labs. So why is Katz to blame for his so-called anger with the collie? Who wouldn't be frustrated. But as the wise old dog whisperer told Katz, it's not all about the dog, but Katz and his inner anger. Okay, well, I didn't see Katz or Bridges playing someone who was particularly nasty. But what to do about the writer's block? Then comes the cliché epiphany. Write about his experience with the collie. Viola! I like Bridges. Who doesn't. But this movie plodded along with the same "bad dog" gags one has seen a thousand times. And of course, there's redemption, as dog accepts man and vice versa. And all is well in the world. Not the greatest dog movie around. If it wasn't for Jeff Bridges, I wouldn't have kept watching.
Crazy..FUNNY..Nature .. Dogs... short & sweet !
kellwyn866 September 2014
Jeff bridges : is truly a legend.
its a sweet movie about a writer and his dog. enjoyed the movie thoroughly. The movie was simple and straight. Heart warming and happy ending.
Must watch for every dog owner. Or any animal owner or animal lover for that matter.
This movie is quite informative for inexperienced dog owners. Gives you a gist of how to care for an animal that has been through some trauma or is getting used to a new home.
a must watch for every animal lover !
its a sweet movie about a writer and his dog. enjoyed the movie thoroughly. The movie was simple and straight. Heart warming and happy ending.
Must watch for every dog owner. Or any animal owner or animal lover for that matter.
This movie is quite informative for inexperienced dog owners. Gives you a gist of how to care for an animal that has been through some trauma or is getting used to a new home.
a must watch for every animal lover !
Painful to watch
piotrmj6 March 2020
"Coulda-shoulda-woulda"
br_ha13 January 2014
This "coulda-shoulda-woulda" been a good movie, but for 2 things: 1. Bridges sleepwalks through the whole thing. True, writer's block is a distressing scenario, particularly for a writer but I didn't get distress from Bridges, I got ennui. He mailed it in. 2. They took a brilliant story idea complete with potentially fascinating characters and intriguing plot twists, then ground it into the dirt. This "coulda-shoulda-woulda" been a good movie, but for 2 things: 1. Bridges sleepwalks through the whole thing. True, writer's block is a distressing scenario, particularly for a writer but I didn't get distress from Bridges, I got ennui. He mailed it in. 2. They took a brilliant story idea complete with potentially fascinating characters and intriguing plot twists, then ground it into the dirt. P.S. This 10 line rule is idiotic.
So boring
fkopun-274297 August 2017
If you've always dreamed of watching Jeff Bridges brush a dog's teeth, then by all means, watch this movie. Otherwise, take a big, big, pass. So dull and clichéd. A writer with writer's block. A midlife crisis. Wise rural folk. The only reason I gave it a two instead of a one is that it has some visual appeal -- Jeff Bridges and lots of outdoor shots of high summer in a place that looks like Vermont, maybe? New Hampshire? One of those New England states. Or a Canadian province. But that doesn't make up for the life I wasted watching this from beginning to end. I kept thinking: If Jeff Bridges is in it, it must be worth watching. Nope. Nope, nope.
A Shepherd's Delight.
joeybloggs-9361324 November 2016
At last, a dog movie that shepherds who had to move to get work in the city when they were young can understand and get! From the mad, untameable but intelligent dog that we all had to train when we were younger, we were captivated to see how the intelligent but time-worn and world-weary written-block author who always had dogs would cope with a new and crazy challenge. The voices in the background, the agent, the wife and the confused university daughter home for the weekend to 'check things out' only got in the way of the main character trying to figure out his newest dog, which led him him to a country-dog guru who figured him out, and you are left wondering, who cured who, the main character, or the dog! City folks will not get this movie, but country folks will. Well done!
where is the story?
kivanckocak6 March 2021
Border Collie Smarter Than Owner
re-en-actor15 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The dog is great in this movie and I love anything that Lois Smith is in but the problem is the main character is an idiot and since this movie is autobiographical then the writer must also be an idiot. I don't have any interest now to read anything by him. The reason he has writers block is because he is not a real writer only a writer want-a-be which it is sad to say very common now. I had most of the movie on fast fwd and since I paid $1 for this DVD I think I was ripped off. It should have been a 10 minute short film and all about the dog. The missing story here involves a character that you never see which is the poor wife who is married to this guy and hopefully having an affair with someone and working towards a divorce. The dog whisperer character and scenes played by Lois Smith could have been expanded and given this movie something to think about but her scenes are limited. We have all seen the bumper sticker "My Border Collie is Smarter than your 4th Grader" well the main character's sticker reads "Border Collie is Smarter Than Owner!"
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