Dog Days: Lighthearted Comedy that Will Draw a Smile
Once in a while I watch something that’s sole purpose is to make its viewer feel happy. These are my favorite kinds of flicks. Back when it opened in theaters, Dog Days was something I did enjoy the trailer for, but never thought of again. Then, while browsing a rental store’s shelves (the first I’ve been in for years), I spotted it, and promptly added it to my stack of rentals.
Dog Days (2018) Film Review
The story follows various pet owners through a series of stories not unlike Garry Marshall’s Mother’s Day. We meet the widowed Walter (Ron Cephas Jones aka from This is Us) who’s only companion is Mabel, a pug dog with a cute face. When she runs away, Walter gains a friend in a smart but annoying high schooler, Tyler (Fin Woflhard).
Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev) is happy alongside her boyfriend of many years and their cute rescue dog, Sam. At least she was happy until she discovers her boyfriend is anything but… and is instead making a new life with someone else. Her boss thinks Elizabeth needs a co-host for her morning show which is when ex-football star Jimmy (Tone Bell) walks into her life. Then Tara (Vanessa Hudgens) finds a lost Chihuahua which inspires her to volunteer at an animal shelter. It doesn’t hurt that she has a crush on their handsome vet (Michael Cassidy). But it’s the owner Garrett (Jon Bass) whom she ends up working most with.
Meanwhile, Grace and Kurt (Eva Longoria and Rob Corddry) struggle to connect to their adoptive daughter until they meet a very special dog.
Though there are a lot of players (those listed and then some), everything comes together in a nice cohesive way that I admire. I’m unsure what numbers this posted at the box office, but I can honestly say, Dog Days is one of the easiest films to like in a long time. There’s nothing remarkable about it in that it has a unique plot twist or the like, but it has life and heart to its storytelling which does make it special.
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I’ll admit, I’m not an animal person. My cousin on the other hand is the complete opposite. Though I grew up with dogs and cats (outside), I never developed the title of “pet owner.” Nonetheless, I cannot deny that this film is all kinds of adorable. Of course, it’s not just Mabel the dog who makes this so. It’s also the cast! We again see Vanessa Hudgens in a role that works for her; plus you’ll see familiar Hallmark faces. Then there’s Adam Pally and Jessica St. Clair who also play roles in this story.
As I previously mention, this isn’t revolutionary nor is it something with stunning visuals (like the latest sci-fi), but it makes its own magic. The storytelling is bright and poignant without ever being depressing, and the way the stories make the transitions is mostly smooth sailing. Of course, there are unrealistic issues in the story, but as a feel-good comedy, you cannot do better than this.
If you watch this expecting award-winning film making you’ll be disappointed. But if you watch it and simply sit back, relax and enjoy it for what it is (pure entertainment), you’ll discover a delightful story in the sunny summer days of Dog Days.
Content: Dog Days is PG for some rude/crude humor, and perhaps some minor profanity or innuendo.
Photos: LD Entertainment / 20th Century Fox
I enjoy reading your reviews because you are so honest. I’ve always had pets of some kind. My pets were always outside until about ten years ago when one of my oldest daughters brought home a Chihuahua that needed a home. I reluctantly let the dog stay. He was with us for about 3 years and sadly he passed of old age. My daughter was so upset that I went and bought her a 5 month old Chihuahua that we named Rio. My daughter moved out on her own but Rio stayed. I was attached and a dang pet person, by accident. My son ask for his own Chihuahua for his 7th birthday so 5 years later I have two pets. I have to admit that they bring life to our home and I’m truly happy to call myself a animal person. Great review and I’ll have to check this movie out. My three youngest kids watch all the pet movies they find. This movie has a usually format so I’ll have to give it a try.