REVIEW- A DOG'S PURPOSE

I saw the movie A Dog's Purpose last nightI looked forward.  to the film after seeing the trailer, but then was hesitant after the alleged dog abuse allegations.

I'm a dog lover. I currently have a rescue dog. So, the recent abuse video, showing trainers forcing a German Shepard into a pool of water, troubled me a great deal. But I tooka chance by going to see the movie.

I LOVED it!

The story is about a dog who is reincarnated several times, each life different. We get to know the owners and the situations I could relate to.

The movie is fun, funny, touching and sad.Like life itself. Is it manipulative and  tearjerker? Yes. It's corny and sentimental, but in this crazy world we live in, and with so much trash in the movies, what's wrong with a sweet, family-type movie?

Going into the theater was interesting. Nervous anticipation form the 20 or so people in attendance, mostly teens.

When the scene arrived of the reported abuse, whispers broke out in the audience. But the scene was quickly over and the story was so engrossing, the water scene quickly vanished.

The actors were all good, and several familiar faces popped up, including Dennis Quaid and Prggy Lipton ( formerly of the Mod Squad).

Cliches abound.A Dog's Purpose is kind of like  the canine version of Forrest Gump. .Only the scenes and situations seemed much more real.

So, I was pleasantly surprised at "A Dog's Purpose", especially since it generally drew bad reviews. I don't usually listen to reviews anyway. Everyone has an opinion.

The movie will either encourage you to get a dog, or it will make you appreciate your furry friend even more.

The bad PR  kept the crowd down. The movie will most likely fizz out and will be found on cable or dvd. , forgotten  and discarded. That's a shame, since the story is emotional and  and heartfelt.

For the first time in a long while I was at a movie where the audience actually stood and applauded  at the end.A good sign with may cause a buzz.

If there was dog abuse on the set, whoever is responsible  should be punished. But the entire movie itself should not be trashed. Hopefully, word of mouth will get around and people give "A Dog's Purpose" a chance.

Warning: There's a lot of dying going on, and although it is handled with taste, you will need plenty of tissues. May not be for all kids!