Do not go to see this film...
Now you may think this sounds a little harsh but trust me it is not. I was so excited about this film as an avid dog lover. However for adults it is vacant and depressing but it is also far too upsetting for children!
As the lights came on in the cinema I realised the room was filled with children...all in floods of tears. I have to admit they were not the only ones, Titanic I can cope with, perfectly dry eyes after The Notebook and not a peep when Bambi's mother dies but this film made me wish I had a large box of Kleenex.
Now you may think this sounds a little harsh but trust me it is not. I was so excited about this film as an avid dog lover. However for adults it is vacant and depressing but it is also far too upsetting for children!
As the lights came on in the cinema I realised the room was filled with children...all in floods of tears. I have to admit they were not the only ones, Titanic I can cope with, perfectly dry eyes after The Notebook and not a peep when Bambi's mother dies but this film made me wish I had a large box of Kleenex.
This films introduces you to John and Jenny Grogan, two journalists who we watch get married, get a dog and have babies. We are witness to their stresses, heartache and happiness. Basically we watch their everyday life. Ups and downs, jobs, houses, kids and middle age. Is this what we want though? Is a film escapism if it just shows you your own life through a mirror?
Admittedly to begin with I really enjoyed the film, brilliant comedy dog moments despite having seen them all in the trailer. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson both gave a good performance but even two huge a-listers couldn't save this film.
It just didn't work. It wasn't suitable for children despite the PG rating, not because of sex or violence, it is just too distressing. However it wasn't entertaining enough for adults either, I left feeling unsure who the film was aimed at but I know for sure it wasn't me.
I can't quite explain why I feel this way as it will ruin the film (although this review may do that anyway) but if you're like me half way through the film you will have an awful moment of realisation and then you will wish you had saved your money for a couple of cream egg McFlurry's instead.
I was promised a happy go lucky family film and it sadly disappointed.
Keep your eyes peeled I am going to see Young Victoria this week so the verdict should be up by Friday.
1/5
A very frank and telling review. I agree that all the best bits were shown in the trailer and also that the film didn't really know which catagory it fitted into but I still think that there are many good family films that have adult themes. I think it would be much better with a few swearwords, a bit of sex and a 12 rating. I would still rather spend my money on this than McFlurrys :)
ReplyDelete