Jump to content

A Dog's Purpose (film): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Box office: Thursday preview gross
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
I changed the names and things that happened. Some stuff was untrue. I have read the book and watched the movie. I have added the true things that happened.
Tag: references removed
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2017 film by Lasse Hallström}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = A Dog's Purpose
| name = A Dog's Purpose
Line 5: Line 6:
| director = [[Lasse Hallström]]
| director = [[Lasse Hallström]]
| producer = [[Gavin Polone]]
| producer = [[Gavin Polone]]
| screenplay = {{ubl|[[W. Bruce Cameron]]|[[Cathryn Michon]]|[[Audrey Wells]]|[[Maya Forbes]]|[[Wallace Wolodarsky]]}}
| screenplay = {{Plainlist|
* [[W. Bruce Cameron]]
* [[Cathryn Michon]]
* [[Audrey Wells]]
* [[Maya Forbes]]
* [[Wallace Wolodarsky|Wally Wolodarsky]]
}}
| based on = {{Based on|''[[A Dog's Purpose]]''|W. Bruce Cameron}}
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[A Dog's Purpose]]''|W. Bruce Cameron}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
| starring = {{plainlist|
* [[Britt Robertson]]
* [[Britt Robertson]]
* [[K. J. Apa]]
* [[KJ Apa]]
* [[Juliet Rylance]]
* [[John Ortiz]]
* [[John Ortiz]]
* Kirby Howell-Baptiste
* [[Peggy Lipton]]
* [[Dennis Quaid]]
* [[Dennis Quaid]]
* [[Josh Gad]]
* [[Josh Gad]]
}}
}}
| music = [[Rachel Portman]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/07/26/rachel-portman-scoring-lasse-hallstroms-a-dogs-purpose/|title=Rachel Portman Scoring Lasse Hallstrom’s ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ - Film Music Reporter|work=filmmusicreporter.com|accessdate=19 January 2017}}</ref>
| music = [[Rachel Portman]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/07/26/rachel-portman-scoring-lasse-hallstroms-a-dogs-purpose/|title=Rachel Portman Scoring Lasse Hallstrom's 'A Dog's Purpose' – Film Music Reporter|work=filmmusicreporter.com|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>
| cinematography = [[Terry Stacey]]
| cinematography = [[Terry Stacey]]
| editing = [[Robert Leighton (film editor)|Robert Leighton]]
| editing = [[Robert Leighton (film editor)|Robert Leighton]]
| studio = {{plainlist|
| studio = {{plainlist|
* [[Amblin Entertainment]]<ref name=AmblinSwitch/>
* [[Amblin Entertainment]]<ref name="thr" />
* [[Reliance Entertainment]]<ref name="thr" />
* [[Amblin Partners]]<ref name=insight>{{cite web|url=http://www.varietyinsight.com/print_featurefilm_releases.php|title=Film releases|work=[[Variety Insight]]|accessdate=2016-11-05}}</ref>
* [[Walden Media]]<ref name=insight/>
* [[Walden Media]]<ref name="thr" />
* Pariah<ref name=insight/>
* [[Pariah Entertainment Group]]<ref name="thr" />
* [[DreamWorks Pictures]]<ref name=insight/>
}}
}}
| distributor = [[Universal Studios|Universal Pictures]]<ref name=insight/>
| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]<ref name="thr" /> (Worldwide)<br>[[Mister Smith Entertainment]]<ref name="MisterSmith"/> ([[Europe, the Middle East and Africa|EMEA]])
| released = {{Film date|2017|1|27}}
| released = {{Film date|2017|1|27}}
| runtime = 120 minutes<ref name=BOM/>
| runtime = 100 minutes<ref name="thr" />
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $22 million<ref name="BOM" />
| budget = $22 million<ref name=preview>{{cite web|url=http://variety.com/2017/film/news/box-office-dogs-purpose-split-resident-evil-1201968638/ |title=Box Office: Can ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Still Win the Weekend After Canine Controversy? |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=January 24, 2017}}</ref><ref name=BOM/>
| gross = $660,429<ref name=BOM>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=adogspurpose.htm |title=A Dog's Purpose (2017) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=January 25, 2017}}</ref>
| gross = $205 million<ref name="BOM">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1753383/ |title=A Dog's Purpose (2017) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=September 1, 2021 }}</ref>
}}
}}
'''''A Dog's Purpose''''' is a 2017 American [[comedy-drama film]] directed by [[Lasse Hallström]] and written by [[W. Bruce Cameron]], [[Cathryn Michon]], [[Audrey Wells]], [[Maya Forbes]] and [[Wallace Wolodarsky]], based on the 2010 novel [[A Dog's Purpose|of the same name]] by Cameron. The film stars [[Britt Robertson]], [[K. J. Apa]], [[Juliet Rylance]], [[John Ortiz]], Kirby Howell-Baptiste, [[Peggy Lipton]], [[Dennis Quaid]] and [[Josh Gad]].


'''''A Dog's Purpose''''' is a 2017 American [[adventure film|adventure]] [[comedy drama]] film directed by [[Lasse Hallström]] and written by [[W. Bruce Cameron]], [[Cathryn Michon]], [[Audrey Wells]], [[Maya Forbes]], and [[Wallace Wolodarsky|Wally Wolodarsky]], based on the [[A Dog's Purpose|2010 novel of the same name]] by W. Bruce Cameron. The film stars [[Britt Robertson]], [[KJ Apa]] in his film debut, [[Juliet Rylance]], [[John Ortiz]] and [[Dennis Quaid]] with [[Josh Gad]] in multiple voice roles. It covers themes of loyalty, grief, dysfunctional family, over a series of reincarnations.
The film was subject of scrutiny after a video allegedly from the set was leaked of a dog being forced into running water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/leaked-video-from-a-dogs-purpose-set-calls-films-treatment-of-animals-into-question_us_587fbef7e4b0cf0ae881a304|title=Leaked Video From ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Set Calls Film’s Treatment Of Animals Into Question|author=Leigh Blickley|website=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> It was released on January 27, 2017, by [[Universal Pictures]].

The film is a co-production between [[Amblin Entertainment]], [[Reliance Entertainment]], [[Walden Media]], and [[Pariah Entertainment Group]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Scheck|first1=Frank|title='A Dog's Purpose': Film Review|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/a-dogs-purpose-review-968085|access-date=February 3, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 24, 2017|quote=Production companies: Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Walden Media, Pariah Entertainment Group Distributor: Universal Pictures}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Barker|first1=Andrew|title=Film Review: 'A Dog's Purpose'|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/a-dogs-purpose-film-review-1201969033/|access-date=March 7, 2017|work=Variety|date=January 24, 2016|quote=A Universal Pictures release of an Amblin Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment presentation in association with Walden Media of a Pariah production}}</ref> It was released by [[Universal Pictures]] on January 27, 2017, and grossed $205 million worldwide, and received mixed reviews from critics. It was [[Peggy Lipton]]'s final film role before her death in 2019.

A sequel, titled ''[[A Dog's Journey (film)|A Dog's Journey]]'', was released on May 17, 2019.<ref name="sequel" />


==Plot==
==Plot==
In the 1950s, a feral puppy wonders about life's true purpose. Weeks later, he is caught by dogcatchers, whisked away to the [[dog pound|pound]], and [[euthanized]].
Bailey (voiced by [[Josh Gad]]) is a dog whose life is shown from his birth to his death and to his [[reincarnation]] through different dog breeds.

The dog is [[reincarnation|reborn]] as a [[Red Retriever]] in 1961. Leaving his cage at a [[puppy mill]], he is taken by two garbage men, who plan to sell him. Left locked inside their pick-up truck, he begins to die of heatstroke, but is rescued by a kindhearted mother and her eight-year-old son, Ethan Montgomery. They break the truck's window and bring him home, naming him Bailey. Bailey and Ethan bond quickly, especially over the summer at Ethan's grandparents' farm, and Bailey decides Ethan alone is his purpose. Ethan gives him the nickname “Doodle Dog”.

Years pass, and after several attempts at advancing in his job fail, Ethan's father has become an alcoholic. In 1969, Ethan meets a girl named Hannah at a fair with Bailey, and they soon begin dating. They spend their summer together, happily, through senior year. They plan to go to the same college, Ethan getting a football scholarship and Hannah with an academic one. At home one night, Ethan's drunken father becomes abusive towards his mother and him. Ethan kicks him out.

Later in 1971 at a football game watched by scouts, Ethan is offered a full scholarship to [[Michigan State University]]. That night, his vindictive classmate Todd throws a lit firecracker into Ethan's house, causing a [[Structure fire|house fire.]] Bailey alerts Ethan, who saves his mother out through an upstairs window. Ethan lowers her, then Bailey. However, he loses his rope and must jump, fracturing his leg and ending his athletic scholarship. Bailey attacks Todd, who is arrested by the police when firecrackers fall out of his pocket. With no other option, Ethan has to go to an [[agricultural school]], where he will learn to take over the farm. Depressed, Ethan breaks up with Hannah before leaving for college, while Bailey stays with Ethan's grandparents. Bailey ages and Ethan comes to say goodbye.

Bailey is reborn as a female [[German Shepherd]] puppy, growing into a [[police dog]] named Ellie, in the late 1970s/early 1980s, while fully retaining memories of her past lives. Ellie is partnered with lonely officer Jakob who has recently split up with his partner, of the [[Chicago Police Department]], and works hard at "seeking" and "finding", now seeing the job as life's purpose. They form a close bond, ending after Jakob was shot. Jakob quits.
Ellie is adopted by Maya, a friend of Jakob. She is another K-9 search and rescue officer. She looks after her, later becoming her permanent owner. Maya meets Al, and gets married.

Bailey reincarnates again, this time as a Labrador. A man named Darek adopts Bailey for his girlfriend Wendi. Bailey is named Bear. However, Wendi receives an eviction notice saying that if Bear stays, she will have to leave. She decides to give Bear away to her mother. Her mother is not happy with that idea. She lives with a man named Victor who is abusive and drinks a lot of alcohol. He is abusive towards Bear, and tends to yell at Bear and Wendi's mother. He is rarely fed. A kind lady next door feeds him chunks of meat through the holes. She calls the authorities, and Wendi's mother will have to pay a fine of $50 for animal cruelty. Victor is mad and dumps Bear in a forest. Bear finds his way back to the farm, and meets Ethan. He is renamed Buddy. Buddy brings Ethan and Hannah back together.


==Cast==
==Cast==
* [[Josh Gad]] as the voice of Bailey, Ellie, Tino and Buddy, the reincarnations of "Boss Dog", the main protagonist.
* [[Dennis Quaid]] as Ethan (adult)<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/>
* [[Dennis Quaid]] as Ethan Montgomery, an old man who owns and runs his grandparents' old farm.
** [[K. J. Apa]] as young Ethan<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/>
** [[KJ Apa]] as teenaged Ethan Montgomery, a popular football player who later gets injured and must become a farmer.
* [[Juliet Rylance]] as Elizabeth, Ethan's mother.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/>
** [[Bryce Gheisar]] as eight-year-old Ethan Montgomery, a young boy interested in comics and football.
* [[Peggy Lipton]] as Hannah (adult)<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/>
* [[Peggy Lipton]] as Hannah, an old woman who is widowed and has two children.
** [[Britt Robertson]] as young Hannah<ref name="hollywoodreporter1">{{cite web|last=Kit |first=Borys |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/britt-robertson-dennis-quaid-join-813173 |title=Britt Robertson, Dennis Quaid Join DreamWorks' 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive) |publisher=Hollywood Reporter |date= |accessdate=2015-10-25}}</ref>
** [[Britt Robertson]] as teenaged Hannah, the supportive and intelligent girlfriend of Ethan.
* [[John Ortiz]] as Carlos
* [[John Ortiz]] as Carlos Ruiz, Ellie’s partner who trains her as a [[police dog]].
* Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Maya
* [[Logan Miller]] as Todd, a former friend of Ethan's who is vindictive and jealous of him.
* [[Josh Gad]] as Bailey, Buddy, Tino and Ellie (voice)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/trailers/761385-josh-gad-is-reincarnated-over-and-over-in-a-dogs-purpose-trailer|title=Josh Gad is Reincarnated Over and Over in the A Dog's Purpose Trailer|date=2016-08-26|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-26}}</ref>
* [[Juliet Rylance]] as Elizabeth Montgomery, Ethan's mother in an unhappy and abusive marriage to Jim, whom she later divorces.
* [[Pooch Hall]] as Al<ref name="deadline1">{{cite web|last=Lincoln |first=Ross A. |url=http://deadline.com/2015/09/pooch-hall-a-dogs-purpose-doug-mckeon-lbj-1201535024/ |title=Pooch Hall Joins ‘A Dog’s Purpose’, Doug McKeon Will Run With ‘LBJ’ |publisher=Deadline |date=2015-09-18 |accessdate=2015-10-25}}</ref>
* [[Luke Kirby]] as Jim Montgomery, Ethan's father in an unhappy and abusive marriage with Elizabeth and a depressed alcoholic.
* [[Logan Miller]] as Todd
* [[Gabrielle Rose (actress)|Gabrielle Rose]] as Fran, Ethan's maternal grandmother.
* Michael Bofshever as Bill, Ethan's maternal grandfather and a farmer.
* [[Kirby Howell-Baptiste]] as Maya Williams, a shy young woman who adopts Tino.
* [[Pooch Hall]] as Al, a young man who dates and later marries Maya, and has three children with her.


==Production==
==Production==
In 2015, [[DreamWorks]] acquired the film rights for Cameron's novel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive)|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-dogs-purpose-bradley-cooper-832296|accessdate=September 17, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> On May 8, 2015, it was announced [[Lasse Hallström]] would direct the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming |first=Mike |url=http://deadline.com/2015/05/a-dogs-purpose-lasse-hallstrom-dreamworks-1201422961/ |title=‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Set At DreamWorks With Lasse Hallstrom To Direct |publisher=Deadline |date=2015-05-08 |accessdate=2015-10-25}}</ref> On August 5, 2015, [[Britt Robertson]] and [[Dennis Quaid]] joined the cast.<ref name="hollywoodreporter1"/> On September 18, 2015, [[Pooch Hall]] was cast in the film.<ref name="deadline1"/> On October 15, 2015, [[Bradley Cooper]] joined the cast to play the dog's inner voice.<ref name="hollywoodreporter2">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-dogs-purpose-bradley-cooper-832296|title='A Dog's Purpose': Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=2015-10-15|publisher=Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=2015-10-25}}</ref> [[Josh Gad]] eventually replaced him.<ref name=":0" /> [[Principal photography]] began on August 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-82115-eddie-redmayne-starts-fantastic-beasts-russo-brothers-wrap-up-captain-america-civil-war/ |title=On the Set for 8/21/15: Eddie Redmayne Starts Fantastic Beasts, Russo Brothers Wrap Up Captain America: Civil War |publisher=SSN Insider |date=2015-08-21 |accessdate=2015-10-25}}</ref>
In 2015, [[DreamWorks Pictures|DreamWorks]] acquired the film rights for Cameron's novel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-dogs-purpose-bradley-cooper-832296|access-date=September 17, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 16, 2016}}</ref> On May 8, 2015, it was announced [[Lasse Hallström]] would direct the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fleming |first=Mike |url=https://deadline.com/2015/05/a-dogs-purpose-lasse-hallstrom-dreamworks-1201422961/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510062033/http://deadline.com/2015/05/a-dogs-purpose-lasse-hallstrom-dreamworks-1201422961/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2015 |title='A Dog's Purpose' Set At DreamWorks With Lasse Hallstrom To Direct |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref> On August 5, 2015, [[Britt Robertson]] and [[Dennis Quaid]] joined the cast.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kit |first=Borys |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/britt-robertson-dennis-quaid-join-813173 |title=Britt Robertson, Dennis Quaid Join DreamWorks' 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=5 August 2015 |access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref> On September 18, 2015, [[Pooch Hall]] was cast in the film.<ref name="deadline1">{{cite web|last=Lincoln |first=Ross A. |url=https://deadline.com/2015/09/pooch-hall-a-dogs-purpose-doug-mckeon-lbj-1201535024/ |title=Pooch Hall Joins 'A Dog's Purpose', Doug McKeon Will Run With 'LBJ' |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=2015-09-18 |access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref> On October 15, 2015, [[Bradley Cooper]] joined the cast to play Bailey's inner voice,<ref name="hollywoodreporter2">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-dogs-purpose-bradley-cooper-832296|title='A Dog's Purpose': Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=2015-10-15|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref> but the role was eventually performed by [[Josh Gad]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url= https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/trailers/761385-josh-gad-is-reincarnated-over-and-over-in-a-dogs-purpose-trailer |title= Josh Gad is Reincarnated Over and Over in the A Dog's Purpose Trailer |date= 2016-08-26 |access-date= 2016-08-26 }}</ref> [[Principal photography]] began on August 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-82115-eddie-redmayne-starts-fantastic-beasts-russo-brothers-wrap-up-captain-america-civil-war/ |title=On the Set for 8/21/15: Eddie Redmayne Starts Fantastic Beasts, Russo Brothers Wrap Up Captain America: Civil War |website=SSN Insider |date=2015-08-21 |access-date=2015-10-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822203030/http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-82115-eddie-redmayne-starts-fantastic-beasts-russo-brothers-wrap-up-captain-america-civil-war/ |archive-date=2015-08-22 }}</ref> During production, [[A Dog's Purpose (film)#Controversy|controversy]] ensued over treatment of a dog during filming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-german-shepherd-abuse-video/|title = 'A Dog's Purpose' Video Shows Terrified German Shepherd Forced to Film| date=18 January 2017 }}</ref>


==Release==
==Release==
In December 2015, the film switched from a [[DreamWorks Pictures]] release to under the [[Amblin Entertainment]] banner as per [[Amblin Partners]]' newly enacted branded strategy.<ref name=AmblinSwitch>{{cite news|last1=Busch|first1=Anita|title=It’s Official: Spielberg, DreamWorks, Participant, eOne, Others Pact For Amblin Partners|url=http://deadline.com/2015/12/spielberg-dreamworks-participant-eone-others-pact-for-amblin-partners-1201668244/|accessdate=November 6, 2016|work=Deadline.com|date=December 16, 2016}}</ref> The film was released on January 27, 2017, by [[Universal Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Busch |first=Anita |url=http://deadline.com/2016/01/a-dogs-purpose-movie-release-date-1201690016/ |title=‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Movie Based On Best-Selling Book To Unleash In 2017 |publisher=Deadline |date=2015-09-22 |accessdate=2016-01-27}}</ref>
In December 2015, the film switched from a [[DreamWorks Pictures]] release to under the [[Amblin Entertainment]] banner as per [[Amblin Partners]]' newly enacted branded strategy.<ref name=AmblinSwitch>{{cite news|last1=Busch|first1=Anita|title=It's Official: Spielberg, DreamWorks, Participant, eOne, Others Pact For Amblin Partners|url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/spielberg-dreamworks-participant-eone-others-pact-for-amblin-partners-1201668244/|access-date=November 6, 2016|work=Deadline|date=December 16, 2016}}</ref> The film was released by [[Universal Pictures]] on January 27, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last=Busch |first=Anita |url=https://deadline.com/2016/01/a-dogs-purpose-movie-release-date-1201690016/ |title='A Dog's Purpose' Movie Based On Best-Selling Book To Unleash In 2017 |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=2015-09-22 |access-date=2016-01-27}}</ref> Universal also distributed it overseas, except for countries where [[Mister Smith Entertainment]] handled international sales.<ref name="MisterSmith">{{cite news |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=AFM: Mister Smith Pacts Power its Picture Pipeline |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/markets-festivals/afm-david-garrett-survival-mister-smith-1201908004/ |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=Variety |date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>


==Reception==
===Box office===
===Box office===
''A Dog's Purpose'' grossed $64.5 million in the United States and Canada and $140.5 million in other territories for a worldwide gross of $205 million, against a production budget of $22 million.<ref name=BOM/>
In the United States and Canada, ''A Dog's Purpose'' was released alongside ''[[Resident Evil: The Final Chapter]]'' and ''[[Gold (2016 film)|Gold]]'', and is projected to gross $18–22 million from 3,050 theaters in its opening weekend, slightly lower than initial $27 million tracking had the film debuting to before boycotts against the film were called for.<ref name=preview/> It made $466,000 from Thursday night previews and $5 million on its first day.<ref name="weekend">{{cite web|url=http://deadline.com/2017/01/dogs-purpose-split-resident-evil-gold-box-office-1201895463/ |title=Is Controversy Impacting ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ At The Box Office? |work=[[Deadline.com]]}}</ref>

In North America, it was released alongside ''[[Resident Evil: The Final Chapter]]'' and ''[[Gold (2016 film)|Gold]]'', and was projected to gross $18–22 million from 3,050 theaters in its opening weekend, slightly lower than initial $27 million tracking had the film debuting to before boycotts against the film were called for.<ref name=preview>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/box-office-dogs-purpose-split-resident-evil-1201968638/ |title=Box Office: Can 'A Dog's Purpose' Still Win the Weekend After Canine Controversy? |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=24 January 2017 |access-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> It made $466,000 from Thursday-night previews and $5.3 million on its first day. It ended up debuting to $18.2 million, finishing second at the box office behind the second weekend of Universal's own ''[[Split (2016 American film)|Split]]''.<ref name="weekend">{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-box-office-top-20-a-dogs-purpose-is-second-to-split-2017-1 |agency=Associated Press |title=Box Office Top 20: 'A Dog's Purpose' is second to 'Split' |work=[[Business Insider]] |access-date=2018-08-27 |archive-date=2018-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075341/https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-box-office-top-20-a-dogs-purpose-is-second-to-split-2017-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film dropped 40.6% in its second weekend, grossing $10.8 million and finishing third at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/rings-the-space-between-weekend-box-office-1201901560/ |title='Split' Dings 'Rings'; Auds Keep Distance From 'Space'; 'Comedian' Bombs: Sunday Update|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=6 February 2017}}</ref>


===Critical response===
===Critical response===
On [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an approval rating of 33% based on 66 reviews, and an [[Weighted arithmetic mean|average rating]] of 4.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "''A Dog's Purpose'' offers an awkward blend of sugary sentiment and canine suffering that tugs at animal-loving audiences' heartstrings with shameless abandon."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_dogs_purpose |title= A Dog's Purpose (2017) |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=January 27, 2017}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], which assigns a normalized rating, the film has a score 43 out of 100, based on 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/a-dogs-purpose |title=A Dog's Purpose reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=January 27, 2017}}</ref> On [[CinemaScore]], audiences gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web|url=https://m.cinemascore.com |title=CinemaScore |work=cinemascore.com}}</ref>
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has an approval rating of 34% based on reviews from 148 critics, with an average rating of 4.9/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "''A Dog's Purpose'' offers an awkward blend of sugary sentiment and canine suffering that tugs at animal-loving audiences' heartstrings with shameless abandon."<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_dogs_purpose |title= A Dog's Purpose (2017) |website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher= [[Fandango Media|Fandango]] |access-date= February 13, 2019}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 43 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/a-dogs-purpose |title= A Dog's Purpose Reviews |website= [[Metacritic]] |publisher= [[CBS Interactive]] |access-date= February 7, 2017 }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= 2018-12-20 }}</ref>

Andrew Barker of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' wrote: "Viewed in a vacuum, it’s hard to fault the movie’s earnestness; Hallström’s canine cinema pedigree (which includes the superior ''[[Hachi: A Dog's Tale]]'') shows through; and Rachel Portman's score is understandably sentimental without going completely saccharine."<ref>{{cite web |date= 25 January 2017 |last= Barker |first= Andrew |title= Film Review: 'A Dog's Purpose' |url= https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/a-dogs-purpose-film-review-1201969033/ |website= Variety }}</ref>
Frank Scheck of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote: "While the human performers are more than adequate, there’s no doubt that the canine stars carry the day. Their utter irresistibility helps a long way in terms of getting past the corny plot machinations of ''A Dog’s Purpose''."<ref name="thr">{{cite web |date= January 24, 2017 |last= Scheck |first= Frank |title='A Dog's Purpose': Film Review |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/a-dogs-purpose-review-968085 |work= [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date= October 10, 2019 }}</ref>


==Animal abuse allegation==
=== Home media ===
''A Dog's Purpose'' was released on digital HD on April 18, 2017, and was followed by a release on [[Blu-ray]] and [[DVD]] on May 2, 2017, from [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment]].<ref>[http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/7805/a-dogs-purpose A Dog's Purpose (2017)] DVD Release Dates, Retrieved April 30, 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/A-Dogs-Purpose-Blu-ray/165914/ A Dog's Purpose Blu-ray] Blu-ray.com, Retrieved April 30, 2017</ref> The film topped the home-video sales chart for the week ending on May 7, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/a-dogs-purpose-leads-the-pack-in-dvd-blu-ray-disc-sales-1202423152/|title='A Dog's Purpose' Leads the Pack in DVD, Blu-ray Disc Sales|author=Thomas K. Arnold|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=May 10, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017}}</ref>
On January 18, 2017, a video surfaced on [[TMZ]] showing footage taken from the set of the film, which shows a [[German Shepherd]] named Hercules being dragged and dipped into rushing water while visibly resisting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/leaked-video-from-a-dogs-purpose-set-calls-films-treatment-of-animals-into-question_us_587fbef7e4b0cf0ae881a304|title=Leaked Video From ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Set Calls Film’s Treatment Of Animals Into Question|author=Leigh Blickley|website=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> After a cut in the video, the next clip shows the dog being submerged in the water at the other end of the tank while a voice on set can be heard saying "cut it", and various people are then seen rushing towards the dog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-german-shepherd-abuse-video/|title='A Dog's Purpose' Video Shows Terrified German Shepherd Forced to Film|work=tmz.com|accessdate=19 January 2017}}</ref> The [[American Humane Association]], which ensures that animals are not harmed in entertainment productions, announced that its representative on set had been suspended over the incident, and that the incident is under further investigation.<ref>{{cite news|title='A Dog's Purpose' Video Triggers Suspension|url=http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-video-suspension/|accessdate=January 18, 2017|work=TMZ|date=January 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theweek.com/speedreads/674111/investigation-opened-into-disturbing-treatment-german-shepherd-set-dogs-purpose|title=Investigation opened into 'disturbing' treatment of German shepherd on set of A Dog's Purpose|publisher=''[[The Week]]''|author=Catherine Garcia|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> [[PETA]] called for a boycott of the film.<ref>[http://variety.com/2017/film/news/peta-calls-boycott-a-dogs-purpose-video-1201963114/ "PETA Calls for Boycott of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ After Disturbing Video Surfaces"], Dave McNary. Variety. January 18, 2017. Accessed January 18, 2017</ref> Actor Josh Gad, who was not on set during the making of the movie, claimed he was "shaken and sad to seen any animal put in a situation against its will".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/18/entertainment/a-dogs-purpose-disturbing-video/index.html|title='A Dog's Purpose' faces backlash after 'disturbing' video surfaces|author=Sandra Gondalez|website=[[CNN|CNN.com]]|date=19 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> Producer Gavin Polone wrote in an editorial for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', "Last Thursday, I went to Amblin's office and watched all the film shot on the day in question, as well as saw video from the trainers and still photographs. As with the TMZ video that you saw, two things were evident: 1) the dog handler tries to force the dog, for 35 to 40 seconds, into the water when, clearly, he didn’t want to go in; and 2) in a separate take filmed sometime later, the dog did go into the water, on his own, and, at the end, his head is submerged for about 4 seconds. These two things are absolutely INEXCUSABLE and should NEVER have happened. The dog trainer should have stopped trying to get the dog to go in the water as soon as the dog seemed uncomfortable, and the trainers should have had support under the dog as soon as he came to the side of the pool and/or had less turbulence in the water so he never would have gone under."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gavin-polone-a-dogs-purpose-outcry-what-happened-whos-blame-967160|title=Gavin Polone on 'A Dog's Purpose' Outcry, What Really Happened and Who's to Blame|author=Gavin Polone|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=23 January 2017|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref>


==Controversy==
Director Lasse Hallström stated on [[Twitter]] that he "did not witness" the actions in the video, and was "very disturbed" by the footage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2017/01/19/dogs-purpose-reels-after-outrage-over-disturbing-set-video/96775124/|title='A Dog's Purpose' reels after outrage over disturbing set video|author=Bryan Alexander|website=[[USA Today]]|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Amblin Entertainment released a statement in regards to the incident, saying that "[o]n the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt portrayed on the tape so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot", and that "Hercules is happy and healthy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.com/movies/a-dogs-purpose-releases-statement-following-controversial-video-we-foster-an-ethical-safe-environment-for-animals/|title=A Dog's Purpose Releases Statement Following Controversial Video: We 'Foster an Ethical, Safe Environment for Animals'|author=Karen Mizoguchi|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>
On January 18, 2017, a video surfaced on [[TMZ]] showing footage taken from the set of the film, which shows a male German Shepherd named Hercules being dragged and dipped into rushing water while visibly resisting.<ref name="Leigh Blickley">{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/leaked-video-from-a-dogs-purpose-set-calls-films-treatment-of-animals-into-question_us_587fbef7e4b0cf0ae881a304|title=Leaked Video From 'A Dog's Purpose' Set Calls Film's Treatment Of Animals Into Question|author=Leigh Blickley|website=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> After a cut in the video, the next clip shows the dog being submerged in the water at the other end of the tank while a voice on set can be heard shouting "CUT IT!", and various people are then seen rushing towards the dog.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-german-shepherd-abuse-video/|title='A Dog's Purpose' Video Shows Terrified German Shepherd Forced to Film|work=TMZ|date=18 January 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> The [[American Humane Association]], which ensures that animals are not harmed in entertainment productions, announced that its representative on set had been suspended over the incident, and that the incident was under further investigation.<ref>{{cite news|title='A Dog's Purpose' Video Triggers Suspension|url=https://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-video-suspension/|access-date=January 18, 2017|work=TMZ|date=January 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/674111/investigation-opened-into-disturbing-treatment-german-shepherd-set-dogs-purpose|title=Investigation opened into 'disturbing' treatment of German shepherd on set of A Dog's Purpose|work=[[The Week]] |author=Catherine Garcia|date=18 January 2017|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> [[PETA]] called for a boycott of the film.<ref>[https://variety.com/2017/film/news/peta-calls-boycott-a-dogs-purpose-video-1201963114/ "PETA Calls for Boycott of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ After Disturbing Video Surfaces"], Dave McNary. Variety. January 18, 2017. Accessed January 18, 2017</ref> Actor Josh Gad, who voices the dog in the movie and was not on set during the making of the film, said he was "shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/18/entertainment/a-dogs-purpose-disturbing-video/index.html|title='A Dog's Purpose' faces backlash after 'disturbing' video surfaces|author=Sandra Gondalez|website=[[CNN|CNN.com]]|date=19 January 2017|access-date=17 January 2017}}</ref> Director Lasse Hallström said via [[Twitter]] that he "did not witness" the actions in the video, and was "very disturbed" by the footage.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2017/01/19/dogs-purpose-reels-after-outrage-over-disturbing-set-video/96775124/|title='A Dog's Purpose' reels after outrage over disturbing set video|author=Bryan Alexander|website=[[USA Today]]|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Due to the release of the video, Universal Pictures cancelled the film's scheduled January 19 Los Angeles premiere.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apple.news/Ajg1d-aPrSsC1twRMBhT2xw|title=Universal Pictures cancels premiere of 'A Dog's Purpose'|date=20 January 2017}}</ref>


Amblin Entertainment released a statement in regards to the incident, saying, "on the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt portrayed on the tape, so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot," and "Hercules is happy and healthy."<ref>{{cite web |author=Mizoguchi |first=Karen |date=19 January 2017 |title=A Dog's Purpose Releases Statement Following Controversial Video: We 'Foster an Ethical, Safe Environment for Animals' |url=http://people.com/movies/a-dogs-purpose-releases-statement-following-controversial-video-we-foster-an-ethical-safe-environment-for-animals/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170120043438/http://people.com/movies/a-dogs-purpose-releases-statement-following-controversial-video-we-foster-an-ethical-safe-environment-for-animals/ |archive-date=20 January 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> On February 4, 2017, the American Humane Association reported that an independent third-party animal-cruelty expert had concluded that safety measures on the set of the film were in place and the video had been deliberately edited to mislead the public.<ref name="investigation">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/third-party-investigation-finds-no-animal-injuries-cruelty-set-a-dogs-purpose-972081|title=Third Party Investigation Finds No Animal Injuries, Cruelty on Set of 'A Dog's Purpose'|website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 4, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2017}}</ref>
Dennis Quaid has also come out against the TMZ video, stating that the video does not tell the whole story. Quaid states "My experience is that the animals were treated great. There was no animal abuse. That video that someone took and sold for money and held on to for a year and a half until right before the film's coming out, does not tell the whole story. First of all, it's been edited and manipulated. And I think it's a scam, to tell you the truth. What they (the viewers of the video) saw was completely out of context. It was edited...and all of the footage I saw, the dog was going into the water happily and had to be restrained, actually, from going into the water many times during that day." Quaid also said that the video was shot "towards the end of the day and I would not say, in real context, that the dog was frightened. The dog was acting like a dog who was kind of tired of taking a bath and was ready to get out. And, in fact, that's what happened. They took the dog out." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/208290_exclusive_dennis_quaid_shuts_down_a_dog_purpose_animal_abuse_allegations/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Dennis Quaid Shuts Down 'A Dog's Purpose' Abuse Allegations: 'I Would Have Walked'|author=John Boone|website=ETOnline|date=23 January 2017|access-date=27 January 2017}}</ref>


==Sequel==
Due to the release of the video, [[Universal Pictures]] cancelled the film's scheduled January 19 [[Los Angeles]] premiere.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apple.news/Ajg1d-aPrSsC1twRMBhT2xw|title=Universal Pictures cancels premiere of 'A Dog's Purpose'|date=20 January 2017|publisher=}}</ref>
{{Main|A Dog's Journey (film)}}
On June 21, 2017, CEO of Amblin Entertainment Michael Wright announced that a sequel was in development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/a-dogs-purpose-sequel/|title=A Dog's Purpose Sequel is Happening Because Of China|date=21 June 2017|website=slashfilm.com}}</ref> On August 26, 2018, Universal began production on the sequel, which is directed by Gail Mancuso, and was released on May 17, 2019.<ref name="sequel">{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=adogsjourney.htm|title=A Dog's Journey (2019) |website= [[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> In addition to Quaid and Gad reprising their roles, the cast also includes [[Marg Helgenberger]] (replacing [[Peggy Lipton]], who had become seriously ill), [[Betty Gilpin]], [[Kathryn Prescott]], and [[Henry Lau]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/betty-gilpin-joins-dennis-quaid-josh-gad-a-dogs-journey-1135572|title=Betty Gilpin Joins Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad in 'A Dog's Purpose' Follow-Up (Exclusive)|date=26 August 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The trailer for the sequel, titled'' [[A Dog's Journey (film)|A Dog's Journey]]'', was released in January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schaffstall |first1=Katherine |title='A Dog's Journey' Trailer: Josh Gad Returns as Bailey in 'Dog's Purpose' Sequel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dogs-journey-trailer-josh-gad-returns-dogs-purpose-sequel-1180591 |website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=29 January 2019 |access-date=31 January 2019 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.adogspurposemovie.com/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.adogspurposemovie.com/}}
* {{IMDb title|1753383}}
* {{IMDb title|1753383}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|a_dogs_purpose}}


{{Lasse Hallström}}
{{Lasse Hallström}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dogs Purpose}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dog's Purpose}}
[[Category:2017 films]]
[[Category:2017 films]]
[[Category:2010s comedy films]]
[[Category:2017 controversies in the United States]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:2010s fantasy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:American comedy films]]
[[Category:American fantasy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:Films about dogs]]
[[Category:Films about dogs]]
[[Category:Films about reincarnation]]
[[Category:Films about reincarnation]]
[[Category:Films about pets]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Films set in Chicago]]
[[Category:Films set in Michigan]]
[[Category:Films shot in Manitoba]]
[[Category:Amblin Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Amblin Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Reliance Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Reliance Entertainment films]]
Line 99: Line 136:
[[Category:Films directed by Lasse Hallström]]
[[Category:Films directed by Lasse Hallström]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Audrey Wells]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Wallace Wolodarsky]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Maya Forbes]]
[[Category:Films scored by Rachel Portman]]
[[Category:Films about animal cruelty]]
[[Category:Obscenity controversies in film]]
[[Category:Animal cruelty incidents in film]]
[[Category:2017 comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:American children's fantasy films]]
[[Category:American children's comedy films]]
[[Category:American children's drama films]]
[[Category:2010s psychological drama films]]
[[Category:American psychological drama films]]
[[Category:2010s English-language films]]
[[Category:2010s American films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy drama films]]

Latest revision as of 01:10, 18 December 2024

A Dog's Purpose
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLasse Hallström
Screenplay by
Based onA Dog's Purpose
by W. Bruce Cameron
Produced byGavin Polone
Starring
CinematographyTerry Stacey
Edited byRobert Leighton
Music byRachel Portman[1]
Production
companies
Distributed byUniversal Pictures[2] (Worldwide)
Mister Smith Entertainment[3] (EMEA)
Release date
  • January 27, 2017 (2017-01-27)
Running time
100 minutes[2]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$22 million[4]
Box office$205 million[4]

A Dog's Purpose is a 2017 American adventure comedy drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and written by W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes, and Wally Wolodarsky, based on the 2010 novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron. The film stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa in his film debut, Juliet Rylance, John Ortiz and Dennis Quaid with Josh Gad in multiple voice roles. It covers themes of loyalty, grief, dysfunctional family, over a series of reincarnations.

The film is a co-production between Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Walden Media, and Pariah Entertainment Group.[5][6] It was released by Universal Pictures on January 27, 2017, and grossed $205 million worldwide, and received mixed reviews from critics. It was Peggy Lipton's final film role before her death in 2019.

A sequel, titled A Dog's Journey, was released on May 17, 2019.[7]

Plot

[edit]

In the 1950s, a feral puppy wonders about life's true purpose. Weeks later, he is caught by dogcatchers, whisked away to the pound, and euthanized.

The dog is reborn as a Red Retriever in 1961. Leaving his cage at a puppy mill, he is taken by two garbage men, who plan to sell him. Left locked inside their pick-up truck, he begins to die of heatstroke, but is rescued by a kindhearted mother and her eight-year-old son, Ethan Montgomery. They break the truck's window and bring him home, naming him Bailey. Bailey and Ethan bond quickly, especially over the summer at Ethan's grandparents' farm, and Bailey decides Ethan alone is his purpose. Ethan gives him the nickname “Doodle Dog”.

Years pass, and after several attempts at advancing in his job fail, Ethan's father has become an alcoholic. In 1969, Ethan meets a girl named Hannah at a fair with Bailey, and they soon begin dating. They spend their summer together, happily, through senior year. They plan to go to the same college, Ethan getting a football scholarship and Hannah with an academic one. At home one night, Ethan's drunken father becomes abusive towards his mother and him. Ethan kicks him out.

Later in 1971 at a football game watched by scouts, Ethan is offered a full scholarship to Michigan State University. That night, his vindictive classmate Todd throws a lit firecracker into Ethan's house, causing a house fire. Bailey alerts Ethan, who saves his mother out through an upstairs window. Ethan lowers her, then Bailey. However, he loses his rope and must jump, fracturing his leg and ending his athletic scholarship. Bailey attacks Todd, who is arrested by the police when firecrackers fall out of his pocket. With no other option, Ethan has to go to an agricultural school, where he will learn to take over the farm. Depressed, Ethan breaks up with Hannah before leaving for college, while Bailey stays with Ethan's grandparents. Bailey ages and Ethan comes to say goodbye.

Bailey is reborn as a female German Shepherd puppy, growing into a police dog named Ellie, in the late 1970s/early 1980s, while fully retaining memories of her past lives. Ellie is partnered with lonely officer Jakob who has recently split up with his partner, of the Chicago Police Department, and works hard at "seeking" and "finding", now seeing the job as life's purpose. They form a close bond, ending after Jakob was shot. Jakob quits. Ellie is adopted by Maya, a friend of Jakob. She is another K-9 search and rescue officer. She looks after her, later becoming her permanent owner. Maya meets Al, and gets married.

Bailey reincarnates again, this time as a Labrador. A man named Darek adopts Bailey for his girlfriend Wendi. Bailey is named Bear. However, Wendi receives an eviction notice saying that if Bear stays, she will have to leave. She decides to give Bear away to her mother. Her mother is not happy with that idea. She lives with a man named Victor who is abusive and drinks a lot of alcohol. He is abusive towards Bear, and tends to yell at Bear and Wendi's mother. He is rarely fed. A kind lady next door feeds him chunks of meat through the holes. She calls the authorities, and Wendi's mother will have to pay a fine of $50 for animal cruelty. Victor is mad and dumps Bear in a forest. Bear finds his way back to the farm, and meets Ethan. He is renamed Buddy. Buddy brings Ethan and Hannah back together.

Cast

[edit]
  • Josh Gad as the voice of Bailey, Ellie, Tino and Buddy, the reincarnations of "Boss Dog", the main protagonist.
  • Dennis Quaid as Ethan Montgomery, an old man who owns and runs his grandparents' old farm.
    • KJ Apa as teenaged Ethan Montgomery, a popular football player who later gets injured and must become a farmer.
    • Bryce Gheisar as eight-year-old Ethan Montgomery, a young boy interested in comics and football.
  • Peggy Lipton as Hannah, an old woman who is widowed and has two children.
    • Britt Robertson as teenaged Hannah, the supportive and intelligent girlfriend of Ethan.
  • John Ortiz as Carlos Ruiz, Ellie’s partner who trains her as a police dog.
  • Logan Miller as Todd, a former friend of Ethan's who is vindictive and jealous of him.
  • Juliet Rylance as Elizabeth Montgomery, Ethan's mother in an unhappy and abusive marriage to Jim, whom she later divorces.
  • Luke Kirby as Jim Montgomery, Ethan's father in an unhappy and abusive marriage with Elizabeth and a depressed alcoholic.
  • Gabrielle Rose as Fran, Ethan's maternal grandmother.
  • Michael Bofshever as Bill, Ethan's maternal grandfather and a farmer.
  • Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Maya Williams, a shy young woman who adopts Tino.
  • Pooch Hall as Al, a young man who dates and later marries Maya, and has three children with her.

Production

[edit]

In 2015, DreamWorks acquired the film rights for Cameron's novel.[8] On May 8, 2015, it was announced Lasse Hallström would direct the film.[9] On August 5, 2015, Britt Robertson and Dennis Quaid joined the cast.[10] On September 18, 2015, Pooch Hall was cast in the film.[11] On October 15, 2015, Bradley Cooper joined the cast to play Bailey's inner voice,[12] but the role was eventually performed by Josh Gad.[13] Principal photography began on August 17, 2015.[14] During production, controversy ensued over treatment of a dog during filming.[15]

Release

[edit]

In December 2015, the film switched from a DreamWorks Pictures release to under the Amblin Entertainment banner as per Amblin Partners' newly enacted branded strategy.[16] The film was released by Universal Pictures on January 27, 2017.[17] Universal also distributed it overseas, except for countries where Mister Smith Entertainment handled international sales.[3]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

A Dog's Purpose grossed $64.5 million in the United States and Canada and $140.5 million in other territories for a worldwide gross of $205 million, against a production budget of $22 million.[4]

In North America, it was released alongside Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and Gold, and was projected to gross $18–22 million from 3,050 theaters in its opening weekend, slightly lower than initial $27 million tracking had the film debuting to before boycotts against the film were called for.[18] It made $466,000 from Thursday-night previews and $5.3 million on its first day. It ended up debuting to $18.2 million, finishing second at the box office behind the second weekend of Universal's own Split.[19] The film dropped 40.6% in its second weekend, grossing $10.8 million and finishing third at the box office.[20]

Critical response

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 34% based on reviews from 148 critics, with an average rating of 4.9/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "A Dog's Purpose offers an awkward blend of sugary sentiment and canine suffering that tugs at animal-loving audiences' heartstrings with shameless abandon."[21] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 43 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[22] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[23]

Andrew Barker of Variety wrote: "Viewed in a vacuum, it’s hard to fault the movie’s earnestness; Hallström’s canine cinema pedigree (which includes the superior Hachi: A Dog's Tale) shows through; and Rachel Portman's score is understandably sentimental without going completely saccharine."[24] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "While the human performers are more than adequate, there’s no doubt that the canine stars carry the day. Their utter irresistibility helps a long way in terms of getting past the corny plot machinations of A Dog’s Purpose."[2]

Home media

[edit]

A Dog's Purpose was released on digital HD on April 18, 2017, and was followed by a release on Blu-ray and DVD on May 2, 2017, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.[25][26] The film topped the home-video sales chart for the week ending on May 7, 2017.[27]

Controversy

[edit]

On January 18, 2017, a video surfaced on TMZ showing footage taken from the set of the film, which shows a male German Shepherd named Hercules being dragged and dipped into rushing water while visibly resisting.[28] After a cut in the video, the next clip shows the dog being submerged in the water at the other end of the tank while a voice on set can be heard shouting "CUT IT!", and various people are then seen rushing towards the dog.[29] The American Humane Association, which ensures that animals are not harmed in entertainment productions, announced that its representative on set had been suspended over the incident, and that the incident was under further investigation.[30][31] PETA called for a boycott of the film.[32] Actor Josh Gad, who voices the dog in the movie and was not on set during the making of the film, said he was "shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will."[33] Director Lasse Hallström said via Twitter that he "did not witness" the actions in the video, and was "very disturbed" by the footage.[34] Due to the release of the video, Universal Pictures cancelled the film's scheduled January 19 Los Angeles premiere.[35]

Amblin Entertainment released a statement in regards to the incident, saying, "on the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt portrayed on the tape, so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot," and "Hercules is happy and healthy."[36] On February 4, 2017, the American Humane Association reported that an independent third-party animal-cruelty expert had concluded that safety measures on the set of the film were in place and the video had been deliberately edited to mislead the public.[37]

Sequel

[edit]
Main article: A Dog's Journey (film)

On June 21, 2017, CEO of Amblin Entertainment Michael Wright announced that a sequel was in development.[38] On August 26, 2018, Universal began production on the sequel, which is directed by Gail Mancuso, and was released on May 17, 2019.[7] In addition to Quaid and Gad reprising their roles, the cast also includes Marg Helgenberger (replacing Peggy Lipton, who had become seriously ill), Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott, and Henry Lau.[39] The trailer for the sequel, titled A Dog's Journey, was released in January 2019.[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rachel Portman Scoring Lasse Hallstrom's 'A Dog's Purpose' – Film Music Reporter". filmmusicreporter.com. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Scheck, Frank (January 24, 2017). "'A Dog's Purpose': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  3. ^ a b McNary, Dave (November 4, 2016). "AFM: Mister Smith Pacts Power its Picture Pipeline". Variety. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "A Dog's Purpose (2017)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  5. ^ Scheck, Frank (January 24, 2017). "'A Dog's Purpose': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 3, 2017. Production companies: Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Walden Media, Pariah Entertainment Group Distributor: Universal Pictures
  6. ^ Barker, Andrew (January 24, 2016). "Film Review: 'A Dog's Purpose'". Variety. Retrieved March 7, 2017. A Universal Pictures release of an Amblin Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment presentation in association with Walden Media of a Pariah production
  7. ^ a b "A Dog's Journey (2019)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  8. ^ Kit, Borys (September 16, 2016). "Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  9. ^ Fleming, Mike (2015-05-08). "'A Dog's Purpose' Set At DreamWorks With Lasse Hallstrom To Direct". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 10, 2015. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  10. ^ Kit, Borys (5 August 2015). "Britt Robertson, Dennis Quaid Join DreamWorks' 'A Dog's Purpose' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  11. ^ Lincoln, Ross A. (2015-09-18). "Pooch Hall Joins 'A Dog's Purpose', Doug McKeon Will Run With 'LBJ'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  12. ^ Kit, Borys (2015-10-15). "'A Dog's Purpose': Bradley Cooper in Talks to Voice". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  13. ^ "Josh Gad is Reincarnated Over and Over in the A Dog's Purpose Trailer". 2016-08-26. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  14. ^ "On the Set for 8/21/15: Eddie Redmayne Starts Fantastic Beasts, Russo Brothers Wrap Up Captain America: Civil War". SSN Insider. 2015-08-21. Archived from the original on 2015-08-22. Retrieved 2015-10-25.
  15. ^ "'A Dog's Purpose' Video Shows Terrified German Shepherd Forced to Film". 18 January 2017.
  16. ^ Busch, Anita (December 16, 2016). "It's Official: Spielberg, DreamWorks, Participant, eOne, Others Pact For Amblin Partners". Deadline. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  17. ^ Busch, Anita (2015-09-22). "'A Dog's Purpose' Movie Based On Best-Selling Book To Unleash In 2017". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
  18. ^ "Box Office: Can 'A Dog's Purpose' Still Win the Weekend After Canine Controversy?". Variety. 24 January 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  19. ^ "Box Office Top 20: 'A Dog's Purpose' is second to 'Split'". Business Insider. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2018-08-27. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
  20. ^ "'Split' Dings 'Rings'; Auds Keep Distance From 'Space'; 'Comedian' Bombs: Sunday Update". Deadline Hollywood. 6 February 2017.
  21. ^ "A Dog's Purpose (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  22. ^ "A Dog's Purpose Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  23. ^ "Cinemascore". Archived from the original on 2018-12-20.
  24. ^ Barker, Andrew (25 January 2017). "Film Review: 'A Dog's Purpose'". Variety.
  25. ^ A Dog's Purpose (2017) DVD Release Dates, Retrieved April 30, 2017
  26. ^ A Dog's Purpose Blu-ray Blu-ray.com, Retrieved April 30, 2017
  27. ^ Thomas K. Arnold (May 10, 2017). "'A Dog's Purpose' Leads the Pack in DVD, Blu-ray Disc Sales". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  28. ^ Leigh Blickley (18 January 2017). "Leaked Video From 'A Dog's Purpose' Set Calls Film's Treatment Of Animals Into Question". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  29. ^ "'A Dog's Purpose' Video Shows Terrified German Shepherd Forced to Film". TMZ. 18 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  30. ^ "'A Dog's Purpose' Video Triggers Suspension". TMZ. January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
  31. ^ Catherine Garcia (18 January 2017). "Investigation opened into 'disturbing' treatment of German shepherd on set of A Dog's Purpose". The Week. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  32. ^ "PETA Calls for Boycott of ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ After Disturbing Video Surfaces", Dave McNary. Variety. January 18, 2017. Accessed January 18, 2017
  33. ^ Sandra Gondalez (19 January 2017). "'A Dog's Purpose' faces backlash after 'disturbing' video surfaces". CNN.com. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  34. ^ Bryan Alexander (19 January 2017). "'A Dog's Purpose' reels after outrage over disturbing set video". USA Today. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  35. ^ "Universal Pictures cancels premiere of 'A Dog's Purpose'". 20 January 2017.
  36. ^ Mizoguchi, Karen (19 January 2017). "A Dog's Purpose Releases Statement Following Controversial Video: We 'Foster an Ethical, Safe Environment for Animals'". People. Archived from the original on 20 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
  37. ^ "Third Party Investigation Finds No Animal Injuries, Cruelty on Set of 'A Dog's Purpose'". The Hollywood Reporter. February 4, 2017. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  38. ^ "A Dog's Purpose Sequel is Happening Because Of China". slashfilm.com. 21 June 2017.
  39. ^ "Betty Gilpin Joins Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad in 'A Dog's Purpose' Follow-Up (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 26 August 2018.
  40. ^ Schaffstall, Katherine (29 January 2019). "'A Dog's Journey' Trailer: Josh Gad Returns as Bailey in 'Dog's Purpose' Sequel". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=A_Dog%27s_Purpose_(film)&oldid=1263676074"