LASSE HALSTROM GETS CRITICAL PRAISE FOR “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

Press release

One of the world’s most renowned directors, Lasse Halstrom is best known to audiences as the maker of such poignant but resolutely unsentimental films as My Life as a Dog, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Cider House Rules.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

His newest film, A Dog's Purpose shares the heartwarming and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

The director claims it is no accident he was attracted to the material: “I made two movies about dogs previously—My Life as a Dog and Haichi—so this is my third dog story. If you have an interest in outsiders and emotions that seems irrational to humans, you can certainly relate to a dog’s feelings and a dog’s life.”

Hallström's valentine to man's best friend has been rewarded with praises from US critics, led by Joe Morgenstern ofWall Street Journal, who applauds, "A Dog's Purpose left me cherishing my borderline-venerable Skeezix; longing to see Scamp and Fluff and Sukoshi and Sally, the dear departed dogs of my life; and wishing I could have been reincarnated as a better master than I was.”

Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly, attests, “Purpose plays like a family film from another era, its gentle sensibilities a million miles removed from the winky pop culture references and meta layers of most modern all-ages entertainment.”

“The film is both heartwarming and soul-shattering,” writes Ariel Scotti of New York Daily News. “Its theme of an unbreakable bond between man and his best friend is reminiscent of My Dog Skip, Homeward Bound and Old Yeller.

Frank Scheck of Hollywood Reporter, opines, “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.”

Andrew Barker of Variety, comments, “It's hard to fault the movie's earnestness; Hallström's canine cinema pedigree shows through; and Rachel Portman's score is understandably sentimental without going completely saccharine.”

Finally, Tom Russo of Boston Globe offers this one-liner: “It's a weepie that can be tough to resist.”

Based on author W. Bruce Cameron’s beloved best-selling novel, A Dog’s Purpose stars Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, Peggy Lipton and John Ortiz.

Over the course of five decades, a single voice—that of an indefatigable dog—takes us along a riveting and uplifting path that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal. Although he is reincarnated in the bodies of multiple canines through the years, it is his unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan that carries and inspires one dog throughout his journey to find a true purpose for his boy.

Opening across the Philippines on March 1^st, A Dog's Purpose is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

DENNIS QUAID IN “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

Press release

DENNIS QUAID SHARES SAME ROLE WITH TWO ACTORS IN “A DOG'S PURPOSE”

For Universal Pictures' new family adventure, A Dog's Purpose, director Lasse Hallström looked to Dennis Quaid who he directed over 20 years ago in Something to Talk About. Known for his portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles over the years, Quaid was Hallstrom's the ultimate choice for the role of Adult Ethan.

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

Based on author W. Bruce Cameron’s beloved best-selling novel, A Dog’s Purpose shares the heartwarming and surprising story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

Over the course of five decades, a single voice—that of an indefatigable dog—takes us along a riveting and uplifting path that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal. Although he is reincarnated in the bodies of multiple canines through the years, it is his unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan that carries and inspires one dog throughout his journey to find a true purpose for his boy.

For Quaid, it was an easy decision to reunite with Hallström. The actor adds, “I love the story and that is what Lasse is so good with. He is a great storyteller who knows how to tell a story by language, in pictures and with sound. There are three of us playing Ethan at different times in his life, and I just loved what this movie is.”

The performer continues, “My character is the original owner of our dog reincarnate, and I play him later on in life. He is at a personal crossroads, and this dog comes back into his life and it reminds him of his true self.”

For Young Ethan, 18-year-old newcomer KJ Apa was selected. Hailing from New Zealand, Apa starred in the local series Riverdale and The Cul De Sac. Brand new to the world of feature films, Apa was in for a treat when he joined forces with Hallström. “This was my first film, and I did not know you could suggest different ideas to the director. In my television work previously, I did exactly what was on the page,” says Apa. “Improvising came pretty easy for me.”

Hallström echoes Apa: “I was happy to play around with KJ and give him the opportunity to improvise. He could have a career as a leading man anywhere in the world, I would say.”

Apa elaborates on the challenges he faced while playing Young Ethan: “The hardest part of the job was perfecting an American accent, and learning how to throw a football. I play rugby, and the throwing motion could not be more different.”

As for the youngest Ethan in the film, another impressive newcomer was selected. Known for his role in Disney Channel’s Walk the Prank, Bryce Gheisar sent in an audition tape that Hallström immediately responded to. “We found Bryce pretty early in the casting process, and I saw right away that he was the man,” says Hallström. “I did not want too trained of an actor because they tend to get a little too polished for my taste, and are not typically what I want out of a kid on screen.”

Gheisar reflects on his experience in the role of Ethan, “The first scene I filmed was when my character introduces Bailey to his grandma and grandpa. Bailey jumps out of the car and runs after the chickens, and it was so funny. That was my favorite scene to film.”

Opening across the Philippines on March 1^st, A Dog's Purpose is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

A Dog's Purpose movie review

I’ve grew up watching series with dogs as the main protagonist like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Boomer and many to mention. It was fun to watch but I already outgrew this genre. When I first heard about A Dog’s Story, I just think it was another addition to dog heroes. The reason why I agreed to watch it was because this time, the dog’s character is voiced by Josh Gad like he was narrating.

 

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures

Josh Gad made it big when he voiced Olaf in Disney’s Frozen and he made it memorable with his comedy. In A Dog’s Purpose, he voiced the dog and talked in the dog’s perspective which is very witty. The only flaw was that when you are watching the movie in the dog’s eye perspective, it was not different. Dogs are not color blind but they have a different perspective in colors.

But the best part of the movie is the emotional aspect. I bet no one will watch it without shedding a tear unless you are a Vulcan like Spock. This only means we are still human beings. A Dog’s Purpose is a family oriented movie to watch and it make you appreciate dogs more even a cat lover like me.

For more movie reviews online, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.