Dakota

This is a poor film, having watched 'Dog' and 'Ruby' recently I thought this would be in the ball park. Wrong. Predictable, weak characters, poor story, and sickly sweet. The dog was good though, that's why it got three instead of two. I like dogs so I'm not going to say the dog was rubbish. Watch Ruby instead, far better film.

The reason I am rating this so high is because it was a true family film like I grew up on in the 90s. Films appropriate for the whole family are nearly impossible to find anymore. If it weren't for appreciating the family aspect so much, I'd agree with some other reviews. So much doesn't add up in this film and really requires the viewer to suspend belief. It is clearly low budget, with a small cast but that isn't its biggest flaw. The mom is instantly starry eyed over her new visitor while the daughter is still completely wrecked over the loss of her dad. The family is about to lose the farm despite Grandpa (who can afford to play golf) having given it to them as a wedding gift. What was the gift, a hefty mortgage? Why are they going to lose it? The caring grandpa isn't going to help? The town is depicted to be a very small town of maybe 400, yet they have a mall. The mom goes into the daughter's room one night to look for her and stands with her back to the bed for a bit, very slowly turns to the empty bed, and finally slowly turns to the wide open window that was obvious upon arrival. While her daughter is still missing, she goes on with other business. The brilliant dog gets captured by some nitwits on the other side of a bush and can't be heard barking by the family. There are constant moments like this in the film that are outrageously unbelievable...just wait until the final scene 😳.

However, where this film deserves the high rating from me is on the basis of family friendliness. No controversial morals, no language, no intimacy, some slightly suspenseful scenes if you have a sensitive/very young viewer but nothing very intense. I did actually tear up at this movie a few times despite the issues with it. All in all, it was an enjoyable way to spend a bit of time with my 7 year old. If a cinema masterpiece is what you're after, this isn't it. If a whole family movie is what you're after, give it a watch!

The script is just sub-par, to say the least. It certainly *does* remind me of those awful, AI-authored clickbait pages.

The sappy, unsophisticated writing and juvenile character creation is some of the worst I have ever seen, and the acting is hardly any better. Effing **Mormons** would likely have done a better job of writing a movie script, FFS, and it would likely be better. If that does not tell you about the quality of this movie, then nothing will. Purely cringe.

I feel sorry for the poor actors who had to put their names to this cinematographic atrocity-especially immediately after having watched "Dog".

Ugh. Revolting. It reads like the worst Hallmark movie of all time.

Sheriff: "This town is not dog-friendly." Who TF even *says* that???

2/10 Would **most certainly** not recommend.

Thought I was watching a kids dog film from the art work. So much more than that. Abbie Cornish can usually be counted on to give memorable performances and she is really terrific in the film. Reminded me of the old family films I grew up on. You laugh, you cry. PTSD aspect of the dog could have been delved into further. Patrick Muldoon as the sheriff is a scene chomper. A film most families will enjoy. Wouldn't say it is for super young kids.

This movie is one step up from the Room or Samurai Cop. Don't watch it with the expectation that you're watching something serious. The writing is intentionally terrible or was created using Artificial intelligence. It's dramatic & illogical storyline makes this film hilarious and one you cannot pass up. One of the best parts begins with William Baldwin philosophizing about cats being soldiers on the battlefield. The movie starts and ends in two entirely different places and most of it has nothing to do with a Belgian Malinois. The movie may even be considered a psychological thriller to those who partake. Have fun.