Merv

Look, it's a Christmas movie about a dog. It's a perfectly fine, perfectly predictable film.

But why is it so grey? The colour grading is horrendous. Half the film takes place in Florida, yet the colours look muted and washed out. It doesn't exactly ruin the film, but knocks it down a point or two.

This movie was sweet and fun. Watched it with my daughter and we had some good laughs at the dogs' antics. The two leads made a cute and believable couple, and made you want to root for them. And Merv was appropriately adorable.

The beach resort for dogs was a clever setting and made for some amusing situations. Loved Charlie Cox in this! He is so likeable. Zooey is fine but Charlie and Gus (Merv) carry the movie.

This Amazon movie became available streaming this week. I was anxious to watch it because I am a Zooey fan. So my wife and I watched it. I enjoyed it fine as interesting entertainment, she enjoyed it less, she feels that some parts moved a bit too slowly.

Living and working in Boston Zooey Deschanel is Anna Finch, an optometrist. She has been in a long-term relationship with Charlie Cox as elementary school teacher Russ Owens. They have a dog, Merv, that each one is very attached to, much like if it were a child.

When the two split up for questionable reasons they make an agreement to share Merv, alternate weeks. But Merv seems to be depressed so Russ decides his next week will be spent with Merv at a Florida dog resort on the beach.

They go but Anna shows up unannounced, that is the catalyst to create a number of interesting situations. As we watch we sense that Anna and Russ aren't really over each other and it seems that will be leading to their repairing the fractured relationship.

There are a few novel concepts and while it isn't a very memorable movie I did find it suitably entertaining. Just a one-time viewing.

Sure, as the above review stated, "merv (does) steal your heart" OF COURSE HE DOES he's adorable but, and this is a big but - an animal co-star should be just that, a co-star and NOT merely a prop. However in the case of Merv, the doggo is simply that and it's very awkward - I don't know if Zoey is a cat person or what but it's like she's never touched a dog before and watching her attempt to act off of him is borderline cringe. Charlie isn't much better - so ya it's cute and yes I'd say it's worth a watch but just know this isn't a dog movie as much as a movie with a dog - I know I KNOW but....

"Merv" is a genuinely charming film that knows exactly what it wants to be. It doesn't try too hard to impress with big twists or heavy drama, and that's actually part of its strength. The story is simple, warm, and easy to connect with, making the film very enjoyable to watch from start to finish.

While it may not be perfect or groundbreaking, it makes up for that with its heart. The characters feel sincere, the tone is light but meaningful, and there's a quiet emotional pull that stays with you. Some moments could have been developed a bit more, but overall the film leaves you with a smile.

"Merv" is one of those sweet, feel-good movies that reminds you cinema doesn't always need to be loud or complex to be effective. A very lovely watch.