First Dog

Charming family movie! Watched this at Little Rock Film Festival with a full audience (around 300 people). Everyone cried and laughed, a real feel-good movie! The film screened at the Clinton Presidential Library. We went to see the film again the following Thursday and it was even better the second time we saw it! We want to see this movie when it comes out in theaters. My kids said they can't wait to watch it again. We also all loved the original Dolly Parton songs, and even heard Willie Nelson singing the chorus on one song with his daughter Paula Nelson who also co-stars in the film. I wonder if they'll release a soundtrack as well. The music score by the composer was also great -- sounded like a big orchestra! The best family movie we've seen in a long time. If you have a heart -- you'll love love this movie!

Eric Roberts playing the president of the United States?!? That's some really bizarre casting. As it turns out, the top billed Roberts only has about fifteen minutes of footage in the entire movie, and given the general quality of the movie, he got lucky being given just a small part. Except for Tommy "Tiny" Lister, who gives a surprisingly warm and likable performance as a trucker who befriends the youthful protagonist, the level of acting in this movie is quite dire. But in fairness to the cast, they weren't working with a professional script or direction. The story is really garbled at times, seemingly missing whole scenes or linking footage that might have made things make more sense. Also, the screenplay can't make its mind whether the title mutt is intelligent or dumb. Mostly dumb, as it turns out, like the human characters, some of who could have ended the story much sooner if they were able to think logically. As for the direction, it suffers from bad continuity and a really cheap feeling. I know this movie was aimed at young children, but I think even the target audience will see this movie doesn't have all of its marbles.

I just saw "First Dog" at the Newport beach film festival. It was a precious film with great morals and a wonderful story line. Normally I am not a crier but for some reason I was effected. That is what a great story and great actors do. They effect human beings by shedding light on subject matters that are going on in the world.

It is amazing how Danny, Big Mike and Teddy all become inner connected by one thing. They all have lost their family in someway, shape, and form. By uniting as a team they are able to resolve obstacles that lie ahead in order to "Do the right thing" and return Teddy to his owner...the President of the United States.

If anyone has not had a chance to see this movie at the festivals it is available at Walmart and Netflix. I can not wait to share this film with my family, friends and even strangers!!

Thank you cast and crew for putting together a great film.

Where to even start with this film. First Dog is a movie that has my opinion stretched. On one hand I liked it because the acting was good and the scenery was nice. On the other hand I didn't like it because it had some really dark elements for a children's film. Well let's look at the plot. The US President named Barrett (Eric Roberts) just narrowly misses an assassination attempt. In the chaos Barrett's dog Teddy runs away and inadvertently ends up with orphan Danny Milbright (John Paul Howard). Danny is a young shy boy who decides the right thing to do is hitch hike across the country to return Teddy to Barrett. Along the way Danny meets a friendly trucker named "Big" Mike (Tommy Lister) and a nasty hick couple. The film has good acting and beautiful scenery so why does it suffer? It has some really disturbing parts that will most likely make parents wish they hadn't shown it to their children. Let me list out some of the disturbing elements. The hick family is absolutely disgusting. These are some dirty people who smoke, hit each other, and curse. You know, for kids! One of them even points a gun at a character. There is also an unnerving scene where Danny is in a Detention Facility. And another unnerving scene where a doctor and Orderly in an animal shelter prepare to put down Teddy. Overall I admire the film for it's ambition but lots of violent scenes were really unnecessary and will upset kids.

I LOVED THE MOVIE..... FIRST DOG. i don't want to go on and on about it only that it has a wonderful message and you'll loved the movie. anyone who loves animals and a happy ending will love this movie. The actors are terrific and the dog was a beautiful and loving animal.

it is silly to have to go on and on for 10 lines. I just want to say again that this is a great movie for adults as well as kids.

Makes you wish you could adopt all the kids in foster care and all the dogs and cats who are in the HUMANE SOCIETY system. I will sure be buying this movie for my own home library and will give it to family and friends when birthdays and Christmas comes around.