Um Ano do Cão

For me the most important aspect of Jeff Bridges as an actor, is he is believable and real. I don't know if I would have rated the film any higher without his performance as Jon Katz the main character in the story. The film style is simplistic but projects a realistic view of what it's like to have a highly active and abused dog. What is most memorable to me are the few simple scenes that Jeff Bridges shares with Devon. I was so pleased that he filmmaker did not take a "Disney" format approach to the subject and presented in its true from.

If there is one criticism I have with the film is that I'm never explained the psyche of the main character Jon Katz. Why is he stubborn and unyielding and refusing to listen to other people's advice. We are told that he is an "mad" by the trainer but there is no evidence or background to support this.

These to me are minor points but worth mentioning. In all it was a very believable and realistic approach to the subject.

A dog movie that's not overly manipulative? That's one in a million. In all seriousness, 'A Dog Year' doesn't contain those certain scenes that most dog films too, or at least they don't play it off like something like Marley & Me. But it also doesn't necessarily have the heart that something like A Hachi's Tale or Megan Leavey do. So while it doesn't reinvent the genre in any way, it's a quick 80 minutes that gives you an enjoyable Jeff Bridges performances and plenty of good pup pup moments. I'll take it.

7.1/10

This was okay, not great but interesting especially as a dog lover and watchable because of Jeff Bridges. He plays a writer who impulsively adopts an energetic border collie that turns his already frantic midlife crisis even crazier. Why is he having a midlife crisis, we never get to know. He is separated from his wife, why? The movie never tells. Jeff takes his new dog and rents a dilapidated farmhouse, where he begins to repair himself and the dog with random interactions with the townsfolk.

The biggest problem this movie has is the absence of a backstory or any kind of satisfying resolution, yup this movie just ends. you never find out why the writer is depressed and angry like he is, or why he's separated from his wife (interestingly voiced by his Starman wife Karen Allen) We never get to know the back story of the dog or if anyone in this is stable at the end. Very frustrating. I will say that the dog actually acts like a real dog, a bored dog who's had zero training. Bridges is also useless with the training.

While watching 'A Dog Year', I was once again sure to say, that I am a Jeff Bridges fanatic, and he is a Legend. Bridges has completed 40 years in Hollywood as an Actor, and yet he enjoys a fan-following around the globe, and keeps surprising himself and his fans with performances that are performed with absolute flourish.

'A Dog Year', based on a book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis, who takes in a dog that's crazier than he is. His relationship with his pet, his realizations, his ark, are wonderfully executed. It's a charming film. George LaVoo's direction is good.

Jeff Bridges embodies his part and rules the show. As Jon Katz, the Academy-Award Winning Actor delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. It's an astonishing act, that needs to be applauded by each and everyone.

Verdict - Though a charming story, I'd say Watch it for Jeff Bridges, he empowers the show and leaves you in awe of him. Bravo!

As it turns out, the guy in question is writer Jon Katz (Jeff Bridges), who is not only suffering from a midlife crisis, but also from writer's block.

Jon takes in a rescue dog offered to him by one of his readers. The dog is Devon, a young border collie with issues - and I mean serious issues. Jon has two gorgeous Labradors of his own, who are well trained and obedient. Devon is the opposite, and seems impossible to train.

Jon's wife has moved out to give them 'space'. We never see this character in the film and Jon only has telephone conversations with her. His daughter Emma comes to visit, but she too has a difficult time reconnecting with her father.

With Devon becoming a terror to the neighborhood, Jon decides to rent a farm in the country, where he hopes to train Devon, and find inspiration to write. What follows, is big character development for both man and dog.

As a big dog lover, I instantly connected with the movie, the characters, and off course the dog(s). This is an entertaining movie that never becomes silly, unbelievable or sentimental. It felt realistic and relatable, with a simple premise.