Dog Days

Movie review by Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media
Dog Days Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Positive message amid language, pot humor in canine comedy.

PG 2018 112 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 11 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Dog Days is an ensemble comedy about people in L.A. whose lives are intertwined and improved by dogs (it's very reminiscent of Garry Marshall's holiday-themed movies like Mother's Day). It's been marketed as a family film, but some of the content isn't appropriate for younger kids, including gratuitous strong language ("a--hole," "damn," and punchlines that imply the use of "s--t," even though it's not exactly said) and a pot brownie plot point that's played for laughs, with no negative consequences. Some of the storylines are sweet, such as a new family being formed through adoption and the development of an intergenerational, interracial friendship. Several stories involve dating and romance; be ready for innuendo, implied sexual situations, and discussion about reproduction. And while the film is full of smiles, there may be some sad sobs, too, since (spoiler alert!) a dog dies. But the pro-pup message is very strong, and the diverse cast (including Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Finn Wolfhard, Jessica St. Clair, and Adam Pally) has broad appeal.

Community Reviews

Albanyaloe
Albanyaloe Adult
May 2, 2020
age 10+

Lovely movie with animal fun and good messages

We were surprised to enjoy this movie so much, after reading other bad reviews. A really cute movie, especially for animal lovers. There was swearing and a little sexual content which went over my child's head. As a dog lover she was so caught up in the excellent filming of the dogs and the humour. Really difficult to find family movies that are not corny or contrived, but this one was great, for us all. There were a number of touching parts, such as the respectful friendship between and old man and teenager, a family adopting a little girl, and of course very funny scenes with dogs. The scene were the dogs dies is sad, nothing gruesome, and not overly dramatised, we have 2 sensitive viewers and they were fine. Portrayed as a sad ending to a beautiful friendship between dog and man. Lots of good themes to talk about: intergenerational friendship, death of a pet, what a real relationship is, looking after pets etc. The part with the marijuana is not portrayed as "admirable" and would go over children's heads. At least preview this movie before crossing it off your list, you'll be glad you did.

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
Tricia R.
Tricia R. Adult
April 15, 2019
age 8+

Funny heart-warming tear-jerker

We all LOVED this movie. A number of different storylines come together in a really cute way. There's even a really sweet adoption of a little girl and a dog who helps her adjust to her new family. Yes, there are some pot and infidelity references, but honestly they went over my 8 and 10 year olds' heads. They were pretty subtle. Adorable dogs. The sweet nerdy guy gets the girl (instead of the vain "hot" guy). A meaningful friendship between a boy and a lonely older man... Lots of good stuff here!

This title has:

Great messages
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DOG DAYS is an ensemble dramedy about a group of people in Los Angeles whose lives become intertwined thanks to their dogs. Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev) is a morning TV host with a cheating boyfriend, Tara (Vanessa Hudgens) is a barista trying to pick a career path, Tyler (Finn Wolfhard) is a pizza delivery boy whose regular customer is a grumpy old man (Ron Cephas Jones), Eva Longoria and Rob Corddry play first-time adoptive parents, and Dax (Adam Pally) is a musician whose irresponsibility is affecting both his personal and professional life. As each character tries to figure out the next step in their lives, the dogs help the humans forge important new relationships.

Is It Any Good?

This doggy comedy's concept and message are full of paws-ibility, but the film doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a Disney-esque family dramedy, as its filming style and marketing campaign suggest? Or is it an edgier comedy for 20-somethings, as its drug, sex, and profanity jokes might imply? Dog Days' execution isn't helped by multiple plotlines that have the predictability and depth of an episode of The Love Boat. The script's one-dimensional characters deprive the actors of much substance, but the newer faces in the ensemble are the real delights. Comedian Tone Bell as a former athlete turned broadcaster, Jessica Lowe as a snarky makeup artist, and Lauren Lapkus as a dog walker who loves the job perks are stand-outs. And just as he does in This Is Us, Jones proves he could read the phone book and make viewers cry.

But while the animals may be what moves the humans' stories forward, the pups themselves are sidelined, mostly providing reaction shots. It's really not about them -- which could be fine, if all the marketing didn't imply that they were the stars and that the film was more like The Secret Life of Pets than Must Love Dogs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the various ways teamwork is demonstrated in Dog Days. What's accomplished in each storyline through teamwork?

  • A teen shows compassion for a man who lost his dog, even though they personally don't get along. Is liking someone necessary to help them out? Could you do something nice for someone you think hasn't been nice to you?

  • How does the movie depict drinking and drug use? Are there realistic consequences? Why is that important?

  • Do you have a pet? If so, how does your pet make your life better -- or does it? If not, how do you think your life would be different if you had a pet?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

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    Tearjerker is sweet, poignant, and occasionally violent.

    age 10+
  • Marley & Me Poster Image

    Marley & Me

    Touching comedy deals with emotional themes.

    age 13+
  • Hotel for Dogs Poster Image

    Hotel for Dogs

    Young pet lovers will get a kick out of dog comedy.

    age 7+

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