Dog Gone (2023)
Dog Gone (2023)
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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 Gone, a film based on a book about a real story, is an ultimately uplifting tale about a search for a lost dog that brings a family closer together. They also find unexpected support across communities. The father and son -- played by Rob Lowe and Johnny Berchtold -- demonstrate perseverance in pushing through physical exhaustion to search for the dog, but the son puts his own health in jeopardy as a result. Potentially frightening scenes include dogs getting seriously ill, killed by a car (not shown), and lost in the woods, and a man vomiting blood and passing out before being rushed to the hospital for surgery. College students drink beer at parties and in the morning at home. Language includes the likes of "ass," "damn," "suck," "loser," "frigging," and "oh my God."
What's the Story?
Stinging from a senior-year break-up, Fielding (Johnny Berchtold) adopts a dog and names him Gonkers in DOG GONE. Gonkers and Fielding bond, but his parents -- John (Rob Lowe) and Ginny (Kimberly Williams- Paisley) -- aren't too thrilled when they come to take him home after graduation. Fielding also doesn't have a job lined up, much less a life plan, unlike most of his graduating friends, to the chagrin of his professional dad. The two men clash, though Gonkers worms his way into John's heart too. When Gonkers disappears after chasing a fox into the woods on the Appalachian Trail, the whole family takes on the search to find him. The hunt pushes dad and son closer together.
Is It Any Good?
Nobody will tell you that this is an amazing movie, but it has enough elements -- cute dog, heartwarming family bonding, gorgeous scenery, some generational humor -- to make it a pleasant watch. Lowe can charm his way through just about any script, as he does as the slightly superior but ultimately well-meaning dad in Dog Gone. His reconnecting with son Fielding is the story's real core, though the search for an adorable, yoga-posing blonde lab makes for an adventure. Still, Fielding's health issues are more suspenseful than the predictable dog hunt. A storyline told through flashbacks of the mother's own childhood experience with a lost dog was unnecessary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how people from all walks of life were inspired to help search for the missing dog in Dog Gone. Why do you think they wanted to help?
John and Fielding demonstrate perseverance in searching for their missing dog, but this also compromises Fielding's health. What are the pros and cons of their determination? Do they ever consider giving up?
What was the purpose of showing Ginny's flashbacks to her childhood? Did these scenes add to the character and story? Why or why not?
Why are there so many movies, books, and TV shows about dogs? What's the appeal?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 13, 2023
- Cast: Rob Lowe, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Johnny Berchtold
- Director: Stephen Herek
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Book Characters, Brothers and Sisters, Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 12, 2023
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