Parents' Guide to

For the Love of a Dog

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Feel-good teamwork movie has scary near-drowning scene.

Movie G 2007 90 minutes
For the Love of a Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG is a feel-good movie that shows through example the importance of putting the concerns of others over your own selfish wants. While the lessons imparted are worthwhile, the movie itself is marred by amateurish acting and questionable side-stories that interfere with the film's central message. For instance, at the height of a yard sale where everyone in the community seems to be coming together for a greater good, a little girl sneaks away, falls into a pool, and nearly drowns. The scene comes out of nowhere, and nearly eliminates the previous 30 minutes of goodwill the characters had created between them.

Regardless, if you can overlook these problems, For the Love of a Dog's message of selfless giving shines throughout the movie. As the characters live out these values, the changes that come over them as the movie progresses make them positive role models.

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