Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Ordona
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild British comedy should have had more dog, less human.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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Patrick
What's the Story?
In PATRICK, Sarah (Beattie Edmondson), who's starting a new job as a teacher, is unexpectedly saddled with her late grandmother's pug, Patrick. The pooch is cute but boisterous, and Sarah would very much like to get rid of him. But as she struggles with her job, love life, and finding a place for them both to live, he starts to grow on her.
Is It Any Good?
Dog fans may be disappointed that the titular pug is only a supporting character in this mild-to-the-point-of-bland family comedy. Unfortunately, the main character in Patrick is actually Sarah, who's not all that easy to like. Constantly complaining and easily overwhelmed, she doesn't even seem to be a very good teacher. Her class starts out as an unruly mob ... which she seems to win over just by summarizing all of Jane Eyre aloud for them. And the romcom subplots are predictable and facile. Because Sarah doesn't seem to care with whom she ends up, we don't, either. The jokes are all mild. There are no villains. There's no real obstacle to overcome other than finishing a 5K run (that has no apparent time limit). Truly, the film would have benefited from more Patrick. The pug is very cute -- and charmingly naughty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sarah's journey in Patrick. What is that journey? Does she seem to change? Why or why not?
The film is called Patrick, but the dog is a supporting character. Did you expect more of/from him? Who are your favorite movie dogs?
Did the plot seem predictable to you? Were there times you felt you knew what was coming, who would end up with whom? Did that bother you?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 15, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : April 2, 2019
- Cast : Beattie Edmondson , Ed Skrein , Tom Bennett , Jennifer Saunders
- Director : Mandie Fletcher
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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