Take out the Kleenex; you will need it for “Dog Gone”. There are several scenes that will break your heart.
Anyone who’s ever loved a dog or a cat can relate to the Netflix movie. Last summer I lost my cat for two days when he jumped out of my arms in the first hot spell of the season and I was beside myself trying to find him so I really including Fielding Marshall’s emotional trauma when his beloved dog is lost while hiking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
Fielding (Johnny Berchtold), much to the chagrin of his father (Rob Lowe), graduates from college with no direction in life or employment. To add to his resentment, Fielding adopted a dog named Gonker who Fielding considers his only friend in life.
Gonker and Fielding come back to life with his parents until he finds out what he wants to do. Gonker wins the hearts of all family members with his cute antics.
“Dog Gone” is based on the true story of John Marshall and his son, Fielding, who mend their fractured relationship during a forced trek down the Appalachian Trail to reunite with their beloved Gonker.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Ginny Marshall, Fielding’s mother. Nick Peine is Nick, Fielding’s roommate.
During the film, there are several flashbacks to Ginny’s childhood when she picks up a dog to chase it away and gets run over by a car. Ginny’s parents are the parents from hell. Brian Brightman plays Ginny’s father and Holly A. Morris is Ginny’s mother. If you are looking for cold and insensitivity, they fit the bill.
Directed by Stephen Herek, “Dog Gone” is a beautiful film that is partly set on the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, they kept showing the same shots of the Appalachian Trail. There are so many breathtaking views on the Appalachian Trail Herek should have used more variety. Herek is known for directing “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus.
The script for “Dog Gone” was adapted by Pauls Toutonghi from the book of the same name by Nick Santora.
I enjoyed this movie. It was repetitive and dragged a bit when they were looking for Gonker but not enough to make the movie boring. There’s no bad language, sex or violence, so I think older kids will enjoy the movie as well.
Again, have a box of Kleenex handy. I give “Dog Gone” 3 ¾ stars.