In honor of National Puppy Day, here are some captivating canine films!
March 23 is National Puppy Day so of course Film Fad would make a list of some of their favorite dog films. Being a dog lover myself (hence why I used my dogs as the cover photo), there are a few dog films (of the many) that I personally enjoyed. Here are five films that had an influence on me throughout my years of canine film watching.
All Dogs Go to Heaven
Many would say that the plot of “All Dogs Go to Heaven” is a tamed down version of “Ghost” but applied to dogs. The film’s premise surrounds a dog back from the dead and a child that can speak to animals. The child helps the dog seek out his killer to seek revenge but the plot isn’t as harsh as it sounds. Although “All Dogs Go to Heaven” had some harsh themes, it was one of the first children’s films I saw that dealt with the loss of an animal. By today’s standards of animation, it may not invoke the same emotions, but as a child it was one of my favorites.
Milo & Otis
“Milo & Otis” is another film that was a staple for my childhood. Even compared to the animal films today, this film still remains unique. It almost seemed like a documentary with the use of real life animals and their adventures being narrated by a strong spoken voice. To date, “Milo & Otis” remains one of the most heartwarming animal tales chronicling the adventures of two unlikely friends.
Marley & Me
When I think of a tear-jerker film, “Marley & Me” is most often a film that comes to mind. If you haven’t seen it and you wear your heart on your sleeve, then steer clear. “Marley & Me” establishes a connection with a pet like no other film taking you through the full emotional spectrum of caring for an animal. It shows the good and bad of being a pet owner and the strong emotional bond that forms as they become a part of your family. To this day I’ve only watched the film once due to the emotional toll it takes on me as a pet owner.
Click to the NEXT PAGE for the final two!
Turner & Hooch
Tom Hanks stars in this buddy cop comedy about a cop and his canine partner. It’s an homage to most buddy cop films with even a hint of “The Odd Couple” in the mix. Turner (Hanks) being an obsessively clean person takes on a canine partner named Hooch that is the epitome of filthy. Taking care of Hooch becomes a daunting task for for Turner as he has to adjust his own cleanly lifestyle but in the end they both become attached to one another and begin to bring a balance to each other’s life.
Beethoven
“Beethoven” changed the negative stereotype of St. Bernards after Stephen King’s “Cujo” had people terrified. Beethoven was a mischievously troublesome dog that caused chaos for his owner due to his size but invoked laughs from families watching the film. Charles Grodin stars in the story of a larger than life family dog that may be troublesome but reluctantly becomes a part of the family as time progresses. Even Charles Grodin’s stone heart begins to soften by the end of the film as he to learns to love Beethoven.
Happy National Puppy Day
While today may be a day about puppies, many animals are neglected daily. I’m a big supporter of animals and having a pet is a very fulfilling milestone in my life. It’s a big responsibility and they are dependent on you to take care of them throughout their lives unlike we as humans who eventually get to a state where we can take care of ourselves. It is a sacrifice to take care of an animal but in the end it’s definitely worth that sacrifice knowing you made their lives a little better.