A Dog Year (2009)

You won't be disappointed!

Perfect cast and a good story

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Having no prior knowledge that this movie was based on a year of the writer's own life - I thought it was going to turn out to be some wretched gangster movie with a dog thrown in. Thankfully it wasn't. But, it wasn't much of anything else either. At odd times it looked like it was going to lead somewhere...then, would take a dive. There were one or two nice dog/owner moments - the promise of a training session to add another dimension but, that goes nowhere either. Then it fades out - 'The End' what? All looks like someone trying to prove they could make a tele-movie but forgot about the importance of a script with a complete story. Pity, it's the tail wagging the dog I'm afraid. Some reviewers hinted that only country folk would understand this tale, well maybe only those who have been in the country alone, for too long, and no longer understand the purpose of a story to go with their visuals. Only for the very easily pleased. Still, suppose it could have been worse, although not sure how much.

While watching 'A Dog Year', I was once again sure to say, that I am a Jeff Bridges fanatic, and he is a Legend. Bridges has completed 40 years in Hollywood as an Actor, and yet he enjoys a fan-following around the globe, and keeps surprising himself and his fans with performances that are performed with absolute flourish.'A Dog Year', based on a book, tells the story of a man suffering from a midlife crisis, who takes in a dog that's crazier than he is. His relationship with his pet, his realizations, his ark, are wonderfully executed. It's a charming film. George LaVoo's direction is good.Jeff Bridges embodies his part and rules the show. As Jon Katz, the Academy-Award Winning Actor delivers a performance that can silence even his worst critics. It's an astonishing act, that needs to be applauded by each and everyone.Verdict - Though a charming story, I'd say Watch it for Jeff Bridges, he empowers the show and leaves you in awe of him. Bravo!

Sometimes people get wrong ideas when getting a pet, especially a dog. We forget that, like other animals, certain breeds were meant to be helpers in the farm, rather than become house pets. Jon Katz, a man with knowledge of dogs, is asked to try to help with a border collie, Devon, that was abused. Mr. Katz had two older Labrador retrievers at home, the addition of a new dog proves to be a bigger challenge Jon had expected.The frustrating acquainting process shows a dog that was abused. Jon had to do wonders to keep his sanity. Devon was destructive, almost unmanageable, because the dog had no discipline. Jon Katz's own life was going through a rough time. His wife having decided to live away from him, sent this man into a rotten state of mind. Even his own daughter, Emma, notices the state of her father's despair. What's more, as a writer, he is clearly blocked. One of his Labs gets sick and must be put to sleep, that is the last thing he ever wanted.When Jon decides to go to the country in order to get away from the usual distractions at home, he decides to bring Devon with him. Trying to stay by himself, he becomes the little town's attraction. The plain folks in the area prove to be wiser than he gave them credit for. He is told to see Lois Blair, a no nonsense woman, the owner of a border collie herself. Lois, a woman of a few words realize what the problem is with Devon, but better yet, her advice to Jon is right on target. The dog has no problems; Devon was born to work the fields shepherding, whereas Jon's problem is greater, he must deal with his own situation as soon as possible.Not having a clue as to what the film was about, we took a chance, and frankly, it was a surprise. Written and directed by George LeVoo, this is a film highly recommended for all dog lovers. It is a story that rings true from beginning to end. Jon Katz's messed up life was not exactly at a good point. Having to deal with an unruly abused dog, was certainly a big challenge for anyone, let alone a man that was facing a big marital crisis.The film is even better by the presence of an actor of the stature of Jeff Bridges. No matter where Mr. Bridges decides to appear in, he always gives a good and honest performance. Mr. Bridges' work will endear him to audiences where the film is shown. Lois Smith plays Lois Blair, and Lauren Ambrose appears as Emma."A Dog Year" is a film that tries to stay focus by not going for the cuteness its theme might have become in big studios hands.

This past weekend I caught the last 45 minutes or so at the end of this film on HBO, and enjoyed it thoroughly. So its obvious this isn't the kind of film you need to ask the chronology behind the character's behaviors. I waited to catch the rest of it at a later time.Bridges did a terrific job as usual, accurately depicting a disgruntled fifty something with writers block. He's now numb to the yuppie neighborhood/lifestyle he resides. His outlook of life is droll, he has separated from his wife, his undergraduate daughter rarely visits, and he's constantly under his publishing agent's eye. The dog (Devin) comes into Bridge's life when he agrees to one of his reader's pleas to rehabilitate it. Bridges, feeling he has nothing better to do, accepts the task. Devin is a mess but this film doesn't rely on cheap puns/humor and obvious scenarios that "Marley & Me" cranks out(that is if you drop the airport scene). Unlike "Marley", Riley had been an abused dog, he has some real reasons to have such odd behaviors and distrustful actions towards people. Nearing the end, the movie becomes quite touching as the dialogue fades away and the viewer relies on observation to analyze what exactly is going through the pair's minds. They really used each other to escape from depression and intolerance of the lives they have. Just a feel good quiet movie.On a personal note, this is one film I (and many others) can directly relate too. I had the same issues with my dog which i adopted from a humane society. It just so happened to be during a rough period in my life too. Took a very long time for her to warm up enough to feel comfortable around me and others and now she's doing great, she loves being a dog again!