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.
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.