A Dog’s Way Home-Kids’ Movie Review

“Man’s best friend,” is a common phrase referring to the loving relationship between a dog and his human family. As a puppy, Bella (voice of Bryce Dallas Howard) is rescued by a young man named Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King). Lucas and Bella are best friends; they play numerous games together, sleep in the same bed together, and enjoy snacks together. However, when Bella becomes separated from Lucas she desperately wants to get home, after all she misses her buddy. On Bella’s 400 mile journey home she has many adventures and meets various animals and humans along the way. Though her goal is to reach Lucas…her best friend.

Rating: 4 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: April 9, 2019
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Sexual Content: Mild

• We see a couple snuggling in bed.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

• There are a lot of sad and disturbing scenes in this film. First off we see Bella’s mother captured by an animal control officer. Animals whine and Bella says, “I never saw her again.”
• Bella is separated from his owner, Lucas. When animal control takes Bella away from Lucas, Bella is so scared and confused. Lucas is told that Bella will be euthanized if animal control picks him up again.
• Bella runs away from a family that’s temporarily taking care of him. He desperately wants to go home to Lucas and his family. It’s sad to see Bella in the woods by herself.
• We see Bella with a homeless veteran who always has Bella on a leash. {Spoiler Alert} It’s very upsetting when the veteran dies and Bella is chained to him.
• Bella is hit by a car and injures her leg.
• Bella is attacked by a group of wolves.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

• We hear “hell,” and  “freakin.” There is also some name calling such as “moron,” “shaggy butt,” “crazy” and “stupid.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

• We see adult characters drinking beer and wine.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

Overall, this is a wonderful and heartfelt movie. Having said that, parents need to be aware of the emotional element of the film. Depending on the child this is appropriate for kids ages 10 and up.

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