WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
A popular phrase states what some consider a universal truth in this life–“every dog has its day”. Indicating that everyone ultimately gets provided a chance at success, in whatever form that may take, especially those who’ve experienced more low points than highs. Well, for one particular, and non-proverbial, dog Pudsey (Pudsey the Dog, voiced by David Walliams), life has already been quite the adventure as he scurries about London, England with innocent but often bothersome mischief left in his wake. Despite this, and enjoying existence as only a pooch can, Pudsey’s world changes upon meeting with three kids, Molly (Izzy Meikle-Small), George (Spike White), and Tommy (Malachy Knights) on their way home from school, being harassed by a bully.
Saving the day, Pudsey immediately endears himself to the them, and off to their home he goes, where their mother Gail (Jessica Hynes) finishes packing the house in preparation for a move to the village of Chuffington and a fresh start from family loss. Initially seeing he isn’t invited to join, circumstances allow Pudsey to sneak away with the family to the country farmhouse that will now be home. But, with the local landlord, Mr. Thorne (John Sessions), having less than amicable plans for the land it sits on, Pudsey and company soon find themselves in the midst of a quest to prevent Thorne from carrying out his nefarious plan. With the aide of new barnyard pals and a legion of canine supporters, it becomes a race against time for the family and Pudsey to avert disaster and learn valuable lessons about connection, love, and friendship.
Next, my Mind:
I have to be frank here, but what is it that when American studios make their attempts to do live action-based “talking animal” films, they often seem to simply fall flat, even as just some silly entertainment, while when the same concept is executed by another country (in this instance, England), it just seems more silly yet truly fun? Maybe this reviewer is the only one who thinks that, but director Nick Moore’s quaint tale is carried off with some spirited, off-the-wall slapstick comedy and a uniquely British flare that really does promote sitting back, rolling with it all, chuckling along the way, and having the basic enjoyment of a good old fashioned, feel-good romp. Plus, how does one go wrong having a “Britain’s Got Talent” winner in the lead role? Some beautiful cinematography showcases the British countryside, a playful soundtrack accompanies the narrative, and even though predictable, the film remains amusing.
Man’s best friend takes center stage here via Pudsey the Dog, the 2012 “Britain’s Got Talent” winner, who does show off some downright impressive walking and dance moves here, in addition to some seriously well-trained manner and very disciplined temperament throughout the film. He’s way too adorable to ignore, and one can enjoy him regardless of the general goofy nature of the film itself. He just seems more–believable–as opposed to other films with this overall theme. Meikle-Small, White, and Knights all do a fine job as the three kids who take Pudsey into their hearts and home, completely behaving their ages while still managing to find the more mature sense to come together and help save a village, the land, and find the value in just being yourself. Likewise, Hynes infuses Gail with a perfectly feasible “motherly” aura–one who wants to see things improve for her family, protect her children, and find a way to move on in her own life.
Sessions is a total riot as the bumbling, bad-attitude-laden Thorne, and his comically over-the-top performance is wonderful for a film like this. He is the villain, and you enjoy laughing at him while always waiting for him to get his. Solid supporting turns, both “in person” and voiceovers, from character actors Luke Neal, Luke Tittensor, Peter Serafinowicz, Olivia Colman, Dan Farrell, and others all equal a completely family-friendly, inoffensive, upright bit of lighthearted fare that, honestly, may not be the greatest film ever, but is surely the type of effort we could all use periodically to diffuse and decompress from the rigors of one crazy, dog eat dog world.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
