Dog Gone - A Netflix Movie Review

"Dog Gone" tells the heartwarming story of a father and son who embark on a journey to find their lost dog on the Appalachian Trail. Rob Lowe plays the role of a businessman who joins his son, Fielding, played by Johnny Berchtold, in the search.

The movie, based on a book of the same name by journalist Pauls Toutonghi, is a fact-based tale of reconciliation and the bond between humans and their beloved pets. The audience can expect to see sweet dog-bonding montages set to indie music, human and canine health crises, and tender moments of connection, as well as some comic relief.

The film is directed by Stephen Herek, with a score by Emily Bear and cinematography by Michael Martinez, showcasing the beautiful Georgia landscape that stands in for a Virginia setting. Along the way, the characters encounter a diverse group of people who offer unexpected support, further strengthening the bond between father and son.

As they search for Gonker, Fielding and John also come to terms with their own personal issues. Fielding, a recent college graduate, is struggling to find his footing in the real world, while John, a focused and successful businessman, grapples with the tension in his relationship with his son. Along the way, they learn from one another and discover what they have in common. The search for Gonker becomes a journey of self-discovery and healing for both father and son. With the help of Fielding's mother, Ginny, who sets up a command center at the house, and a diverse group of people they meet on the trail, they are determined to find Gonker before his medication for Addison's disease runs out. The film is a heartwarming tale of love and the power of family and community.

The film showcases the strong bond between humans and their pets, and how the love for a dog can bring people together. The audience will be touched by the emotional journey of John and Fielding as they set out to find Gonker, and the various challenges they face along the way. The beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Trail serves as a backdrop to the story, highlighting the stunning natural beauty of the region.

The cinematography by Michael Martinez captures the essence of the trail, making the audience feel as if they are part of the search. The endearing performances by Rob Lowe, Johnny Berchtold, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, bring the characters to life, making the audience connect with them on an emotional level. The film is a heartwarming and uplifting story that will leave the audience feeling good and touched by the bond between humans and their pets.

The film also touches on themes of family, responsibility and growing up. John, as the father, is initially resistant to the idea of taking care of a dog, but as the search progresses, he begins to understand the importance of family and the bond between a pet and its owner. Fielding, on the other hand, is struggling to find his place in the world and the search for Gonker serves as a way for him to come to terms with his own personal issues. The film also highlights the sacrifices that one makes for the people and things that we love, and how sometimes it's the journey that teaches us the most valuable lessons.

The film is directed with a strong control of tone by Stephen Herek, and the score by Emily Bear helps to enhance the emotional journey of the characters. The film is based on the book of the same name by journalist Pauls Toutonghi, who is the son-in-law of John Marshall, and the screenplay by Nick Santora skillfully adapts the story for the screen. Overall, "Dog Gone" is a heartwarming, emotional and uplifting film that showcases the bond between humans and their pets, and how love and family can bring people together.

Additionally, "Dog Gone" also touches on themes of mental and physical health. Fielding's struggles with his symptoms and his reluctance to talk about them with anyone highlights the importance of addressing and seeking help for mental health issues. The film also touches on the importance of taking care of one's physical health, as Gonker's health crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our loved ones, both human and animal.

The film also showcases the power of community and the kindness of strangers. The various encounters that John and Fielding have with different people along the trail serve to remind the audience that there is always someone willing to help, and that sometimes it's the people we least expect who can make the biggest difference.

Overall, "Dog Gone" is a heartwarming, emotional and uplifting film that showcases the bond between humans and their pets, the importance of family, the power of community, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a film that will leave the audience feeling good and touched by the journey of John and Fielding as they set out to find Gonker.