Dog Gone - A Movie Review

The film "Dog Gone" follows the heartwarming true story of John Marshall and his son, Fielding, as they embark on a journey to find their lost dog, Gonker, on the Appalachian Trail. Rob Lowe plays John, a businessman who joins Fielding on the search and describes his expertise as making "predictive assumptions." As expected, the film includes sweet dog-bonding montages to indie music, human and canine health crises, and tender moments of connection, as well as a little comic relief, photos of the filmmakers hugging their own dogs over the end credits, and some happy tears from the audience.

Based on a book of the same name by journalist Pauls Toutonghi, the screenplay by Nick Santora skillfully smooths out the story, with strong control of tone by director Stephen Herek. Emily Bear's fine score and cinematographer Michael Martinez's beautiful use of the Georgia landscape that stands in for a Virginia setting add to the film's appeal.

The story begins with Fielding, a senior in college, who falls in love with a beautiful cream-colored puppy named Gonker at the pound. They have a blissful school year together until Fielding realizes the day before graduation that he does not have a job lined up like everyone else in his class. After missing graduation because he and Gonker overslept, Fielding moves back home, where his father John tells him he does not have the time or responsibility for a pet. When Fielding insists, John tries to put Gonker in a shock collar to keep him from leaving their property.

Fielding does yoga, loves to wander around the outdoors, and turns down his father's offers to set him up for job interviews. He is devastated when he overhears his father describing the contrast between them. Meanwhile, he keeps some troubling symptoms he is experiencing to himself.

On the Appalachian Trail, Fielding and his best friend Nate let Gonker run after a fox, and they become separated. John drops everything and promises they will find Gonker and bring him home. Fielding's mother, Ginny, sets up a command center at the house with fax machines and phone books, fliers, and one of those maps with red yarn connecting the various locations. For morale, she posts a "hero list" of all the people helping. The search is especially urgent because there are only 19 days until Gonker must have medication for Addison's disease.

As the search for Gonker continues, the film highlights the human encounters along the way that are the heart of the story. For Ginny, helping to find Gonker is a way to resolve the pain she still feels over the Akita she lost as a child. For John and Fielding, it is a way to learn what they have to learn from one another and to discover what they have in common, partly through the encounters they have along the way. They get unexpected support from people they would never otherwise meet, from a man at a gas station who sells them a figure of the patron saint of lost souls to a group of bikers and a sympathetic reporter, many who also have dogs they love.

Throughout the film, Lowe, who also produced, is perfectly cast as a man who loves his son even though he does not fully understand him. He brings some low-key sardonic humor to the story, especially when he's breaking a rule by referring to the ancient caravans on the Silk Road or reminding Fielding that Caesar did not thank the generals until they won. Williams brings warmth to the role as the "analog" Ginny tackles new technology and even social media to help the search. Berchtold's performance reminds us that "calculated, deliberate decisions" are important, but so are devoted friends, human and otherwise, who love us without conditions

Along the way, the film touches on some universal themes, such as the bond between a father and son, the importance of perseverance, and the power of love. As the search for Gonker intensifies, John and Fielding must work together, overcome their differences, and rely on each other to bring Gonker back home.

Despite the predictability of the plot, the film manages to tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impression on viewers. The performances by the cast are heartfelt and authentic, with Lowe delivering a nuanced portrayal of a father struggling to connect with his son, and Berchtold portraying Fielding with a sense of vulnerability and charm. Williams-Paisley also shines in her role as the determined mother who will do anything to help her family.

Overall, "Dog Gone" is a heartwarming film that celebrates the bond between humans and animals and reminds us of the importance of family, perseverance, and love. With its beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and engaging storyline, this film is sure to appeal to dog lovers and families alike. So, grab a box of tissues and get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow the Marshall family's journey to bring Gonker back home.