There’s no need for me to point out the importance of domesticated animals to the millions of those with whom they share their lives. In many instances, these creatures are as beloved and cherished as family; for others, they are family.
“My Dog Skip” (2000)
A young Frankie Muniz (playing the title character in the “Malcolm in the Middle” TV series) stars as Willie Morris, who grew up in 1940s rural Mississippi while spending lots of time in the company of his Jack Russell Terrier, Skip. Based on the memoir of the same name by the real Morris, “Skip,” helmed by director Jay Russell, is the most unique of breeds: a movie that appeals to audiences far beyond the target “family” demographic.
With a crack supporting cast including Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane as Willie’s parents, Harry Connick, Jr. as the adult Willie and narrator, and Luke Wilson, director Russell and screenwriter Gail Gilchriest craft a story that will melt the hearts of even the most hard-bitten viewers.
‘Alpha’ (2018)
“Experience the incredible story of how mankind discovered man’s best friend.” This is one of those rare promo tag lines which not only meets but exceeds its promise.
Set during the last Ice Age in Germania, the story, presented in a subtitled constructed language, centers around Kena (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who, during a rite of passage hunt with his father, falls from a cliff and is presumed dead.
‘Harry and Tonto’ (1974)
Shortly after the death of his wife, Harry (Art Carney in an Oscar-winning performance) heads out on a trip with his ginger tabby cat, Tonto. After issues at an airport and on a bus, the pair ends up on the road, encountering a handful of colorful misfits and Harry’s memory-challenged ex-girlfriend along the way.
Before ending up in Los Angeles and staying for a while with his son (Larry Hagman), Harry makes a stop in Chicago to visit his daughter (Ellen Burstyn), a bookstore owner with whom he frequently butted heads.
Had director Paul Mazursky and his co-writer Josh Greenfield presented their story as a standard, three-part comedic drama, it wouldn’t have worked nearly as well as the free-form narrative employed here. Broken up into a series of a dozen or so vignettes taking place from coast to coast, the filmmakers offer up a (perhaps intended) riff on Homer’s “The Odyssey.”
‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ (2019)
Adapted from the 2008 novel of the same name by Gareth Stein, “Racing” was an instant hit with audiences, yet left some short-sighted critics stone-cold indifferent. This could be because Enzo the Golden Retriever narrates the story, a potential hokey narrative device that succeeds thanks to the gravelly voice of Kevin Costner.‘Lassie’ (2005)
One of the ultra-scarce remakes that outshined an original, the 2005 “Lassie,” also based on the 1938 novel “Lassie Come-Home” by Eric Knight, is arguably the best of the now 12 movies featuring the beloved fictional Rough Collie.
Set in early 20th century Scotland, the story centers around young Joe Carraclough (Jonathan Mason) whose unemployed father Sam (John Lynch), desperate to feed his family, sells the title character to a cantankerous Duke (Peter O’Toole). Even though the Duke’s granddaughter is immediately enamored with Lassie, the dog is the target of scorn from an employee, causing the dog to return to Joe multiple times which only adds salt to his emotional wounds.
Despite solid performances from all (including Samantha Morton, Edward Fox, and Peter Dinklage), strong critical support, and multiple industry accolades, “Lassie” somehow failed to catch fire with general audiences. While taking in a meager $6.4 million at the box office, it enjoyed a healthy post-theatrical run on home video and remains a cherished cult favorite.
