De pura raza

Not a "great" movie, but nice if you're a dog-lover. The title was "The Tender" in the TV listing for UPN. I had to dig to find it in imdb, looking for movies with John Travolta and Ellie Raab together. In retrospect, the eyes of the dog were the eyes of the angel, as the dog came to the rescue more than once. Lots of good shots of the dog's eyes.

I just thought this was an exceptionally well-done movie and was a little stunned at its low ratings.

I think maybe some folks missed the opening line --- based on a true story. When you realize that this was a docudrama, it's pretty good stuff. I can't say much more without giving away part of the plot. I don't care whether you're a dog person or not. And, I won't spoil it, but I thought the ending was well-deserved! Definitely worth watching. Started out a little slow and I was a little worried about the graphic nature of the movie, but Travolta was good in this indie film, as was Raab in her role. Better than some movies I've paid $8.50 at the theater to watch lately! Interestingly, I find Travolta a better view in indie films than in some of the big budget films that he's been in.

I saved this on my DISH DVR from a showing on one of the free weekends of Showtime sometime within the last couple of years. Since my viewing plans are to cut the cable within the next month, I'm spending most of my free time watching what's been stored on the DVR, Eyes of an Angel being one of the titles.

Movie has a slightly disjointed feel as it jumps back and forth between the Travolta character's trials and tribulations and the dog's journey to rejoin the only family he's ever known. If you're a dog lover as am I, some of the scenes are a bit difficult to watch especially those taking place in the dog fighting arena, but minute for minute, the dog's travails are more interesting than are those of Bobby, the hard luck gambler, played by Travolta.

Casting is questionable, specifically that of Jeffrey DeMunn as Bobby's successful brother. DeMunn is a very capable actor, but no one would ever guess he'd be related to Travolta's Bobby.

In a nutshell, a tired story of a low expectations in life aimless loser and his young daughter. Throw in the dog elements and you get a 3/10 star movie. Not sorry I spent the 90 minutes it took to view, but if the producers were trying to humanize the story into a sentimental canine ride, that's the kind of thing Disney used to excel at with deers and dogs. Not so much with this crew.

I loved this movie, and so did my husband. I came across it by accident at the video store. That it had never enjoyed a theatrical release, was obvious by the comments on the video box. I rented it anyway, and ended up buying it. I found the acting to be sensitive, the cinematography to be beautiful, and the story uplifting.

I understand "Eyes of an Angel" has been poorly received by the revered movie critics; too violent for kids, boring to adults, etc., but I didn't find it boring or excessively violent.

I'm not too stupid to recognize a really bad movie when I see one. I was raised by intellectual, artistic parents. So I enjoy classical music, rock and roll, Shakespeare and really brainless action movies. I don't automatically like chick flicks just because I'm a chick, and even though I can't stand boxing, I loved Raging Bull! If the film is well made, I'll appreciate it, no matter what the subject.

And for some reason, this film touched me. It made me happy. Perhaps I'm a sucker for a dog story. But you know, everyone I lent the video to, enjoyed it as much as I did.

Go figure!