As I build up the set of training data for the eventual AI algorithm which will allow my great-great grandkids to "talk" with me (and laugh in a quiet respectful way at my out-dated thinking), here's another review and a key thought I've perhaps shared previously in other reviews.
Driving down in San Jose on 10th street, I remember seeing a dog wander in track traffic. Everyone was worried, wanted to help the poor creature. Also on 10th street, there are lots of homeless and/or people in halfway houses or whatever the best term for those places is. When those human creatures wander in traffic, there is far less compassion, and more frustration or worse.
This movie is NOT about that phenomenon, but looking at the cover image and thinking about the two brothers, I don't think I am imagining a directorial connection there. Maybe?
Anyways, the heroes of this movie are (almost) exclusively women, and definitely southern women. The Connecticut Yankee and business manager of Piglet was extradited to the DVD extras ;>
Which is fine...a movie/story needs some focus. And apparently the problem in the south (ummm, the problem being too many dogs breeding too many dogs) is more rampant there. Honestly, I think that problem does exist around here as well, where poverty and pets can collide and despite even the best of intentions, things go awry.
The ladies are looking to solve the problem wisely on the "think better" front. Spay/neutering....and I like Monda's mild feminist take on the problem being also with the males of the species...and implying that applies to both canine and humans.
She spends a lot of time trying to corral Huston (I'm pretending it is named after the former director with the droopy visage) a big ole hound who just about pulls her arm out of her socket when on the leash. Hell, I thought he was going to topple the golf cart she ended up walking him with.
Based on the reviews outside of the box, I was thinking this might be a good film....it does avoid outright horrible scenes of euthanasia, but does mention it a couple of times. One woman vet in particular is pretty straight-forward in breaking down the hierarchy involved in which dogs wind up where. The movie focus on the dogs who mercifully catch a break, a bus ride to Wyoming and a shorter car trip to the loving embrace of a local deputy's twin kids.
So there are definitely Feel Good moments, but there's a lot more to think about...and miles to go for those traveling vet clinics and the Southern belles (maybe call 'em "hells belles" much respect to their toughness) trying to treat the unfortunate dogs, and people, with dignity and care.
