Fluke, memorias de otra vida

This movie, based on the book of the same name, was a beautiful piece of work, as a man (Matthew Modine) is killed in a car accident and is reincarnated as a dog, in which form he seeks out his human family. Also in this form, he begins to suspect that he was murdered. If you get the chance, read the book too. Both versions were excellent, and the cast was first-rate. Samuel L. Jackson was well cast in the role of the voice of his dog friend, and Modine and Eric Stoltz were well-cast too.

*** out of ****

Fluke is directed by Carlo Carlei who also co-adapts the screenplay with James Carrington from the novel written by James Herbert. It stars Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Nancy Travis, Ron Perlman, Bill Cobbs, Jon Polito and Samuel L. Jackson. Music is scored by Carlo Siliotto and cinematography by Raffaele Mertes.

Workaholic Thomas Johnson is killed in an auto accident and is reincarnated as a dog. As he grows from pup to adult dog he starts to remembering things from his human life and sets about piecing together exactly who he was and what happened to him.

It was a box office flop, a hard sell anyway with its cross genre themes, but MGM didn't know how to market it. Was it an animal adventure for the kids? A family drama message movie? Or a metaphysical bit of dalliance? Truth is is that it is all three, an engagingly thoughtful movie that is flavoured by fantastical whimsy whilst also beating a poetic heart. There's humour in here, too, especially when Fluke teams up with the wise and shaggy Rumbo (Jackson). But predominantly picture is about emotional beats, sitting in that void between genuine warmth and tragedy. It's unashamedly sentimental, but that's a good thing, and it's not just confined to the animal aspects of the story, this is still a very real human drama. The messages within are handled with care, there's no beating us over the head here.

Director Carlei disappeared from Hollywood after the failure of Fluke, which is a shame since he crafts a great picture of strength. His dog POV camera work is smart in bringing us into Fluke's world, and many shots are gorgeously framed and filmed by director and photographer alike. It's also admirable in how he handles the excellent canine actors (Comet as Fluke is mightily impressive and expressive), it's no disgrace to the human actors to say the canines own the movie. There's some implausibilities, obviously, and one or two moments are too surreal for their own good; a laboratory break out sequence is cheer worthy but Carlei overdoes it, but this is still a lovely and interesting movie. Just like the great John Herbert's novel is for adults, so is the film. You can watch it with the kids for sure, so long as you have the fortitude to discuss with them the film's inner workings. 8/10

Sometimes sad, more often funny look at a dog viewing us humans from a peculiar perspective. Nice little show with a good message about family, quality time, and not taking things for granted. Plus, the animal actors were some of the best I've seen. Cool show. P.S. If I ever get reincarnated, I hope it's as Sandra Bullock's #1 man. Or Faith Hill. Or Jane Seymour. Or....

'Fluke' isn't my favourite film, but it comes close. (Powder is my favourite movie) Usually a lot of animal movies come out with crazy and over the top antics, but this one, this is different, it has quite a unique and interesting plot, not just the average animal movie plot about a 'kid and his dog'. Oh No, 'Fluke' is different, its a lot more special than that. I cannot say that there aren't mistakes, but still when you watch you can feel the magic of the movie and you don't really notice anything wrong with it. Anyway, this is a very weepy film; it is bound to make you cry, if you are either a sensitive adult or a child. This film made me cry about three times, but then again I am a very soppy person when is comes to weepy movies of any kind.

If your wandering if its worthy of your viewing then I'll tell you now, it is completely and utterly worthy of anyone's viewing. If you see it in a video store and you haven't rented it out before, then rent it out, watch it, it's a brilliant film. The animal actors are superb, and I just loved this film, real tearjerker. Well I'm going to stop repeating myself and let you decide on your opinion on it. See it's a top movie! Oh and one more thing, the message in this film is quite a common message that is portrayed in a lot of films but the way this film does it, is very unique and powerful. Thanks for reading this!

9 out 10

Huge_Movie_Fan-‘Powder'-Movie-Lover!!!

I am a male of 37yrs who first watched fluke a few years ago. Recently i purchased both the D.V.D,The Video and also the book. Every time i watch this film,i cry like a 5yr old kid!!!Its so bad that i have to watch it on my own, and its a running joke amongst my friends...as they know the state I'm in whilst watching it!! This film is at first just another shaggy-dog story, but if you read into its meaning, it really makes you wonder about living life to the full, appreciating what you have in life, and realising that there are no 2nd chances... The film begins after he dies in the crash, and from here on in...it just gets worse!! First, he has to say goodbye to his Doggy-mum,which cuts me up every time....then he sees his friend Bella,the tramp, die. But the WORST part is when his old friend dies by the lake,after being shot..God this film is a KILLER at times!!! At this point i sob like a baby!! Then when poor Fluke finally tracks down his old family,he comes to realise that they would be better off being left alone, and move on.... The scene by the Gravestone, when she realises just who Fluke is, as he scrapes away the snow to reveal his name, is one of the most moving pieces of film I've ever seen!! But at the VERY end, something nice happens...he meets his old friend again!!!! This film is just SOOOOOOO BRILLIANT!!!!Gary Edwards