Fluke

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

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 ****

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....

Well, I usually do not weep watching a movie, but this dog Fluke made me shed tears from beginning to the (somewhat bitter) end. The story is completely unbelievable, so what!, but very funny all the way. Can't understand what those people's hearts are made of that do not like a story like this. I'd rather watch Fluke ten times than Rambo once!

I remembered the commercials for this film. Oh boy. Another cute puppy movie. Then I heard Siskel & Ebert review it and was amazed that they LOVED it. It took a few years before I finally rented it, but I must say that I agree with them. Just like "Babe" is more than a cute animal movie, "Fluke" is more than a dog movie for the kids. A good bittersweet tale that makes me hope for reincarnation.