Blu-ray/Digital Movie Review: Think Like A Dog

In these difficult times it’s nice to have some bonding time with the family. A family friendly movie is one way to do so. Think Like A Dog is a new release that offers that opportunity. Is it worth checking it out? Will kids only enjoy it? Find out below.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Think Like A Dog has a few moving elements. The story centers on a 12-year-old boy named Oliver (Gabriel Bateman) who is a tech savvy prodigy. One of his science experiments goes haywire and he ends up creating a telepathic connection between himself and his furry companion Harry. Nice in theory. If it would be remotely possible, that be fun, but it’s not.

Together through their new special connection Oliver and Harry join on a quest to solve issues ranging from those at school to Oliver’s parents marriage problems. Oh by the way, the villain attempting to steal Oliver’s secret telepathic formula is Mr. Mills, played by Kunal Nayyar aka Raj from The Big Bang Theory. Imagine that, Raj as a bad guy!

OBSERVATIONS AND TAKEAWAYS:

Think Like A Dog a mediocre kid friendly movie. Typical youthful centric humor you’d expect in a movie of this genre. Outlandish concept, but one a younger audience can embrace.

Dog movies certainly have their place. Personally I’d much rather see one such as A Dog’s Way Home. It’s just more relatable and emotionally pleasing. I was looking forward to seeing Think Like A Dog, but was left underwhelmed.

HOW DID THE ACTORS DO:

Oliver’s parents are played by Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox. Yes, a Transformers reunion. Ten years ago this would have been a major coup. It still is for a movie of this genre. Megan Fox hasn’t been in the limelight since TMNT. Seeing her in this film was a contrasting look at her career.

Fox has matured as a person and performer and so has Duhamel. Seeing them play parents isn’t as stark as I’d imagine it to be. Both are actual parents, so these roles appear to be close-to-home for them. They actually do well and appear like a believable couple, facing ups-and-downs in their marriage. I can see Fox taking on more of the mom roles going forward, same for Duhamel. At this point they just don’t fit in the action big budget genre.

Bateman is a rising young actor that already has an impressive resume. Nayyar as a villain? That was one intriguing aspect for me to see. Polar opposite of what most are used to seeing him in. Give him credit for trying, but villain roles aren’t his thing. He’s best sticking to playing charming funny characters we all love seeing him portray.

The cast is the least of the issues for this film. Having the likes of the talented young Bateman, Fox, Duhamel and Nayyar is a great group of accomplished performers.

SHOULD YOU SEE IT:

The big name power gives the film credibility, but the story needs a lot more work. It’s scattered and tries to cram too many objectives. It’s fine for kids and the parents who might be watching it with them, but those checking it out for Fox, Duhamel and Nayyar might be disappointed.

It’s got a lot of kid humor and highly unrealistic concept. Even if it’s fun to imagine communicating with your pet. The scruffy dog is super cute, so that’s a plus. It’s just the story that ends up fairly weak and reminiscent of a movie that would play well in the 90’s or early 2000’s. It’s a throwback in that way, as kid movies have matured since then and have a bit more of substance to them.

For a family night with the kids, check it out. This is a movie for a younger audience. If you’re looking for something compelling, entertaining and more mature without the potty humor, I’d skip it.

BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL / SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Gil Junger
• “Anything is Paw-sible: Making Think Like a Dog” Featurette

Very limited on the bonus content front. An audio commentary with the writer-director Gil Junger. The Making Featurette is okay, it has some interviews and basic concept of the story. Not much bonus content to look forward to.

GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Family

RATING: PG

RUNTIME: 1 hr 31 min

RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2020 on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and On Demand

• Acting: 6.5/10
• Entertainment: 5/10
• Story/Plot: 4.5/10
• Impression: 5.5/10
• Creativity: 4/10
• Bonus Features: 3.5/10

‘THINK LIKE A DOG’ Score: 48%