Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Movie Review - Art of Racing in the Rain


The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein was a popular book a few years ago. It had a very zen flow and was different – the narrator,  Enzo, was a dog. It was tough to imagine the book translating to the big screen, but now it’s in theaters. I’ve read mixed reviews,  but I enjoyed the film and yes,  I had to sniff at certain moments. So bring your tissues.

Denny (the charming and sensitive Milo Ventimiglia) is a lower rank race car driver. He stops one day at a farm and picks out a puppy he names Enzo. It was like a calling, a fated stop.  Enzo is voiced by Kevin Costner and he’s a wonderful  narrator. His gravelly voice gives a lot of personality and spark  to Enzo’s character – Denny’s spiritual guide in life. Denny meets and marries Eve (Amanda Seyfried – always the perfect wide-eyed sweet partner in movies). They have Zoe and that’s where Enzo is sold on this whole family thing.

Of course, Eve’s folks are rich (and rather smarmy mean). Of course there’s a medical drama.  Of course there’s family drama. The movie  does hit solid plot points that aren’t surprises. Yet, it’s decently acted and I cared.  I rooted for Denny to move up in the race world and show Eve’s parents he’s worthy. Through it all, the glue is Enzo – his observations, his concerns, his view of the world – of time, death, relationships, love,  etc. The book is better, but the movie The Art of Racing in the Rain made for a decent matinee and will  be a good family Netflix pick for you soon.  I’ll  give it four barks out of five.

13 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good book Joanne and a film in the future.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Does Enzo die in the end though? I've still never seen Marley and Me after my wife told me the dog dies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well....he does live a long and very happy life. It's okay.

      Delete
  3. I had to stop reading, afraid of a spoiler. I haven't read this yet, but it is on the top of my reading list. I want to read it before seeing the movie. So, I'll just say, Hi Joanne. Hope you are well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks. Read the book - it's well done and different.

      Delete
  4. Sounds like it is worth a Netflix watch indeed, dog ones I usually give a go.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Geesh...Alex don't ask questions like that. I'm not into animals so doubt it would be my cup of tea, but I can picture Kevin Costner voice being entertaining and appropriate with lots of emotion.
    Traveling Suitcase

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not an animal person either, but it's a good flick and will tug at the heart

      Delete
  6. Four barks out of five, huh? That sounds like enough of an endorsement to entice me into a nice cool movie theater to watch it. (Then again, in this heat, I'd probably go see anything!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. totally worth matinee price. Did I mention I'm a Milo fan?! He's worth it.

      Delete
  7. This is one I'm looking forward to - but will probably catch it on Netflix.

    ReplyDelete