The journey of a dog: manipulator? Yes. Effective? Absolutely

This sequel to the family reincarnation comedy drama, A Dog's Purpose, makes life a little easier for its canine protagonist, Bailey. The first film required an incredible journey and several lives of dogs before Bailey met his "boy" Ethan (aged in Dennis Quaid) on a Michigan farm. At the opening of A Dog's Journey, Ethan and Bailey were joined by his wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger), his widowed widow daughter-in-law Gloria (Betty Gilpin) and a granddaughter toddler, CJ.

When Gloria picks up CJ and takes it with her, Ethan tells a dying Bailey to find the girl and take care of her. A Dog's Journey stays true to this idea, abandoning the suitcase shape of its predecessor. It also leaves out the rather important message of the previous film on dog care. There are no such lonely or mistreated characters as Toby, a euthanized puppy with an unwanted litter, or Waffles, the St Bernard who lives his first years in a garden.

Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott and Henry Lau are ready to scramble the cards. Who could blame them?

The format continues to allow for many separations and dog death scenes. The great orchestrations of Mark Isham are perfectly balanced by the perverse piano of Emily Bear. DOP Rogier Stoffers (The secret life of bees, The house with a clock in its walls) opts for a golden and beautiful sky. Dennis Quaid, Kathryn Prescott (playing the former CJ) and Henry Lau (playing his love interest) are ready to confuse. Who could blame them? Is the journey of a dog manipulative? Absolutely. Is it effective? Damn, yes.

The director, Gail Mancuso, ensures that the content is suitable for families. But parents of very young viewers need to be aware of the subplots about Gloria's reckless lifestyle choices and CJ's brief evasion with a Bad Boy.

May 3