Why So Blu?

I have seen two films with “The Art of” in the beginning of their titles this summer. The first film was The Art of Self Defense (2019), go see it if you guys haven’t seen it yet, and now The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). To be honest,  I’m usually indifferent about seeing these types of films. The only exception to my indifference towards these sentimental dog films would be, the aptly named, A Boy and his Dog (1975). It’s a weird one, but a good one. Though there are some similarities in each film, like quite a few, make no mistake, the two are wildly different films! The reason for my indifference for these films is  because they are pretty predictable for the most part. However, I am always willing to watch and review as many films as I have the opportunity to. So I went to see this film, by myself, in a room full of strangers. Some audience members were young, some audience members were old, and, all of us were from different walks of life. However, when our furry protagonist is heard narrating his ordeal in a heart wrenching opening scene… well… let’s just say the water works were already flowing. Sniff… sniff. Alright guys… sniff… let’s… sniff begin.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a comedy/drama directed by Simon Curtis, most known for his producer credits on films like My Week with Marilyn (2011), Woman in Gold (2015), and Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017), and the five-part mini-series Five Days (2007). We get an adapted screenplay for Garth Stein’s novel of the same name, from Mark Bomback. Bomback has producer credits for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War of the Planet of the Apes (2017), along with a writer credit for Total Recall (2012). This film stars Kevin Costner, as Enzo, the race car loving dog, Milo Ventimiglia, aka Jack from This is Us, Amanda Seyfried, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Al Sapienza, Lily Dodsworth-Evans, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and a few others. The film is produced by Joennie Burstein, Patrick Dempsey… yes that Patrick Dempsey, Tania Landau, and Neal H. Moritz. Alright so what’s got me all choked up? Well let’s fire up the engine and head to the track!

Fun fact: When I was younger, way younger, I wanted to be a race car driver. I have no idea why… maybe I just wanted to go fast! These days my desire to be a race car driver are solely left to hopping in my car and hitting the highway. Though when you’re driving in Texas it can definitely feel like a race track. When it comes to dogs, I have to say that they hold a special place in my heart. Growing up with a dog in my family home and eventually owning a dog, for a short time, myself has change my life forever. So, it is safe to say I know a little bit about dogs, but not too much about cars or racing. Although, I do know crossing that checkered strip of racetrack before anyone else is usually how it works. For Denny (Ventimiglia) and his race car enthusiast dog, Enzo (Costner), racing is everything. When it comes to racing in the rain… well… that can be a little tricky. Let’s take a little pit stop.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a fairly simple story that follows race car driver, Denny, who has adopted a too smart for his own good and sometimes snarky dog, Enzo. Throughout the film the normal beats play out in movies of this kind. The film that is the closest in comparison to The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) is Marley & Me (2008)… so you probably know where this film is headed off the bat. Although, I do see Marley & Me (2008) on more of the comedic side than The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019). Anyway, Denny and Enzo are inseparable and their relationship is very special. Although Denny and Enzo seem undeniably the best duo ever… along comes Eve (Seyfried). From the entrance of Eve, Denny’s and Enzo’s worlds become vastly different! Pretty standard stuff right… but the writing in the film is excellent! Costner’s voice acting for Enzo is great! The delivery of Enzo’s thoughts are very effective and always get a reaction out fo the audience…Though it may not always seem like the right reaction. There was a confusion in the audience recognizes something said for laughs and something said for sentiment sake. Nevertheless this film was very touching and thoughtful. I can see the finish line! Faster! Faster!

Aside from the usual dog movie tropes, this film had some great moments and lines that hit on a deep level. If it’s not for you it’s not for you and I totally get it. For those who love dogs and life lessons, this will be right up your alley. I think that a film like this can be easily be written off because of its similarities to other dog movies. However, I think that there is something a little more special to this one. Though the audience is subjected to listening to the narrated thoughts of a dog for 1hr 49min the narration and perspective of Enzo, backed by the Costner’s voice acting, is the true heart of the film. This may not be an immediate rush to the theater, but I would encourage it to be enjoyed with a couple of your close canine friends.