A Dog's Journey

I’m surprised by the high ratings here. The film feels a bit too unconventional, somewhat melancholic, and even depressing at times. The story of a dog that continuously dies and reincarnates to find its way back to its owner is a fascinating concept — just like in the first movie. However, I'm not sure what new elements this sequel offers, except that the main character endures more hardships than most people could handle. It’s nice with the dogs and all, but the filmmakers definitely overdid the emotional aspect this time. (06.08.2022)

A Dog’s Journey basically copies its predecessor, the main canine protagonist just reincarnates into other breeds and accompanies another character on their journey through life. But even in this case, I was taken in by the beautifully told story, which is American through and through, full of clichés, but sweet nonetheless, touching and from heartfelt. I won't deny my judgement is influenced by the presence of dogs – I am simply more moved when something bad happens to them (the concentration of onions in the cinema was again unbearable in places). I also liked how the they portrayed the gradually developing relationship between CJ and Trent and the transition between the dogs' lives. (09.06.2019)

I can't say that the sequel disappointed me, but as it often happens, it squeezed out of the original film's ideas what it could. And why not, since it was a great success with audiences? Dogs are the love of my life, so I'd be a little weird if the poignancy of A Dog's Journey didn't sway me emotionally. Especially when thanks to these two movies, I have this persistent feeling that my Ben has returned in a different body, who perfectly responded to a command that I've never seen any other dog react to, and our current dog Rex does exactly the same, even though we've never tried to teach him. There probably really is something between heaven and earth, because otherwise, that's not possible. (27.01.2021)