Think Like a Dog
Movie Trailer
Release Date
June 9, 2020
Genre
Family, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Cast & Crew
- Gabriel Bateman as Oliver
- Megan Fox as Ellen Reed
- Josh Duhamel as Lukas Reed
- Kunal Nayyar as Mr. Mills
- Todd Stashwick as Agent Callen
- Julia Jones as Agent Munoz
- Madison Horcher as Sophie
Director
Gil Junger
Other Movies Director is Known For
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
- Black Knight (2001)
Producer
Andrew Lazar, Cory Chen, Linshu Zhang
Writer
Gil Junger
Budget
$15 million (estimated)
Production Company
MCE Films, Mad Chance Productions, Wishing Well Pictures
Running Time
91 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Mild comedic violence
- Light-hearted, family-friendly themes
Movie Story
“Think Like a Dog” is a family-friendly comedy that centers around 12-year-old tech prodigy Oliver (Gabriel Bateman), who invents a device that allows him to communicate telepathically with his dog, Henry. The invention is the result of a science fair experiment gone awry, but it soon becomes the key to navigating the ups and downs of both Oliver’s family life and his school challenges.
When Oliver realizes he can hear Henry’s thoughts, he discovers that his dog is not only his best friend but also incredibly wise and insightful. With Henry’s guidance, Oliver tackles problems at school, such as dealing with bullies and figuring out how to talk to his crush, Sophie (Madison Horcher). More importantly, Henry helps Oliver understand the strained relationship between his parents, Ellen (Megan Fox) and Lukas (Josh Duhamel), who are on the verge of separation.
As Oliver and Henry work together to solve these issues, they catch the attention of a nefarious tech mogul, Mr. Mills (Kunal Nayyar), who wants to use the invention for his own purposes. With the help of his dog and a little ingenuity, Oliver must outsmart Mr. Mills and bring his family closer together.
The film is a heartwarming blend of humor, adventure, and sci-fi elements, with a strong emphasis on the importance of family and communication. It’s a light-hearted story that will appeal to both kids and parents, with a positive message about the value of working together and understanding one another.
Special Effects
“Think Like a Dog” uses a mix of practical effects and CGI, particularly in scenes where Oliver and Henry communicate telepathically. The special effects are used to create visual humor and enhance the film’s light sci-fi elements without overwhelming the story’s family-friendly appeal.
Box Office Performance
“Think Like a Dog” was released directly to video-on-demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. Despite this, the film found its audience through streaming platforms and home video, particularly among families looking for new content during lockdowns.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Sometimes, you just need to think like a dog.” – Henry
- “If you want to fix things, you have to start by listening.” – Oliver
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Gil Junger, known for his work on “10 Things I Hate About You,” brought his experience in comedy and family films to “Think Like a Dog.” The film emphasizes the importance of communication and family bonds, themes that resonate through the playful yet touching interactions between Oliver and Henry.
Awards
- N/A
Final Verdict
“Think Like a Dog” is a charming and wholesome family movie that combines humor with a heartfelt story about the importance of family, friendship, and communication. Gabriel Bateman delivers an endearing performance as Oliver, while the dynamic between him and his dog, Henry, is both funny and touching. Although it may not break new ground in the family film genre, it offers a delightful experience for viewers of all ages.
IMDb Rating
5.1/10