A Dog’s Journey Parent Guide

In 2017, A Dog’s Purpose introduced us to Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad), a lovable dog whose loyalty to his beloved master Ethan (Dennis Quaid) was literally stronger than death. Reincarnated over and over again, Bailey learned that his purpose was to watch over Ethan forever.

But now it’s time for the sequel, A Dog’s Journey, and soon Bailey is dying again. As Bailey slips away, Ethan gives him a new purpose – to protect and watch out for his granddaughter C.J. (Abby Ryder Fortson/Kathryn Prescott) And, boy, does C.J. need protecting. Born one month after her father’s untimely death, C.J. has spent her first two years living with grandparents Ethan and Hannah (Marg Helgenberger) and her immature, self-absorbed mother, Gloria (Betty Gilpin). Convinced that Ethan and Hannah look down on her and want to take her child, Gloria leaves in a huff and refuses to allow the doting grandparents to see C.J. again. Drowning her sorrows in copious amounts of alcohol, Gloria neglects her child and squanders the insurance money that was supposed to provide for C.J.’s future. Clearly, help is needed and this is when Bailey re-enters C.J.’s life, ready to fulfill his purpose.

There are no real surprises in this movie – it unfolds exactly like you expect it to. Most viewers will be able to predict events a good 20 minutes ahead of time. A Dog’s Journey is basically the cinematic equivalent of comfort food: it’s neither innovative nor interesting but it sure makes you feel better.

Parents will feel good about taking older kids to this movie, thanks to its lack of profanity and sexual content. There is some plot-related violence, but the area of biggest concern is Gloria’s alcoholism. She is shown drinking wine at all hours, leaving C.J. to make her own meals and fend for herself. And as upsetting as this is, Gloria’s obsession with her child’s weight and her often cruel comments to her daughter can also make for painful viewing.

But the unpleasant moments are spread out between many scenes of doggy cuteness and warm relationships. A Dog’s Journey feels like a Hallmark TV special, and no matter how bleak things may look, audiences know that this movie’s purpose is to deliver a sentimental, happy-ever-after ending. Which it does…to nobody’s surprise.