I just saw this movie and yes it is a silly dog in a silly movie. The comic strip was that way, too, but it held something. The movie does, too. It is definitely made for children but cut a little deeper.

The story runs in a typical fashion with cute characters doing cute and obnoxious things. The human counterparts are a bit goofy and the story line is clique with the father taking a job and letting it take over his life.

What was different was some new stuff, a story line of a dog in the complex world of the dog park. I take my dog and I know how complex and tension filled it can be, so that rang somewhat true with the added complication of the dogs becoming basically human.

The final scene dealt with the father and his encounter with the ex-boss in the dog park. He is the ex-boss, of course, because thefather was fired for making the dog a priority over work. During the time when that happened I didn't like the idea of putting down work. It is not an evil sin. I agree the family (and yourself) must come first, but the job provides for that priority-it must have respect-and it is an important chunk of your life. You have a right to do it well and enjoy it.

That said at the end the boss brushes off the firing and wants the guy back because of course now what the father did is appreciated as good. As the dialogue goes on, the boss finally agrees to the conditions-work commences on Monday not Saturday or Sunday, but he says not to push it. Finally, a little sense. It is not right to go overboard on either side-family or work, balance, what a novel concept. I am so tired of extremes.