After reading up on movie premises (or ideas) of January released movies, a few take my fancy, The Book of Love, The Founder, The Red Turtle, and A Dog’s Purpose.  Here are my reviews of those premises.

The Book of Love

The Book of Love has the familiar sounding car accident to set the story in motion. Henry’s wife dies in one. Though the accident is shattering, what Henry does with the event is perhaps life affirming. He does not seem to drown in sorrow or flounder the time.  Instead, he embarks on getting involved with a homeless teen, perhaps not trying to get the teen’s life up and running, but perhaps both go on the spiritual journey. Echoes of 2001 movie Life as a House seem to be here—in that rebuilding life is a spiritual journey and not only a physical one. And what one does with the time during a difficult situation is a theme here.

The Founder

This is a bio-pic of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. The film has been shown in some countries overseas before its American release this month. The trailer promises business dealings that are dramatic. A film about the iconic family restaurant is surely worth a look and a film with Michael Keaton in the main role as the McDonalds founder is even more so. McDonalds was my introduction to a fast food experience so I have some personal investment in seeing this film. For many including me this is the film’s “hook” even before watching it.

The Red Turtle

A challenging but beautiful idea, as a castaway finds himself amidst island creatures. It follows his life as a castaway through various stages. This animated film has no dialogue. The simplistic journey of someone out of his depth (excuse the pun) and finding a life (or lack of it) in the midst of nature is compelling. The Red Turtle may also be telling of modern day reliance on creature comforts to survive, but what if these comforts are taken away?

A Dog’s Purpose

As the title suggests, a dog’s purpose is the thrust of A Dog’s Purpose. As a metaphor for exploring the purpose of the canine friend, the lifetimes of one dog are explored. As well, several owners are attached. Fascinating, the purpose of animals are rarely addressed. It will be interesting to see how a dog’s purpose unfolds in a generation that is asking more questions about the unseen nature of animals. This seems to be no Ed the talking horse, but goes deeper.