A Dog's Purpose 2017

Here’s a rephrased version of the section:

As our narrator (Josh Gad) embarks on a poignant journey, we’re transported to a world where a tiny pup’s existence is marked by curiosity and chaos. The film begins with a nostalgic glimpse into his earliest days as a newborn searching for sustenance from his mother. Weeks later, he’s indulging in trash can raids alongside siblings, his mutt-like features a testament to his scrappy nature.

The scene shifts abruptly as two men swoop in, netting him and whisking him away to an antiquated vehicle bound for the city pound. The narrative then takes an unsettling turn, implying that this chapter of his life may have ended prematurely.

Fast-forward to a different era, where our protagonist awakens inside a cage as a puppy once more. Shaken by memories of his past life, he’s left pondering the purpose behind these recurring cycles. As it becomes clear that time has passed – the setting is now the 1960s – we find ourselves in a bustling breeder or pet store, where our hero is showcased alongside various breeds.

Initially, he’s presented as a ‘Red Retriever’ (a type of Golden Retriever) to a potential client, only to be rejected due to his size. The handler fails to secure the cage, allowing him to make a daring escape through a hole in the fence. After wandering along the roadside, our dog is scooped up by two men who hope to profit from his sale.

As they park their truck and enter a nearby building (presumably a bar), leaving the canine to suffer dehydration and sun exposure, our hero’s thoughts turn to the inevitable conclusion of this life. However, fate intervenes when Ethan (Bryce Ghesiar) and his mother spot him on the brink of death, shattering the car window to rescue him.

With their kindness, he’s nursed back to health, and upon regaining consciousness, our narrator is overjoyed to be alive once more. As we catch a glimpse of Ethan’s family dynamics – including a father who may struggle with addiction – it becomes clear that this new chapter in our hero’s life will be filled with promise and uncertainty.

As the days pass, Bailey finds himself growing accustomed to his new surroundings, thanks in part to a personalized metal tag bearing his name on one side and that of Ethan Montgomery on the other. This tangible reminder of their bond becomes an important symbol of their relationship, foreshadowing the depth of their connection. Meanwhile, Bailey’s internal monologue provides insight into his thoughts and feelings, revealing a sense of longing when Ethan departs, as well as a deep affection for the nickname “Boss Dog,” which he eagerly endorses with a loud bark.

As the family embarks on a trip to their rural farm, Bailey is introduced to a plethora of novel scents, including the pungent aroma of goats. The contrast between his enthusiasm and the rest of the family’s less-than-impressed reactions serves as a humorous commentary on the differing human experiences. In addition to exploring the great outdoors, Bailey forms a special bond with “Horsedog,” a friendly donkey kept by the family, and even gets into some good-natured mischief chasing chickens around.

One afternoon, Ethan and Bailey engage in a fun-filled session of catch, with Ethan teaching Bailey how to use his back as a launching pad to catch an old deflated football. This playful interaction highlights the trust and companionship that have developed between the two, setting the stage for future adventures together.

As Ethan’s father works from home, his meticulous desk becomes the unlikely victim of Bailey’s playful nature during one of their ‘dog lessons.’ In an attempt to clean up the chaos, Ethan tries to rush through the mess before his father returns. But fate intervenes when his father pulls out his treasured coin collection, and Ethan’s fascination with the rare ‘Eagle’ coin leads him to start playing with it. Unbeknownst to Ethan, Bailey misconstrues the shiny object as a snack and swallows the prized coin.

As night falls, Ethan’s father’s boss arrives, accompanied by his wife, bringing with them the weight of anticipation and potential promotion. The tension is palpable as Ethan’s father anxiously awaits news on his career prospects, only to be rebuffed when his boss reveals that he’s the best field agent and a desk job promotion isn’t in the cards.

The evening takes a turn for the worse when the boss asks about the missing coin, prompting Ethan to rush outside with Bailey in an attempt to coax the swallowed treasure back out. The ensuing scenes showcase Ethan’s desperation as he tries to calm the distraught dog and encourage it to expel the coin through some form of canine digestion. Eventually, Bailey does indeed relinquish its grip on the ‘Eagle’ coin, but not before Ethan frantically dashes inside to replace it on his father’s desk.

In the chaos that ensues, Ethan screams ‘Rat!’ in a moment of panic, and in the ensuing commotion, the boss’s wife finds herself landing in the cake, the dining room table is destroyed, and any hope for promotion is dashed. As punishment for Bailey’s mischief, he’s banished to the garage – although it seems that the resourceful pup will continue to find ways to sneak back into the house, even under cover of darkness.

The curtain lifts on a new era for Ethan (K.J Apa), now a charismatic young man dominating the high school football field as its star quarterback. His life is further complicated by the introduction of Todd (Logan Miller), a second-string quarterback consumed by jealousy and insecurity, who can’t help but refer to Bailey’s girlfriend in a derogatory manner. The tension between Ethan and Todd simmers just below the surface, much like the unease that permeates the household where Ethan resides with his parents.

We find Ethan returning home from a triumphant game, eager to share the news with his family, only to be met with an unsettling sight: his father, seemingly drunk and disconnected from the world, slumped on the couch. This is not the first sign of trouble in their relationship; indeed, the cracks have been growing more apparent by the day. The once-strong bond between Ethan’s parents has given way to a toxic dynamic, with his father’s drinking problem spiraling out of control.

As tensions escalate at home, Ethan finds solace in the great outdoors, visiting the family farm where Bailey (the lovable retriever) is free to roam and play. Meanwhile, Ethan meets Hannah (Brit Robertson), a charming young woman who captures his heart at the local fair’s shooting gallery. Bailey takes it upon herself to facilitate their romance, with hilarious results.

As Ethan and Hannah’s relationship blossoms, we’re treated to a series of tender moments, punctuated by Bailey’s wry internal commentary. The cat may have left this mortal coil, but Bailey sees only an opportunity for playtime as she digs up the deceased feline, mistaking it for a game of hide-and-seek.

Back at home, however, the situation continues to deteriorate. Ethan’s parents’ relationship has hit rock bottom, with his father’s abuse and heavy drinking reaching new depths of despair. In a bold move, Ethan takes matters into his own hands, intervening to protect his mother and ultimately sending his father packing.

The final game of Ethan’s high school career arrives, bringing with it the news that he’s earned a full football scholarship to Michigan, while Hannah has secured an academic spot at the same institution. As Ethan celebrates this triumph with friends and family, his father makes a surprise appearance at the party, reeking of booze and causing chaos. Todd takes great pleasure in pointing out Ethan’s father’s flaws, prompting our hero to take matters into his own hands and deck the obnoxious Todd.

That night, as the celebration winds down, Todd seeks revenge by planting a firecracker in Ethan’s house, sparking a blaze that threatens to engulf the property. Bailey’s quick thinking alerts Ethan, who rushes to awaken his mother and guide her (along with Bailey) out of harm’s way via a window. As Ethan leaps to safety, he suffers a devastating injury, as a fallen rake and a section of the house land on his leg.

The curtain closes on a somber note, as Ethan and his mother are whisked away in an ambulance, leaving Bailey to lead the authorities to Todd, who ultimately confesses to his misdeeds.

As Ethan and his mother return to their rural roots, a poignant contrast emerges between the carefree antics of Bailey, now reimagined as a spirited German Shepherd named Ellie, and the emotional turmoil plaguing Ethan. The once-athletic young man is forced to confront the harsh reality that his leg may never fully recover from its injuries, leaving him bitter and heartbroken. This despair culminates in a painful breakup with Hannah, whose departure leaves Bailey/Ellie devastated.

In this somber atmosphere, Ellie finds herself at the forefront of a new life as a police K9-in-training under the guidance of handler Carlos (John Ortiz). As she navigates her rigorous training regimen, Ellie’s frustration grows with each passing day, lamenting the lack of “playtime” and instead being treated like a tool. This feeling is compounded by her growing sense of unease in Carlos’ apartment, where the faint scent of a former occupant lingers, hinting at a deeper emotional wound.

As Ellie’s training progresses, she’s tasked with tracking down the elusive “Wally,” whose penchant for misplacing his belongings provides comedic relief. However, beneath this lighthearted facade lies a more serious mission: detecting the scent of a kidnapped girl, expertly trained by Carlos to rely on her keen instincts.

With Ellie’s acute sense of smell leading the way, the duo tracks down the young victim and her captor, culminating in a thrilling confrontation at a small dam. As chaos ensues, Ellie fearlessly leaps into action, pulling the girl to safety just as Carlos is about to be struck by gunfire. The would-be rescuer’s near-miss prompts an emotional outburst from Carlos, who weeps uncontrollably on Ellie’s body.

As Toby (Toby) re-emerges as a male Corgi, he finds himself in the care of Maya (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), a college student who has just adopted him. The sudden transformation from his human form to canine physiology leaves him bewildered and struggling to comprehend his new surroundings. His miniature stature and lack of tail are particularly jarring, as evidenced by his futile attempts to perform the iconic “dog chasing its tail” routine. Maya takes Toby on a tour of her campus life, including encounters with fellow students like Al (Pooch Hall), whom she brushes off due to her newfound responsibilities as Toby’s caregiver.

Toby’s veterinarian warns Maya that her new pet is getting too heavy and requires regular exercise to stay healthy. As they visit the local park, Toby meets Roxie, a majestic Wolfhound who towers over him, and he becomes smitten. Despite his awkward advances, Roxie tolerates Toby’s affections, and their bond grows stronger. Meanwhile, Al and Maya begin to develop feelings for each other, with the dogs accompanying them on dates. A comedic moment ensues when Al proposes to Maya at a restaurant, only for Toby to misinterpret the flambé dessert as a burning inferno, leading him to panic and “save” Roxie instead of his human owner.

As Toby matures, he faces new challenges as Al and Maya’s children torment him regularly. Tragedy strikes when Roxie passes away, sending Toby into a deep depression reminiscent of Bailey’s struggles. The film then shifts gears as Buddy, the St Bernard mix puppy, awakens in the back of a truck. He is taken in by a woman who brings him home, but her husband/boyfriend is less than thrilled about the new addition to their family. Buddy is relegated to the backyard, where he must endure harsh weather conditions and various indignities.

Montages depict Buddy’s struggles as he faces the elements and witnesses strange occurrences, such as police visits to the property. Despite the hardships, Buddy remains resilient, biding his time until the day the man decides to chain him up in the yard once again. The woman reassures him that they are taking Buddy to a better place, but her words ring hollow as the man drives away, leaving the puppy behind. As the truck disappears into the distance, Buddy is left alone on the bridge, forced to confront an uncertain future.

As the dog navigates the unfamiliar terrain, he begins to reflect on his decision to abandon the previous family. His unkempt appearance suggests a life of vagrancy, yet he eventually stumbles upon a dog park where he encounters a peculiar canine with an unflinching gaze. Though they part ways, the dog’s keen sense of smell suggests a familiarity with this location. It is not until he catches sight of the rustic farmhouse that his instincts are confirmed - this is none other than Ethan’s farm! He reunites with horsedog and, through persistent barking, gains the attention of an older Ethan (Dennis Quaid), who feeds him before taking him to the local animal shelter. However, after a solitary night at the pound, Ethan returns, now aware of the void left by his absence of canine companionship, and adopts the dog.

As the newly christened Buddy settles into his new life with Ethan, he becomes attuned to the older man’s loneliness. Seizing the opportunity, Buddy decides to intervene, revisiting the dog park where he initially met his strange companion. This time, however, he is a clean and well-groomed canine, sporting a shiny tag bearing his new moniker. Upon reuniting with the family, Buddy follows them home, only to discover that they reside nearby. When “grandma” arrives, Buddy’s keen sense of smell is piqued once more, as he realizes this kind stranger is none other than Hannah (Peggy Lipton), a figure from his past.

As Hannah takes Buddy back to Ethan, the trio navigates an awkward reunion, discussing their life experiences and the paths that diverged. Ultimately, they find common ground, with Hannah facilitating a heartwarming reconciliation between Ethan and herself. The stage is set for a joyous celebration - Ethan’s and Hannah’s wedding day arrives, marked by a poignant moment where Ethan remarks on his lack of family ties, while Hannah’s presence underscores her abundance of loved ones.

In the aftermath of the nuptials, Ethan dedicates time to cleaning up, during which Buddy seeks to reestablish their bond. He ventures into the barn, retrieves the old flat football they once played with, and initiates a game, drawing Ethan back into a world of nostalgia and joy. As Ethan becomes aware of Bailey’s (the original dog) signature trick of jumping onto him, he is struck by a sudden realization - Buddy is, in fact, his beloved Bailey returned to him, now reincarnated as the “Boss Dog” that once brought such delight to their lives together.

As the cinematic odyssey draws to a close, Ethan takes up the task of affixing a fresh label to Bailey’s esteemed persona. The film’s narrative arc culminates with Bailey delivering an insightful reflection, positing that the ultimate raison d’être of a canine’s existence lies in embracing joy and facilitating merriment for others.