Hero Hounds: The Art of Racing in the Rain and Think Like a Dog

Man’s best friend comes to the rescue in hero hound movies, The Art of Racing in the Rain and Think Like a Dog

Based on Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain, director Simon Curtis’s story of one dog’s life, a Golden Retriever named Enzo, is narrated by Kevin Costner. Yes, that’s right, Golden Retriever meets Robin Hood! Denny (Milo Ventimiglia) is a semi-professional race car driver renowned for his ability to handle a racing car in wet conditions, just as well, considering all the tears the film hopes you spill! On getting a new dog called Enzo (Costner), Denny’s life changes, something every dog owner will fully understand. However, as Denny and Enzo become inseparable, Denny is unaware that Enzo is quietly guiding his life and career.

Anyone (like me) who looks at their dog daily, knowing that their furry companion knows more about them than any other living creature, will succumb to this slushy nonsense in a heartbeat. The Art of Racing in the Rain isn’t cinematic gold; it is far from it, but it also never tries to hide what it is: a Hallmark-inspired matinee packed with more sugary sweetness than a bucket of sweet popcorn. As a result, The Art of Racing in the Rain achieves precisely what it sets out to do as you find yourself blubbing into your snacks by the finale.

Any dog owner who loves their furry and faithful friend will have looked into their eyes and asked: “I wonder what you’re thinking?” Young tech genius Ollie (Gabriel Bateman) and his online friend Xiao (Neo Hooo) may have the answer. Still, it needs some serious energy, not just from their young minds but also from an almighty power source. Thankfully, hacking into satellites and power supplies is Xiao’s hobby, and it’s not long before Ollie and his dog, Henry, become telepathically linked.

Meanwhile, tech billionaire Ram Mills (Kunal Nayyar) spots an opportunity to exploit both boys for his own gain. Full of energy, childlike wonder, and fun, Think Like a Dog is a delightful live-action kids’ adventure that proudly places science at the heart of the action, encouraging kids to think big in invention and creative play while tackling issues ranging from bullying to family separation and online safety.