Everyone who reads this blog know I have an ongoing love interface with Dog. We get each other. When our local picture house announced their first dog friendly screening of the new Wes Anderson film, Isle Of Dogs, I couldn’t resist. When you add in the fact that my nephew was a modeller on the film it became a no brainer.
I’m not normally a cinema buff at 11.30 am on a Sunday but this was to be the exception; an experiment for all of us. To begin with, and given my propensity for cock-ups when organising events, I did wonder if I’d be turned away with Dog between my legs as it were.
But no, there were other pooches making their way across Windrush Square to the cinema, owners looking equally unsure and dogs rather sceptical – ‘is this some sort of walk/sit thing?’.
Inside, the manager was there to greet us; a new departure for all. Could this become a thing? If it filled his theatre, then why not?
We were handed a blanket – Dog got his own seat – and some treats, as crunchy as popcorn, and you know what I think about popcorn, but, hey, when in Rome…
We took a snap; we were interviewed by a journalist and praised the cinema’s innovation. Through all this, Dog watched a basset hound with unmitigated suspicion – ‘is he coming along his row, because he’s not getting past me’.
There were a few yelps; a rather fatuous cartoon about clearing up any messes, with confirmation that doggie bags and water were available at the front and then the main film.
Dog squirmed a bit when the lights went down ‘Where is that basset? He’s not passing you know,’ but soon enough he had a snooze. Occasionally – when a bell sounded, during some Japanese drumming (the film had a Japanese anime quality to it) he perked up, once putting his paws on the seat in front (poodle, female, rather precious and above Dog’s pay-grade) and staring intently at the screen. He enjoyed the company if not big on the tyranny suffered by the dogs on the set.
But we loved the film. Ok, I have to be biased: my nephew modelled some of this; I went to the film studios in Bow and saw them at work and it was fascinating. I took Dog. But it was a good film. Then plot is complex and the characters an interesting mix. There’s lot of typical humour and having Brian Cranston voicing the main, rather cynical stray hero a masterstroke.
Anderson, he of Fantastic Mr Fox etc, wrote this himself and while it could be for children it is pretty deep with some rather grotesque stuff about experiments on dogs which makes the PG rating rather brave in a way. The ultimate baddy was rather too bad, if that makes sense – a bit too cartoonish, which is a shame. Villains need to have some redeeming features somewhere I feel, as otherwise, those scheming brutes wouldn’t, you feel get where they were without some sort of dissent. But then again, even the saintly Australian cricket team cheats so I suppose it happens… (schadenfreude? me?)
Go see the film; take a pooch if they let you. If not find out when your local will go dog-friendly. I know who’ll get my business in future.
Completely barking – glad I got that in first 🙂
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We rely on you to be our resident pun-ter
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🙂
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You could take your dog into the cinema??!! That is brilliant!!
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Truly a masterful notion and one I trust they repeat…
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That sounds like a fantastic experience!!!
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Not sure Sony would agree!
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Lol!
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Okay… I’m not a dog person, but this is so cool! I had seen the title, but didn’t know if it was a “dog-umentary” or what — until now. Thanks for the review, Geoff. Fun background details too. Hugs.
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There must be the hummingbird equivalent…
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I can’t imagine taking my cat to Cats! He’d freak out.
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Mine wouldn’t get in the car…
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What a great idea! I’m glad dogs behaved:)
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They were better than most children…!
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Haha I am not surprised!
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What a novel idea! That sounds like a fun experience for you and Dog! 🙂
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How great you could take your dog to the movie. Our dog loves watching TV with us, especially if there are dogs on the show. Glad you all enjoyed it!
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It was special, really. And the film wasn’t bad either
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I couldn’t take Siddy to such an event. He would spend the entire time wanting to greet and be friends with all the people, he’s not that interested in other dogs now he is four!
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He could Ush….
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Chaos assured 😀
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But the entrance money would make it worthwhile. Would he hand out the biscuits?
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Well, his intentions might be good – but I doubt there would be any left to hand out.
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A movie for dogs… very cool!
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In every sense
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🐶😊
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This is soooo cool! I love that the cinema opened its doors to doggos!
I really want to see that film too!
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It’s definitely one for the tbw list. And I echo the cool vibe. Tremendous idea
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So lovely!
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I imagine our Aussie would try to round up all the other dogs. What a nightmare.
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He’s a natural usher clearly!
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Too funny! But she wouldn’t show them to their seat–she would order them to sit down.
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Did the dog have to pay?
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nope, completely free and biscuits, water and poo sacks plus blanket all included… vip stuff
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You make it sound fantastic but my sister in-law saw it yesterday and really didn’t enjoy it at all..
I shall have to see for myself!
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Ooh! Is this the film Peter worked on??? (You can delete this if you don’t want his name in the comment.)
What an awesome idea. I really hope they continue this. Loved the cartoon they showed. That gave me a good laugh. Glad you all (and Dog) had fun.
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Yep Peters one of the main modellers. He’s posted several 8mages on instagram of his sets and figures. And it was such good fun. No idea if it will happen again…
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Still, it’s really cool. Must have been awesome to see it up there on the big screen (with dogs watching from their complimentary blankets). 🙂
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It was pretty neat
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This made me laugh all the way through the comments. I don’t think it would happen here in the states. Laws are not nearly as dog friendly as in Europe. I would be watching all the dogs in the audience rather than the screen. What fun that must have been!
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It was excellent and so few complaints from the canine customers
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Best recommendation ever. 🙂
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Of course, the dogs in Britain would behave enough for cinema. Not sure the US could handle the canine chaos of a movie theater. But what a fun experience! And to see your nephews work in final form.
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Yes I suspect I liked the film more because of the family connection…
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