Not My Dog triumphs in highlighting the pure unpredictability of life, interpreting a global phenomenon through a wide range of characters with varying backgrounds, while also showcasing how we can make the most of unexpected circumstances.This is the story of 12-year-old Bridget (Rylie Pennington), who prefers to stay indoors and online, but is sent to drop her dad's lunch off at his workplace at her mom's request. On her way there, she is halted by a stray dog blocking her path. Even after feeding the dog to make him move, the dog continues to stay by Bridget's side, thus earning the name "Nudge" from her. As she meets all sorts of people across town and is pursued by animal control, Bridget is forced to contend with the challenges that come with having a dog, even when that dog is not hers.
The plot is relatable in that it does not shy away from the messiness of life, presenting a picture closer to that of the real world. People of different walks of life are represented in this film, each with their own way of navigating through the messiness. Whether it is shopkeepers, singers, or chess players, time and care is given to explore the facets of how they make their way through the world. Given how a general audience is similarly composed of such variety, it succeeds in appealing to a wide demographic. The camera work of the film works wonders in that it communicates the intent of each scene. By using a wide shot of Nudge when in Bridget's way, for instance, it relates the idea of distance to the audience without so much as a single word. Even holding on an angle, like when animal control trails behind Bridget and Nudge, illustrates the passage of time and allows the audience to feel what the characters are feeling in that moment.
Rylie Pennington's portrayal of Bridget perfectly captures the essence of a child who, while they may be stubborn at first, is open to accepting new challenges and reveling in them. What I especially find great about her performance is that she makes Bridget's gradual acceptance of Nudge clear in her tone and speech, which adds a sense of realism to the overall production. I also enjoyed the performance by the other cast members - who cumulatively bring impressive experience to the table. My favorite part of the film is when Bridget plays chess for the very first time, as the film relates the principles of chess to life. It helped me understand both how complicated life can be and how people can develop strategies to get through it all.
The film's message is to accept what life throws at you.
I give Not My Dog 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. By Christian C., KIDS FIRST!
I really like Not My Dog. I enjoyed how we get a perspective at the beginning from Nudge's point of view, showing Nudge (black German Shepherd named Inkois) being chased by Animal Control. I also like how we get a clear perspective on what the main character, Bridget (Rylie Pennington), is like.The storyline follows a stray dog, Nudge, and 12-year-old Bridget, through their small town, as they embark on an unexpected journey, discovering the joy of an unlikely friendship along the way. Bridget is sent to bring lunch to her father at his barbershop when she encounters a stray dog that the Animal Control Officer Phil (Sal Rendino) has chased off. As the dog persistently trails her, Bridget insists to everyone she meets that "he's not my dog." As they wander together, Bridget's initial frustration turns into compassion, pulling her away from her phone and teaching her valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, and friendship.
The movie is set in Vernon, Connecticut, specifically the Rockville section, during the winter. I can tell it is winter because they all are wearing big winter jackets and there is a lot of snow. Something that stands out to me is the original song that Bridget and Jessie (Analise Scarpaci) sing together, which is written by Analise, an actor in the movie. Something else that stands out to me is how, at first, Bridget does not like dogs, because in most movies there is a big bond between the protagonist and animals. The scenes with Nudge running past the local chess players Chuck (Eric Roberts) and Carl (Jeremy London), store owners, and bullies is funny. My favorite character is Nudge the black German Shepherd, because he is very smart. He can always get away from Officer Phil, knows a lot of simple commands and even seems to understand English. But the real reason I like him is because Nudge is very persistent. When Bridget doesn't like him at first, he just keeps following her. She tells him to stop, but he keeps going until Bridget starts to like him. The turning point in the movie is when a rude woman, Miss Athelia (Marika Dominczyk) teams up with Animal Control Officer Phil to find the dog, and Bridget starts protecting Nudge. I like how the film reminds us that our feelings about someone, or an animal, can change once we actually get to know them.
The film's message is that the best adventures are face to face instead of through a phone or on a screen.
I give Not My Dog 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Not My Dog is available on VOD, AVOD and Streaming now.
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12
Not My Dog is a touching coming-of-age story thanks to the help of man's best friend. I like that this movie conveys a lot of meaning with a small cast and a minimal script.
Bridget (Rylie Pennington) is a typical 12-year-old girl who has to walk across town to take her father his lunch. A decision on which path to take - the long way or the short cut, changes her life in an unexpected way. A stray dog joins her on her trip and refuses to leave her side. Along her way she comes across two chess players (Eric Roberts and Jeremy London), a singer, some high schoolers, a dog catcher, and Mrs. Athelia who tries to get Bridget in trouble for having the dog off of a leash.
I like that this film has a small cast and the focus is just on the single walk between Bridget's house and her father's work place. I really enjoyed the slower pace of the film and the detail put into all of the interactions Bridget has on her journey. Most of the film is shot with close-ups, which gives a first person feeling. I love the use of the colors black, white, and red. The ground is covered in snow, the stray dog is black, and several of the characters wear red hats. These colors provide a nice contrast. I also like that Mrs. Athelia is dressed to look like Cruella from 101 Dalmatians. She wears a bright red hat and a long white and black fur coat. Every time she runs into Bridget there is conflict about the dog and her costume helps make her character larger than life. My favorite part of the story is whenever Bridget runs into Carl, one of the chess players in the park; he always imparts some life wisdom using chess as an example. He always says, "Life is like chess..."
The film's message is that the unexpected can open new opportunities. I also like how the movie emphasizes the power of community and building relationships. This is a family friendly movie.
I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available to stream on VOD and AVOD now.
By Julie O. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I like the movie Not My Dog because it is a really sweet, enjoyable family film to watch, with a heartwarming story. The relationship between the main character, Bridget and "not her dog," Nudge is the strongest part of the film, and the movie excels at mixing humor and sarcasm with emotion.
The storyline follows Bridget (Rylie Pennington), a guarded, sarcastic 12-year-old girl living in a small town. Her mom sends her on an errand to take lunch to her father and Bridget's day takes an unexpected turn when a stray dog begins following her. After many attempts to get rid of him, she eventually takes him on and names him Nudge, based on the fact that he won't leave her side. She repeatedly tells people that he is "not my dog," but he becomes intertwined with different relationships with various people, who all comment on the dog. While Nudge begins the story as an annoying interruption to Bridget's chore, he becomes something much more meaningful.
The person who stands out to me the most is Rylie Pennington, who plays Bridget. Pennington portrays Bridget's stubbornness and sarcastic-ness perfectly, while still showing a softer, more scared side of her character. At the beginning, Pennington demonstrates feeling annoyed by Nudge, and her body language shows us how she does not want to take responsibility for him. However, as the film develops, Pennington physically and emotionally opens up more to Nudge and her surroundings. I love how she shows Bridget's emotions through her facial expressions! I was also impressed by Inkosi, the dog that plays Nudge. Even though he cannot speak, his expressions, movements, and reactions make him feel like an important character rather than a simple dog. Inkosi develops a connection with Bridget, making their relationship feel authentic and sweet. Together, these two create a friendship that has a natural feel and produces heartwarming moments.
The film's message is that sometimes, relationships we never expect can become the most important. Bridget begins her story trying to push away Nudge, but he ends up teaching her about loyalty, responsibility, and being kind and open to others. This film reminds us to be more open to the world, and take a chance beyond first impressions.
I give Not My Dog 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Not My Dog is available now on VOD, AVOD, and streaming platforms.
By Juliana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
