Ken Marino’s bland ensemble rom-com shamelessly resorts to repeated shots of canines, babies, and older kids staring at the camera to pluck at viewers’ heartstrings. Ambitious morning TV host Elizabeth (Nina Dobrev) is forced to team up with Jimmy (Tone Bell), a charming ex-football player; since his dog brings out the best in her depressed one, the owners inch toward romance. Pretty barista Tara (Vanessa Hudgens) takes in a stray and then must decide between two suitors—handsome vet Dr. Mike (Michael Cassidy), who treats the emaciated pup, or goofy but lovable Garrett (Jon Bass), who runs a rescue kennel for homeless canines. An elderly man (Ron Cephas Jones) loses his late wife’s dog, and is aided by a pizza-delivery boy (Finn Wolfhard). An anxious couple (Eva Longoria, Rob Corddry) adopts a darling little girl (Elizabeth Caro), but their attempts to bond run into a brick wall until she falls in love with a stray pug. And a slacker musician (Adam Pally) is compelled to dog-sit for his sister (Jessica St. Clair), while she and her husband (Thomas Lennon) deal with their twin newborns. All of these dog-driven plots come together in a big finale involving a money-raising concert to benefit the doggie shelter. While there are a few bright moments, most of Dog Days is as dreary as the title suggests. Not recommended. (F. Swietek)
Dog Days
Fox, 113 min., PG, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.99, Nov. 20 Volume 33, Issue 6
Dog Days
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