Merv plays matchmaker! I got a screening pass to see Merv at the theater, but you can watch it on Prime starting Wednesday Dec 10th.
Much like the child of a divorce hoping his parents get back together, you can see Merv scheming to get Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) to find their way back to love. As the movie opens, all three are mopey, even though it’s been several months since the humans broke up. You’re not quite sure how long they were together, but it’s at least several years based on photos of their friends’ wedding, and that said friends now have children together.
The estranged couple notice that their furry child is depressed, so Russ decides to take him to the beach, and Anna promptly follows them down. First of all, if this dog beach resort exists, I know where I’m going on vacation next year! Second, the resort resorts to all of the dog puns which makes my dog-loving heart ever so happy. Along with the usual “yappy hour” they have agility courses on the beach, ice cream and pup cup stands, and dog/human yoga. I would love to know how long it took them to get the entire cast of dogs to “downward dog” in unison.
Speaking of which, what is it like to cast dogs? How do you direct dogs? How do you get them to act sad or happy? And then they had to find a love interest for Merv, Lolly, who is just adorable!
The expressions on this dog’s face are priceless and so adorable. It is worth the price of admission (or rental, in this case) to see the dog high-fiving his humans, to hear his whines and whimpers when they argue, and to see the joy on his face when they start to reminisce about better days.
While the movie is marketed as a rom-com, there is just enough drama and deep thoughts to balance the feels with the laughs. Plus, it’s set at holidays, but doesn’t feel too over the top with Christmas themes or decorations. So it has everything for everyone – rom-com, holiday flavor, and lots of puppy love! Added bonus? Cameo from Patrica Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) as Russ’ mother. At first you want to hate her, but I would definitely be okay with her as a mom or mother-in-law!
Check it out if you’re looking for a cute movie or a palate cleanser for the incoming slate of Oscar movies. A plus, it’s family friendly – nothing too risquĂ© or tawdry so you could watch with the kids and grandparents. Another plus, another original script! Maybe Hollywood is finally taking note of my rants.
Sravanthi Meka 