Film review: 'A Dog of Flanders' Imagination Astray in 'Dog of Flanders' / Kids' story of young artist, pooch proves to be paint-by-numbers affair
Warner Bros.' new "A Dog of Flanders" is not really centered on the lovable, loyal Bouvier named Patrasche, although the shaggy hero plays a crucial role in the final reel.
Instead, it's the story of an ambitious, talented young boy and his struggle to become an artist after starting at a social disadvantage, all the while permanently smitten by a childhood sweetheart who is deemed too good for him. Directed and co-written by Kevin Brodie ("Delta Pi") and produced by veteran Frank Yablans, the shot-on-location movie taken on its own terms is a poor beggar in a crowded marketplace, too old-fashioned and tame for modern kids (at least on the big screen). Unfortunately, other than kid and dog performances and the diverting presence of old pros like Jack Warden, Jon Voight and Cheryl Ladd, "Dog" is a very weak final product.
Director Brodie, who co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Singer, makes no effort to enliven an oppressively literal translation of the screenplay, along with annoying repetition and only a fleeting sense that the narrow-minded characters from another age have more depth than their infuriating denseness and casual cruelty indicate.
Indeed, the obstacles facing Nello (played initially by Jesse James and later as a teen by James Kissner) may have some basis in reality, but the presentation of absurd Napoleon-era social and moral strictures and nasty villains is shoddy and unconvincing. It's not just that the period re-creation is flaccid and uninvolving but that Brodie has no luck with anything but the most programmed of audience responses.
Even the setup that brings Nello and abused Patrasche together is so perfunctory as to barely endear the four-legged work dog to the audience before moving on to the boy's burning mission to be "great."
Once it becomes apparent that the big pooch is just around for occasional inquisitive and agreeable wolfs of dialogue, it's almost redeeming when Patrasche finally does help Nello make it through the disappointment of losing a rigged contest, the death of his guardian and being thrown out on the street. Although it comes at the very end of the closing credits, there's a thoughtful and prominent warning that Bouviers are not ideal pet candidates for everyone.
A DOG OF FLANDERS
Warner Bros.
Woodbridge Films
Credits: Director: Kevin Brodie; Producer: Frank Yablans; Screenwriters: Kevin Brodie, Robert Singer; Executive producers: Martin J. Barab, Larry Mortoff, Mark Damon; Director of photography: Walther Vanden Ende; Production designers: Hubert Pouille, Attila F. Kovacs; Editor: Annamaria Szanto; Costume designer: Beatrix Arun Pasztor; Music: Richard Friedman. Cast: Jehan: Jack Warden; Nello: Jeremy James Kissner; Michel: Jon Voight; Anna: Cheryl Ladd; William: Bruce McGill; Aloise: Farren Monet. MPAA rating: PG. Color/stereo. Running time -- 101 minutes...
Instead, it's the story of an ambitious, talented young boy and his struggle to become an artist after starting at a social disadvantage, all the while permanently smitten by a childhood sweetheart who is deemed too good for him. Directed and co-written by Kevin Brodie ("Delta Pi") and produced by veteran Frank Yablans, the shot-on-location movie taken on its own terms is a poor beggar in a crowded marketplace, too old-fashioned and tame for modern kids (at least on the big screen). Unfortunately, other than kid and dog performances and the diverting presence of old pros like Jack Warden, Jon Voight and Cheryl Ladd, "Dog" is a very weak final product.
Director Brodie, who co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Singer, makes no effort to enliven an oppressively literal translation of the screenplay, along with annoying repetition and only a fleeting sense that the narrow-minded characters from another age have more depth than their infuriating denseness and casual cruelty indicate.
Indeed, the obstacles facing Nello (played initially by Jesse James and later as a teen by James Kissner) may have some basis in reality, but the presentation of absurd Napoleon-era social and moral strictures and nasty villains is shoddy and unconvincing. It's not just that the period re-creation is flaccid and uninvolving but that Brodie has no luck with anything but the most programmed of audience responses.
Even the setup that brings Nello and abused Patrasche together is so perfunctory as to barely endear the four-legged work dog to the audience before moving on to the boy's burning mission to be "great."
Once it becomes apparent that the big pooch is just around for occasional inquisitive and agreeable wolfs of dialogue, it's almost redeeming when Patrasche finally does help Nello make it through the disappointment of losing a rigged contest, the death of his guardian and being thrown out on the street. Although it comes at the very end of the closing credits, there's a thoughtful and prominent warning that Bouviers are not ideal pet candidates for everyone.
A DOG OF FLANDERS
Warner Bros.
Woodbridge Films
Credits: Director: Kevin Brodie; Producer: Frank Yablans; Screenwriters: Kevin Brodie, Robert Singer; Executive producers: Martin J. Barab, Larry Mortoff, Mark Damon; Director of photography: Walther Vanden Ende; Production designers: Hubert Pouille, Attila F. Kovacs; Editor: Annamaria Szanto; Costume designer: Beatrix Arun Pasztor; Music: Richard Friedman. Cast: Jehan: Jack Warden; Nello: Jeremy James Kissner; Michel: Jon Voight; Anna: Cheryl Ladd; William: Bruce McGill; Aloise: Farren Monet. MPAA rating: PG. Color/stereo. Running time -- 101 minutes...
- 8/24/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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