REVIEW: Enzo knows that he is different from other dogs. He is more philosopher than canine. An old soul in a furry body with a slight obsession with opposable thumbs. From the moment Denny chose him as a pup, he knew that his purpose in life was to be his partner and side kick. Enzo’s wisdom comes from listening to Denny’s nuggets of race-car driving wisdom and watching tons of tv.

Enzo, who is voiced by Kevin Costner, is a sweet, beautiful golden retriever who has gained great insight into the human condition from Denny, his race-car driving owner, compassionately played by Milo Ventimiglia. I am a proud and dedicated pet mom to my Sweet Magnolia Grace and knowing the life span of a dog, prepared myself for the expected emotions this movie would conjure up for me. Enzo’s journey will take you through the gamut of emotions. I want to share with you a quote from J. James, a fellow reviewer and coincidently, my son. He was interested in seeing this film because it was a favorite book he read while in high school.

“An almost 1 to 1 adaptation of Garth Stein's emotional novel. Even though I anticipated each and every story beat almost verbatim, I found myself floored by the film's heartfelt delivery that made each moment feel new. The one change the movie made was to trim out a particular plot point that I did not care for that involved alleged infidelity on the part of Denny, and I think the film does better because of the omission. From the trailers, I wasn't sure how I would like Kevin Costner as the voice of Enzo, but his deep, gravelly tones fit perfectly with the dog's wise and spiritual inner voice.”

We begin with an ending. As we all know, a dog’s biology is our human weakness. But the end takes us to the beginning of Enzo and Denny’s story. From the moment when Denny is deciding which puppy will be his. But Enzo is the one that did the choosing. Two bachelors living life, racing cars, having fun. Enzo wouldn’t have it any other way. Then as life would have it, Denny meets Eve, played by Amanda Seyfried and although Enzo is just not sure about this intruder, time changes his mind. Their life takes all the expected twists and turns that most couples have. Denny races, Eve teaches and life happens.

This isn’t a bad movie, because it doesn’t sell itself as anything more than an earnest, floppy-eared family fare. Yes, it manipulates your heartstrings but there it’s a good story with a surprise ending.
There are moments of hurt, of anger, of betrayal, heck, you’re going to hate the “twins” as Enzo refers to Eve’s parents, played perfectly by Kathy Baker and Martin Donovan, but the only great mess in this film will be the one that Enzo makes on the carpet. If you read the book, you will love the movie, and that’s not something that happens often.