Now Playing — Canine Critic Rocky’s Reviews – 5 Favorite Films of Summer
The origin story of canine critic Rocky’s Reviews, and why it’s rapidly becoming the pick of the litter. Welcome to the Rocky Road to Hollywood!
Little did I know that when I gave my Australian Labradoodle pup the cinematic name of “Rocky” — not for Balboa but for the charismatic, universe saving extra terrestrial in Project Hail Mary, that he would have such an affinity for film.
I meant to train him to be a therapy dog, as his predecessor Frankie Feldman had been, but the precocious little guy argued that he could be both a film critic and a therapy dog at the same time, in fact, the two endeavors could by positively synergistic!
I decided a pup with a reasoning that advanced needed a loftier name than just plain Rocky, so I gave him the AKC-ish moniker ‘Rocky Amaze! Salvador de Las Vegas,’ for the comforting work he plans to do in his hometown.
And yes, I understand that his breed will never be allowed into the AKC, but he’s still deserving of a fancy name, don’t you think?
He started out his Canine Critic career with a bang, digging up a list of his Five Favorite Films of the Summer, rating them from 1-5 treats and posting his reviews on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s a sample of his work:
Canine Critic Rocky’s Reviews — 5 Favorite Films of Summer
Number 5: Toy Story 5 — 4 out of 5 Treats
The Toy Story franchise is magic! Who would have thought every single film of the five could be as adorable and moving as a room full of puppies? The latest does not disappoint! It definitely makes me want to take better care of my toys, and never chew out the squeaky again. Also, I’d like to make it clear right here and now that I’m available for casting in Toy Story 6.
Number 4 — Tony — 4 out of 5 Treats
The story of the seminal summer of ’75 in the life of Anthony Bourdain, when he fell in love with food and the restaurant business. Make sure you see it on a full stomach, or you’ll be running out for dog chow every 10 minutes. The performances of Dominic Sessa and Antonio Banderas are particularly tasty, and the story is tantalizing and originally presented. Quick! See it in the theater before it’s too late!
Number 3 — The Invite — 4 out of 5 Treats
Bad Humans! Hilarious Humans! Olivia Wilde directs and stars in this naughty dramady about a couple of couples who share an outrageously awkward dinner date, and bare their souls, among other things. Wilde, Penelope Cruz, Seth Rogan and Edward Norton are at their best. I think the performances, and the film are award worthy!
Number 2 — Disclosure Day — 4 out of 5 Treats
Are there aliens living among us? If so, how do we communicate? How long have they been here? Are they friendly? Are we friendly? Stephen Spielberg tries to answer these questions via Emily Blunt and Josh O’Conner. While it’s not one of my favorite director’s best films, it’s doggone good.
No. 1 — The Odyssey — 5 out of 5 Treats
Christopher Nolan’s epic vision of a universal classic, with a wildly creative cast and a poignant dog story embedded? What’s not to like? Sure it’s long — over three hours. But worth every minute. Buy tickets in advance on the biggest screen possible, book an aisle seat for obvious reasons, and enjoy the long, yet compelling walk through history.
Rocky’s first stand alone review appeared recently in my Heart of the Beast review, which was, of course, a natural for him to see:
Canine Critic Rocky’s Heart of the Beast review
A man and his very good boy crash in the Alaskan wilderness and have to go on a brutal hike home. I’ve never been so invested in a walk!
I’m just a labradoodle puppy, but I know a top dog when I see one, and Uber as Odin is the most fur-midable performance of the year. That loyalty! That soulful stare! That commitment to the bit, even with a prosthetic leg!
Uber is pure tail-ent, and if the Barkademy doesn’t come calling, somebody’s barking up the wrong tree. I’d follow this leading man anywhere, preferably on a leash and with treats. I’m still howling about it.
Check back here on at Home In Hollywood for Rocky’s further features and reviews. We’ll give a bark-out when more appear.
The origin story of canine critic Rocky’s Reviews, and why it’s rapidly becoming the pick of the litter. Welcome to the Rocky Road to Hollywood!
