My Dog Tulip

The best thing about "My Dog Tulip" is the way that it truly captures an owner's love for their pet. It perfectly encapsulates wow even the smallest, most minute detail of this animal's life will bring you endless joy and fascinate you, even if no one else really understands or cares. The film tells the story of J. R. Ackerley (voiced by Christopher Plummer), an elderly man who adopts a German shepherd, Tulip.

This was a bit of a strange experience for me because I've never owned a dog or felt like I was missing out by not having one. While watching the film I felt disconnected from the story. If you're like me, many passages are going to seem weird or awkward in the same way that a parent discussing his or her baby's first diaper change would be uncomfortable for anyone who didn't have a child. Because of this disconnect and because of some of the events in the film, the protagonist J. R. Ackerley often comes off as someone who not only does not get along with people, but someone who has no desire to. It will be harder to relate to the man despite the very human emotions he feels towards Tulip.

Before you think I'm writing this movie off, understand that it's a feeling that passes in time. I didn't know how to feel about this man (and yes I realize he's fictional) until I asked a friend who owns a dog and was startled to find out how genuine every single element of the film is. There's something to be said about a story that decides to include every bit of relevant information, even if it's strange or off-putting to the uninitiated because it makes it feel that much more genuine. The element of realism is the key here. Because of the faults and the questionable decisions made by the character, as well as the little moments that feel like real life, the character feel very authentic and the voice acting by Christopher Plummer brings the character to life.

Another strong element of the film is the style of animation. It's really hard to describe, but the simultaneously sketchy and accurate style of animation is very unique, it's kind of like a rotoscope done in five minutes and it works perfectly with this style of story. If you're an illustrator or a fan of animation you'll want to check it out to see a unique style at work. I'd really like to see another story done in this style because under the right circumstances (like say a drug-fuelled trip like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas") it could bring a whole new dimension to a great story.

Whether you like the film or not probably depend on how much you can ultimately relate to the events that happen to an elderly man who considers a dog to be his best friend. Even if you don't own a dog, the animation is very worth checking out on its own, the story is unique and the voice acting is excellent. I say take a chance and see if it will be your cup of tea. It's not a gamble. In fact I can easily see this one becoming a lot of people's favorite. (On DVD, December 13, 2012)