The moment Henry, the golden retriever, first “speaks” to Oliver through their newly forged telepathic link, Think Like a Dog (2020) stumbles into something genuinely charming. Directed by Gil Junger, this family comedy pits 12-year-old tech prodigy Oliver Reed (Gabriel Bateman) against the everyday chaos of middle school and family life, with his dog Henry as his unwitting, furry guide. The film, released through Premium VOD on June 9, 2020, stars Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox as Oliver’s parents, Lukas and Ellen Reed.

The premise—Oliver accidentally inventing a device that allows him to hear his dog’s thoughts—is cleverer than most talking-animal movies. It’s not just about slapstick or anthropomorphism; it’s about perspective. Henry’s simple, canine philosophy (“enjoy life in the present”) becomes a much-needed counterbalance to Oliver’s overcomplicated, tech-driven worldview. The dynamic between Bateman and Todd Stashwick (voicing Henry) works surprisingly well. Stashwick delivers deadpan, philosophical musings that ground the film in warmth.

Where Think Like a Dog falters is in its predictable plot beats. The “boy genius vs. corrupt tech mogul” arc—introducing Kunal Nayyar as Mr. Mills—feels lifted straight from a 90s family flick, complete with a climactic chase scene involving neighborhood dogs. Duhamel and Fox, as Oliver’s parents, are serviceable but underused, reduced to generic divorced-couple tropes. The film’s attempt to tackle serious themes—divorce, parental pressure, bullying—often feels heavy-handed, undermining the lighter moments.

Visually, Junger keeps things straightforward, relying on simple visual gags (Henry’s exaggerated reactions to Oliver’s thoughts) rather than inventive cinematography. However, the sound design deserves praise for seamlessly blending Henry’s telepathic voice with the rest of the soundtrack, creating an immersive effect that sells the premise.

Bateman carries the film with his earnest performance, capturing Oliver’s intelligence and insecurity with nuance. Madison Horcher as Sophie, Oliver’s crush, adds a layer of relatable middle-school dynamics, but her character could have used more depth. The supporting cast, including Izaac Wang and Hou Minghao as Li and Xiao, respectively, provide solid support but little memorable.

The film’s exploration of family dynamics is its strongest suit. Oliver’s fear of his parents’ impending divorce drives much of the emotional weight. Henry’s perspective offers a unique lens through which Oliver learns to appreciate the importance of love and loyalty over technological fixes. However, these themes are sometimes overshadowed by the film’s reliance on familiar storytelling tropes.

Comparatively, Think Like a Dog lacks the originality of films like Paddington 2 or The Secret Life of Pets. It doesn’t push boundaries or offer anything particularly new to the genre. Instead, it plays it safe, aiming for broad appeal but missing the mark on deeper emotional resonance.

For its target audience—families with young children—the film offers enough humor and heart to keep them engaged. The telepathic dog concept is entertaining, and the message about appreciating life’s simple joys is worthwhile. However, older viewers or those looking for more sophisticated storytelling might find it lacking.

Ultimately, Think Like a Dog is a decent but forgettable entry in the talking-animal genre. It’s a film that will likely resonate with young viewers and dog lovers, but it doesn’t offer enough substance to stand out in a crowded field. The performances are solid, particularly Bateman’s, and the sound design is noteworthy, but the predictable plot and underdeveloped themes hold it back from greatness.

The film’s attempt to balance humor with heartfelt moments about family and growing up is commendable, but it often feels like it’s trying too hard to be everything to everyone. The result is a movie that’s neither deeply emotional nor wildly funny, leaving it in a somewhat limbo state. It’s a shame because the core idea—a boy and his dog sharing a telepathic bond—has so much potential for both comedy and drama.

The pacing of the film is another area where it stumbles. The first half of the movie is dedicated to setting up Oliver’s world, his insecurities, and the experiment that goes wrong. While this groundwork is necessary, it sometimes feels drawn out, especially with the repetitive scenes of Oliver’s school struggles and his parents’ arguments. Once the telepathic connection is established between Oliver and Henry, the film picks up momentum, but by then, some viewers might have already lost interest.

The cinematography in Think Like a Dog is functional but unremarkable. Junger relies on standard shot compositions and doesn’t take many risks visually. This is a missed opportunity because the concept of a boy hearing his dog’s thoughts could have been explored with more creative camera work, perhaps using unconventional angles or perspectives to represent Henry’s point of view.

The soundtrack is another area where the film excels. The music effectively complements the tone of each scene, whether it’s the lighthearted moments between Oliver and Henry or the more dramatic scenes involving Oliver’s parents’ relationship. The integration of Henry’s telepathic voice into the sound mix is particularly well-done, making his thoughts feel like a natural part of the audio landscape.

One of the film’s strengths is its ability to tap into universal themes that resonate with both children and adults. The idea of a child trying to navigate the complexities of family dynamics, school life, and personal insecurities is something that many can relate to. Henry’s simple wisdom—focusing on love, loyalty, and enjoying the present moment—is a message that transcends age groups.

The film also touches on the importance of friendship and the unique bond between humans and their pets. Oliver’s relationship with Henry serves as a reminder of the unconditional love and support that animals can provide. This aspect of the story is particularly poignant and will likely resonate with pet owners.

In terms of its genre fit, Think Like a Dog falls squarely into the family comedy category. It shares similarities with other talking-animal films like Beethoven or Air Bud, but it doesn’t quite reach the same level of charm or memorability as those classics. The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot developments prevents it from standing out in a genre that has seen many iterations over the years.

The performances in the film are generally solid, with Gabriel Bateman delivering a particularly strong performance as Oliver. He effectively captures the character’s intelligence, insecurities, and emotional struggles. Todd Stashwick’s voice work as Henry is also noteworthy, bringing a unique blend of humor and wisdom to the role. However, some of the supporting performances feel underdeveloped, with characters like Sophie and Mr. Mills not given enough depth or screen time to make a lasting impact.

The film’s attempt to tackle serious themes within a comedic framework is admirable, but it often feels like it’s trying too hard to be both funny and heartfelt. The result is a movie that doesn’t fully commit to either tone, leaving some scenes feeling tonally inconsistent. For example, the scenes involving Oliver’s parents’ arguments are meant to be dramatic, but they’re often undercut by the film’s overall lighthearted tone.