Based off of the very popular book written by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing In The Rain is definitely a family movie that definitely provides plenty of opportunities to talk about: life, death, raising children and changes in family dynamics. Under the direction of Simon Curtis, this movie not only highlights the effects that humans have on dogs, but also the positive effects that a pet can have in the lives of humans as well. In The Art of Racing In The Rain there are many positive life lessons that can be applied not just to the lives of adults, but to the lives of teenagers and smaller children as well.

The main storyline centers on Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner), a mature, introspective Golden retriever who greatly desires to be a human and who has a love and respect for his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia). Denny is an aspiring Formula One race car who does not always win the race, but he’s always willing to take the risk of winning. This very notion is one of the most powerful anecdotes within the film. It’s okay to lose or experience the loss, but you must be willing to get back in the race and take a risk again.

The movie is narrated from the perspective of Enzo, and it is endearing. This depiction of a dog with deep feelings lends itself towards children having more empathy and compassion for dogs and animals in general. In The Art of Racing In the Rain, Denny falls in love with Eve (Amanda Seyfried) and they birth a daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) and all is well until there is an unexpected loss and the dynamic of family and life as they know it begins to change.

Parents need to know that there is a death in the movie and great loss, but the screenplay is written so well that watching the experience of this family onscreen will gift parents and guardians with the choice to further discuss: the benefits of appreciating your family while they are alive, what a family is and ways to strengthen family relations.

There is also family tension in the movie. There are in-laws who are somewhat controlling and unfair in their expectations of Denny as a race car driver. Within the movie, parents will see the benefits of having positive adult friendships, because on many occasions Denny has to rely on his friends to help him with Enzo as well as his daughter Zoe.

In this movie, both a human and a dog exude positive character traits. As a pet, Enzo is loyal, dependent, caring, nurturing and a friend to Denny, Eve and Zoe. Denny shows loyalty not just to his dog Enzo, but to his wife and his daughter. Denny also personifies that it is okay to get back in the race after circumstances in life try and knock you down.

The Art of Racing In the Rain is a simple, yet beautiful film that delicately presents the not so pretty moments in life. The film also shows that animals have feelings too. While the film is rated PG, there are some moments where adults, teenagers and kids may cry. However, there will surely be moments when you smile and your heart will be full of laughter.

The cast includes: The film cast includes: Kevin Costner, Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Martin Donovan, McKinley Belcher III

The film is produced by: The film is produced by Joannie Burstein, Patrick Dempsey, Tania Landau and Neil H. Moritz.

The Art of Racing In The Rain is rated PG, has a running time of 109 minutes. The Art of Racing In The Rain premieres nationwide on August 9^th, 2019.

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