Puppy Love movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Puppy Love

This rom-com premieres exclusively on Amazon Freevee on August 18, 2023

RATING: R

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

After a disastrous first date, wild child Nicole (Lucy Hale) and socially anxious Max (Grant Gustin) vow to lose each other’s numbers until they learn that their dogs found a love match, and now puppies are on the way. The mismatched Nicole and Max are now forced to become responsible co-parents but may also find love themselves.

The movie was directed by Nick Fabiano and Richard Alan Reid. Writing credits go to Greg Glienna, Kirsten Guenther, and Richard Alan Reid.

THINGS I LIKED:

The leading man (Grant Gustin) and the leading lady (Lucy Hale) had chemistry and did a great job in their love/hate relationship.
The rest of the cast includes the lovely Jane Seymour, Michael Hitchcock, Christine Lee, Al Miro, Corey Woods, Sarah Peguero, Nore Davis, and Rachel Risen. Everyone did a good job.
The King/Queen Charles dog is so cute. I always wanted one of those!
Shoutouts to Channing Tatum and Bumble. Ha ha
There’s a cute moment where the humans and dogs reenact that magical spaghetti noodle scene in the movie Lady and the Tramp.
We see great character progression in the leading man and woman.
The ending was super sweet.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits for some funny outtakes.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Many of the characters don’t seem like real people but exaggerated caricatures.
It’s hard to like Lucy Hale’s character who is completely self-absorbed and a slut.
I’ve always loved Jane Seymour for her beauty and class. Unfortunately, the movies she has chosen in the past few years always portray her as a trampy cougar. She’s better than that. My favorite movie of hers is Somewhere in Time.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

You’d think with a title called “Puppy Love”, the movie would be sugary sweet. No, the first word we hear is a swear word. There are many more to come, including F-bombs. This ain’t no Hallmark movie.
We side side boob and a girl in a bra with tattoos.
We see 2 dogs going at it.
We see a naked man getting out of the shower, but he covers his private parts when someone walks in.
Lots of alcohol

THEMES:

Pet therapy
Anxiety
Selfishness
Being closed off to other people
Going outside your comfort zone

FUNNY LINES:

“Go out and make a canine connection.” – Therapist
“As one strong woman to…you, don’t mess this up.” – Naomi (Sarah Peguero)
“I’ve just got to go pick out a dress for my sister to criticize.” – Nicole (Lucy Hale)
“My place isn’t a dumpster; it’s organized chaos.” – Nicole (Lucy Hale)
“You are reasonably funny.” – Nicole (Lucy Hale)
“I’m very deep like an infinity pool.” – Al Miro (Hunter)
“You are looking hypoallergenic.” – Diane (Jane Seymour)