The Dogwalker
The Dogwalker Image
Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: Set against the colorful backdrop of the Los Angeles dogwalking scene, The Dogwalker follows the moving, transformational journey of Ellie Moore (Gaidry), on the run from her latest abusive boyfriend. Down and out on the mean streets of L.A, rescue comes in the unlikely form of Betsy Wright (Gordon), a misanthropic dogwalker in need of help with her business and struggling with her own dark past. (Filmmakers Alliance)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 3 out of 8
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: David Hunter
    70
    Rather than being self-indulgent or pretentious, however, the film comes up with many believable details and changes in direction that enrich the bittersweet central relationship of the two leads.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Luke Y. Thompson
    70
    The sort of movie that you'd see on Lifetime if that channel actually respected its viewers' taste and intelligence, Jacques Thelemaque's feature directorial debut has been kicking around the festival circuit for five years, and now finally comes to theaters in a leaner cut that jettisons an extraneous subplot to get to the core of its human story.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    60
    Though central dynamic is a familiar one -- old coot and young lost soul thrown together -- perfs, understated script and well-judged direction avoid too-obvious sentimentality or melodrama. Nonetheless, overall story arc is fairly predictable, and deliberate pacing sometimes risks dullness.
  4. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mark Olsen
    30
    There seems to be a high level of personal commitment to the project. It is then all the more disappointing that such effort went into something that comes off so hollow and uninspired.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. V.S.
    10
    In the true spirit of independent filmmaking, writer/director Jacques Thelemaque and his wife/partner, gifted actress Diane Gaidry, create a sensitive yet powerful film that is reminiscent of Cassavetes and Rowland collaborations in the past. The late Pamela Gordon also gives a stellar performance, as together this team puts a very truthful portrayal, a slice of real life up on the screen. Dogwalker is a touching story about healing old wounds and finding new friendship, love and hope in rebuilding one's life. Thelemaque directs with a master's touch, and his style reminds me of the best offerings from John Sayles. The fact that both Thelemaque & Gaidry are co-founders of Filmmakers Alliance in Los Angeles, and that that very community contributed immensely to making the film, sets them apart in the independent world as leaders who put their money where their heart is, and deliver the goods when they themselves are out in the field. To not see this accomplishment of theirs is to doubt the very foundation of independent filmmaking. And if you're a filmmaker, see this film and celebrate in their triumph, so you can be inspired by what's possible and aim high in your own aspirations.… Expand
  2. VictoriaDay
    10
    I loved this movie! I read a lot of reviews that ALL miss the point. Even the good ones. They never mention the suppression and emergence of feminine energy, the processing of feminine anger, the sublimation of raw emotion and the film's numerous and distinctive visual/social metaphors. You look at this film in so many ways that most (male) reviewers (and the female ones, too, unfortunately), completely missed. I'm floored that this film was made by a guy. He must be channeling a goddess or something. Or his wife (who plays the lead) is more than just the actress. :)! She was awesome, by the way. And so beautiful it hurts.… Expand
  3. JeanneRobinson
    10
    A must see on your movie list. A beautiful moving film.
  4. ClaireM.
    8
    Jacques Thelemaque's thoughtful first feature brings us into the world of Ellie, a lost woman who doesn't seem to have any direction. She meets Betsy and slowly learns to care for dogs, and herself. This film is very well put together, and the cast is refreshing. I love Pamela Gordon's crumudgeony, crusty old woman! Watch out for Diane Gaidry - this hot actress is on the rise and has been in a ton of features recently, and just won an award!… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

Current Movie Releases

Full List »
  1. Star Trek Into Darkness
    Metascore: 73
  2. Iron Man 3
    Metascore: 62
  3. 42
    Metascore: 62
  4. Evil Dead (2013)
    Metascore: 57
  5. The Croods
    Metascore: 55
  6. The Great Gatsby
    Metascore: 55
  7. Oblivion
    Metascore: 54
  8. Pain & Gain
    Metascore: 43
  9. G.I. Joe: Retaliation
    Metascore: 41
  10. Olympus Has Fallen
    Metascore: 41
  11. The Host
    Metascore: 35
  12. Tyler Perry's Temptation
    Metascore: 27
  13. Scary Movie 5
    Metascore: 11
All Current Movies »