MUST LOVE DOGS - Reviewed by Marcia James and Smokey

 MUST LOVE DOGS     

Guest-reviewer Smokey gives the movie, Must Love Dogs, a perfect 5-Paw rating!

For those who don’t know me, I’m Smokey--a Chinese crested hairless dog and Berkley author Marcia James’ logo and virtual pet.  (Check out our Web site:  HYPERLINK "http://www.MarciaJames.net" www.MarciaJames.net)  We “cresties” are a discerning breed, and I jumped at a chance to review one of my favorite movies, Must Love Dogs.

Based on a Claire Cook novel, Must Love Dogs features Diane Lane as Sarah and John Cusack as Jake—two recently divorced people with lots of reasons to be leery of love.  Sarah’s sister creates a profile for her on a dating site, and she ends up on a series of nightmarishly funny dates until Jake answers her ad and they click.  The road to their happily-ever-after is rocky, however, despite the help of a Newfoundland hound named Mother Theresa and a Scotty dog Jake borrows from his best friend.

No one is better at sad, longing looks than John Cusack, which he puts to great use in this movie.  Marcia James says his eyes are positively yummy, but unfortunately they reminded me of a beagle who dumped me for a boxer.  Still, the core of the movie is the romance, which is smoldering.  The scene in which Jake teaches Sarah to row is so sexy, I almost wish I had opposable thumbs!

My favorite character is Mother Theresa, a “Newfie” played by a pair of 6-month-olds: Molly & Maeve.  The movie’s director, Gary David Goldberg, adopted the pair after the filming ended.  The scene in which the little Scotty scares the lumbering Mother Theresa, who then hides under the park bench is a classic.

I give the movie five paws for romance, humor, and cute dog actors!  Must Love Dogs is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a great romantic comedy!