Couch Potato Pickings
Since that world famous dog show Crufts starts tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some pooch pics
I expected to be compiling quite a short list, but I've discovered that movie-land loves our four-legged friends. From pedigree pups to mongrel mutts, doggy films abound. And one thing's certain - there are far more canines than cats in the world of movies.
So the question is, which dog movie is the best?
Here are some of my thoughts:
101 Dalmatians
I've never quite understood why Cruella De Vil would want a fur coat that would surely smell of wet dog in damp weather, but it's great to see the world's canines uniting to stop her.
Lady and the Tramp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WxDdz-Anls&fs=1
This is widely considered to be one of the most romantic scenes of all time.
Lassie Come Home
This weepie starring a young Elizabeth Taylor is a family classic and spawned numerous sequels. Did you know that Lassie was played by a male collie called Pal?
Best in Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLTqJMxmTY&fs=1
I love this spoof documentary about dog shows from the makers of This is Spinal Tap. If I were a dog, it would see my tail wagging furiously.
Is Toto the most famous dog in film?
Legally Blonde 2
Rising lawyer Elle Woods' pet chihuahua becomes a gay icon in this sequel to the 2001 Reese Witherspoon comedy.
Greyfriars Bobby
How cute? This movie is based on the true story of the West Highland terrier who kept a vigil over his master's grave for years. Of all the dogs on film, this one takes the lead in the cuteness stakes.
This family comedy about a centuries-old feud between cats and dogs is totally barking, but fun.
The Incredible Journey
It's all lies. Cats and dogs do get on really because this one's about a bull terrier, a golden retriever and a Siamese cat who set off on a perilous trek when they're separated from their owners. It was updated as Homeward Bound in the 1990s with talking animals.
Old Yeller
It's not that easy to remain composed when you watch this weepie about a lop-eared mongrel and his master.
Bolt
I haven't seen this one, but apparently it's awesome in 3D.
Marley & Me
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston star in this comedy about a boisterous labrador who takes over the lives of a married couple. Apparently, you really need to be a dog-lover to enjoy it. I am a dog and a cat lover but I'm reluctant to see this one having heard that it has a sad ending.
Eight Below
A dog sled handler tries to organise a rescue after a team of eight dogs are left to survive the brutal winter at a frozen US Antartic research station. The synopsis alone can bring a tear to your eye.
Beethoven
This slobbering St Bernard has been in almost as many sequels as there are symphonies penned by his namesake.
Turner & Hooch
This enjoyable buddy movie starring Tom Hanks sees a cop inheriting a slobbering dog from a murdered tramp.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
I was not impressed by this silly, slapstick comedy about a pampered pooch voiced by Drew Barrymore.
This one's a tale of an illiterate mechanic who's given the opportunity to make a fortune when he's given a pedigree dog. It comes from Argentina. Sniff it out if you can, it's worth a look.
And this one, starring Richard Gere, is out at the cinema this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaS37E3gKOU&fs=1
Beverly Hills Chihuahua is showing on Sky Screen 1 HD tomorrow 11th March at 6.25pm.
Beethoven is showing next Wedneday 17th March on Sky Movies Family at 6.30pm
Bolt is showing on Sunday 14th March on Disney's Cinemagic at 3pm.
Marley & Me is showing on Sky Movies Premiere from Friday 29th March
