Puppy Love – Film Review

When it comes to romantic comedies, the genre has a propensity to stick to a tried-and-true formula: two unlikely people meet by chance, their first encounters are awkward and fraught with misunderstanding, and eventually they find each other amid a flurry of laughter and heartwarming scenes. By incorporating the canine element, the film Puppy Love, directed by Nick Fabiano and Richard Alan Reid, aims to add a fresh twist to this tried-and-true formula. With its adorable furry co-stars and a plot that has the potential to be hilarious, the movie adds something new to the genre, but it struggles to go beyond the surface, leaving viewers with a sweet but forgettable film.

Nicole Matthews (Lucy Hale) and Max Stevenson (Grant Gustin), two people who couldn’t be more dissimilar from one another, are at the center of the narrative. Max is an introvert who prefers the company of his animal friend while Nicole is a wild, free-spirited child with a flair for spontaneity. They both decide to mutually delete each other’s contact information and continue living their lives after a disastrously awkward first date. Their dogs’ unexpected connection sets off a chain of events that culminates in an unexpected twist: puppies are on the way. But fate has other plans for them.

The opening of the film promises an interesting and endearing story. Unquestionably endearing is the notion of two people being forced into a shared responsibility because of an unforeseen love connection between their dogs. Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Max perfectly captures the essence of an introverted character who gradually learns to step outside of his comfort zone, while Lucy Hale’s portrayal of Nicole brings a lively energy to the screen. Despite the potential for great comedic chemistry given their divergent personalities, the performance falls short of expectations.

The film’s canine cast members, who are all adorable, are its savior. The puppies steal every scene they are in, bringing genuine smiles with their playful antics. Even the puppies can’t make up for the film’s lack of emotional resonance and depth, though. The supporting cast, which includes Nore Davis as Sid, provides sporadic moments of comic relief, but the characters largely lack depth and are reduced to supporting roles in the main story.

Puppy Love also features a vivid and colorful aesthetic that complements the humorous mood of the film. The use of outdoor settings and warm lighting enhances the movie’s charm overall and offers a pleasant setting against which the action takes place. Although the pacing generally keeps a steady rhythm and the direction is competent, it is insufficient to overcome the film’s flaws.

The lack of depth given to the characters and their relationships is one of the film’s main problems. The character arcs are disappointingly undeveloped, even though the initial premise sets the stage for personal development and self-discovery. Beyond a few superficial jokes, Nicole’s wild-child persona is never fully explored, and Max’s social anxiety is frequently played for laughs rather than handled sensitively as it should be. The audience doesn’t seem to be emotionally invested in the characters’ journey because the transition from two strangers made to co-parent to potential romantic partners feels hurried.

Additionally, Puppy Love makes extensive use of cliches and formulaic plot twists. While occasionally funny, the comedic moments frequently feel forced and fall flat due to their reliance on worn-out jokes. The movie misses the chance to take chances and surprise the audience in favor of playing it safe and sticking to formulaic storytelling. The potential exists for a novel, memorable romantic comedy, but the filmmakers don’t seem ready to fully capitalize on it.

Puppy Love makes a splash in the world of romantic comedies, promising a novel approach to the genre. The movie, though, falls short of realizing its potential by presenting a story that is hurried, superficial, and overly reliant on cliches. While Lucy Hale and Grant Gustin give likeable performances, their characters’ development and chemistry are lacking. With their irresistible charm, the canine cast members steal the show, but even their presence can’t fully save a movie that struggles to be better than average. Puppy Love may briefly touch your heart, but in the end, it makes you long for a deeper and more lasting romantic comedy experience.