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Good Boy

| 2003

Directed by: John Hoffman

 official film poster image

Main Plot

"Good Boy," directed by John Hoffman, follows the story of Owen, a journalist who adopts a dog named Hubble. Owen soon discovers that Hubble is actually an interplanetary scout sent to Earth by the powerful Greater Dane, the leader of a canine-dominated planet. Hubble's mission is to evaluate whether Earth's dogs have successfully taken over the planet as intended. To Hubble's dismay, he finds that dogs on Earth are merely pets. With the help of Owen and a group of neighborhood dogs, Hubble works to rectify the situation before the Greater Dane arrives for an inspection. Throughout the film, themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bond between humans and dogs are explored, leading to heartwarming and humorous moments.

Characters

  • Liam Aiken plays Owen Baker, a young boy who discovers his new dog, Hubble, is an intergalactic agent sent to Earth to evaluate human-dog relationships.
  • Matthew Broderick voices Hubble, an alien dog sent to Earth to evaluate human-canine relationships, ultimately helping the protagonist understand and strengthen their bond with their pet.
  • Molly Shannon plays Rebecca, a journalist who adopts a dog to help manage her anxiety, only to discover the dog has a dark, protective side.

Ending Explained

"Good Boy," directed by John Hoffman, concludes with a dramatic and emotional resolution. The film centers around Owen, a journalist who adopts a dog named Reggie to help alleviate his anxiety. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that Reggie has a unique ability: he transforms into a human-like creature to protect Owen whenever he feels threatened. In the climax, Owen's life spirals out of control due to mounting pressures at work and in his personal life. Reggie's protective instincts kick in, leading to a series of confrontations with those who have wronged Owen. The tension peaks when Owen realizes the extent of Reggie's actions and the moral implications of allowing his pet to continue this behavior. The conclusion sees Owen making a heart-wrenching decision to part ways with Reggie for the greater good. He understands that while Reggie's intentions are pure, the consequences of his actions are too severe. Owen's decision symbolizes his growth and acceptance of responsibility, highlighting themes of personal accountability and the complexities of unconditional loyalty. The film ends on a bittersweet note, with Owen moving forward in his life, carrying the lessons learned from his extraordinary bond with Reggie.

John Hoffman Comedy Drama Family Liam Aiken Matthew Broderick Molly Shannon