WiseRatFlames An unexpected masterpiece

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Luecarou What begins as a feel-good-human-interest story turns into a mystery, then a tragedy, and ultimately an outrage.

Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Amy Adler Eric (Brian Krause) is a reporter for a magazine called Left Coast Living. Having been told that there is a branch opening in London, Eric longs to be transferred, as his longtime girlfriend has called it quits. True, his friend who lives on a houseboat has been trying to set him up with some nice gals, but this string of ladies are not attractive or interesting to Eric. Then, his dog Gabe, a little canine who can talk, unknown to Eric, learns that IF his owner is transferred to London, he will likely be in quarantine for six weeks or more. Hoping to avoid this, Gabe makes plans to matchmake on his own. As it happens, there is a lovely lady, Sarah (Boti Bliss) who lives next door. She is a divorcée with two pre-teen kids and very pretty. With advice that the dog gets from watching Ashley's Cupid Arrow television show, Gabe starts leaving presents for Sarah. First, its flowers, then an old love poem Eric wrote ages ago and, finally, jewelry. Therefore, Sarah, entranced, invites Eric on a date and the two are soon pretty smitten. There is also other matters. Eric can't travel to London until he finds a "hot" author, R.L. Dobbs, and writes an article on him while, unknown to the publishing world, Sarah is actually Dobbs! What will happen once the secrets start tumbling? This nice romcom borrows an idea from many movies like Look Who's Talking Now and Marmaduke. Gabe, the darling dog, is both narrator and star as he tries to make his human, Eric, happy. Krause and Bliss are great as the falling-in-love duo while all of the supporting cast members, including Ralph Waite, are terrific, too. The film looks wonderful, with nice costumes and sets while the tale is imaginative and full of life. For all romcom fans in constant pursuit of new, satisfying love stories, Gabe is a lucky find indeed.