Asheville Movies

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Life in the Doghouse

Ron Davis, director of the 2016 local mega-hit Harry and Snowman, stays somewhat in the equine realm for Life in the Doghouse, chronicling the work of two Camden, S.C. horse trainers who’ve rescued over 11,000 dogs.

While Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta are friendly, engaging folks and a pleasure to be around, the film's focus is clearly on the canines who fill their home shelter and rehab center.

Conjuring thoughts and memories of one's own pets, the dog footage runs the gamut from shelter saving to successful adoptions to death, steadily testing the strength of viewers’ tear ducts.

At 80 minutes, however, it barely qualifies as a feature and Davis strains a bit to reach that runtime, weaving in the couple’s personal histories and Danny & Ron’s Rescue's financial difficulties with some difficulty. But, again, the movie isn’t really about the humans, even if there ironically wouldn’t be a movie without them.

Grade: B. Not rated, but comparable to a PG rating. Starts Sept. 7 at Grail Moviehouse

(Photo: Docutainment Films)