Watch A Girl's Best Friend

A Girl's Best Friend is a heartwarming family film from 2015 that tells the story of young surburbanite, Jules Daly (Lilah Fitzgerald), and her adventures with her new furry friend, a Saint Bernard named Duke. Directed by Terry Ingram and starring James Denton, Laura Mennell and Lilah Fitzgerald, the film is full of puppy love, friendship, and family.

Jules, an intelligent young girl, is feeling lonely after her family moves to a new town. Her parents are busy with work and school starts in few weeks. She spends most of her time alone reading and drawing. However, everything changes when Duke wanders into Jules’ yard one day looking for a home. Jules quickly becomes attached to the huge dog who gives her the companionship she’s been seeking. It’s not long before Jules discovers that Duke has a guardian, a handsome, single dad, who happens to be the new veterinarian in town. Jules is smitten with him but has to find a way to convince her parents that Duke belongs with them.

As Jules develops more and more affection toward Duke, complications arise. Jules' busy mother doesn’t have time for a dog, and her father is skeptical of the large breed. Adding to the trouble is a local land developer who wants to buy the veterinarian’s land, including the animal clinic. With the help of her new friend Lena (Laura Mennell), Jules sets out to raise enough money to keep Duke and his owner together while also trying to save the clinic from being sold to developers.

Throughout the film, audiences can feel the bond being created between Jules and Duke. Duke’s gentle nature and loyalty towards Jules are evident, and it’s sweet to watch Jules become happy again. Although the storyline is predictable, it's the charm that keeps viewers engaged. The film is filled with laughter, some tears, and an overall hopeful feel. The message of the film emphasizes the importance of family, standing up for what is right, and the love that can be found through friendship.

The film's cinematography is shot beautifully, showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. The lighting is emphasized within scenes and bringing out the best in the scenery. The interiors looks cozy and home-like, making audiences feel like part of the family.

One aspect of the film that stands out is the acting. Denton, Mennell and Fitzgerald all deliver strong interpretations of their characters, with Fitzgerald acting especially well for a child actor. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Jules is impressive – as the lead, she maintains a playful and plucky attitude throughout the film while not losing the emotions needed to convey her situations. It’s also worth noting that Denton and Mennell create a supportive environment for Fitzgerald to shine in.

One minor issue some viewers may have is that the plot can feel too contrived in places. There are moments where it feels like things are going too well and that conflicts are resolved far too easily. Additionally, Duke can come across as almost too perfect. Nonetheless, it all serves as a minor distraction from the film's overarching message of love, hope, and family.

In conclusion, A Girl's Best Friend is a charming and enjoyable film that offers heart-warming themes, great performances and beautiful cinematography. Family audiences and animal lovers will find this movie an enjoyable, sentimental experience. Although it does lack some finer polish, the film’s strengths rests in the touching story and the great on-screen relationships that audiences will feel, appreciate and root for.

A Girl's Best Friend is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.