A few days ago, I went to the movie theater with my sister to see “The Art of Racing in the Rain” and let me tell you, I did not come emotionally prepared. The film was produced by the same people who did “Marley & Me,” which is the epitome of a tear-jerker and honestly set the bar for movies about dogs worldwide, so I came into the theater with high expectations.

The cast includes some established actors such as Milo Ventimiglia, who plays the lead role of Denny, a struggling race car driver and owner of Enzo the golden retriever. Amanda Seyfried also stars in the movie as Denny’s love interest, and she stuns the audience with beautiful depictions of raw emotion and scenes showing what it’s like to be diagnosed with a serious illness.

Kevin Costner’s voice of Enzo really put the audience into the shoes (or should I say paws), of the family pet. Watchers have the opportunity to see a dog’s view on family life.

The camera work and overall aesthetic of the film is beautiful as well. There is also a scene with some CGI elements that you don’t quite expect, but that’s what really makes it so interesting.

Despite the movie being a very interesting watch, as it displays both wholesome and heart-wrenching scenes, it doesn’t stray too far from the typical dog movie. Sure, I bawled as I always do when I watch a sad movie about a canine whose only goal in life is to make his family happy, but I’ve watched movies like that before. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” doesn’t stray far from the plot line of  the classic”Marley & Me,” and isn’t as fun-loving as “Marmaduke,” so what makes it stand out among fellow dog films?

In the end, this movie is still worth watching, especially for the charming aura and feel-good ending it leaves off with.