“The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a film about love, friendship, and racing. Sure, you could say that. But all you really care about is the fact that the film features Kevin Costner, an Oscar-winning filmmaker and acclaimed actor, voicing a dog. A cute dog, but a dog, nonetheless.
In the first trailer for “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” you meet the lovable and cute Enzo, a young puppy that is picked out at a breeder (#AdoptDontShop, just saying) by a race car driver. The young driver is apparently lonely and needs man’s best friend to keep him company. But from there, like what happens in most of these talking dog movies, the tight-knit companion and pet relationship is strained by a new partner and a growing family. And yes, the end of the trailer hints at “one last lap,” which is surely pointing to the fact that ‘Racing in the Rain’ is going to make you cry like a baby at the end.
But really, the trailer just shows you that it’s really weird hearing Costner’s voice come from a dog. It doesn’t really work. But then again, it doesn’t not work, either. It’s just strange.
The film stars Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Martin Donovan, and Kevin Costner…as a dog. This cannot be overstated.
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” will arrive in theaters on August 9.
Here’s the synopsis:
Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life. The film follows Denny and the loves of his life – his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried), their young daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.