Studio Synopsis ~ A long-married couple reunites with their children for their daughter’s wedding in the mountains. When the husband loses the family dog, the wife enlists the help of the remaining guests and chaos ensues, as each member of the search party is affected by the adventure in unexpected ways.
Studio: Sony
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Number of Disks: 1
Special Features:
– Commentary with writer/director Lawrence Kasdan, writer/producer Meg Kasdan and Kevin Kline
– Darling Companion: Behind the Scenes Featurette
– Behind the Scenes: Lawrence Kasdan Featurette
– Finding Freeway: Dog People Featurette
– On the Red Carpet: New York Premiere
For all its conservative occurrences and somewhat slow pacing, “Darling Companion” marginally deserves a special treat just for being unique. Well, unique to the extent of Keaton’s canine drive, the J. Crew hue, vanilla problems and the congenial handling of them are all trademark Kasdan. With a thoroughly likeable cast and enough angst, earnest, and endearing moments to hold the folds together, Keaton and Kline are on point throughout and comprehensively supported by the sublime talents of Jenkins and Wiest.
Unfortunately, much of the film doesn’t navigate well through even its most basic pacing, as it fitfully lumbers around in the woods in search of a more inspirational conveyance. And though dog lovers will have yet another niche reason to concede to its charms, the bulk of the cast seems remarkably overqualified for such a sluggish search party.
If you really enjoy Kasdan’s work then the extras menu is sure to please. Including a featurette on Kasdan himself, how Kasdan and his wife Meg found their own darling companion – subsequently inspiring this film – and a standard offering of behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with the cast and crew. Brief 2+ minute footage of the New York film premiere is also included.
So with points awarded for both canines and cast, but lacking any real resonance that lasts, “Darling Companion” wanders down the wrong path and never finds its way back home.
*Purchase this and other recently released titles locally at BEST BUY*
Additional Resources:
Central Cast: Diane Keaton | Kevin Kline | Dianne Wiest | Richard Jenkins | Sam Shepard
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Central Writers: Lawrence Kasdan | Meg Kasdan
Theatrical Release: April 20, 2012 (Limited)
Blu-Ray/DVD Release: August 28, 2012
Genre: Drama
Supporting Cast and more Writers found HERE
