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Think Like a Dog

Think Like a Dog is a 2020 American science fiction comedy film written and directed by Gil Junger.^[1] The story follows 12-year-old tech prodigy Oliver Reed, who accidentally creates a telepathic connection with his beloved dog Henry after a middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, allowing them to communicate mentally and tackle everyday challenges together.^[1]^[2] Starring Gabriel Bateman as Oliver, Josh Duhamel as his father Lukas, and Megan Fox as his mother Ellen, the film also features Kunal Nayyar in a supporting role and Todd Stashwick providing the voice for Henry.^[2]^[3] Gil Junger, known for directing 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), co-wrote the screenplay with John J. Strauss, blending family dynamics, humor, and light-hearted adventure in a runtime of 91 minutes.^[1] Distributed by Lionsgate and released directly to digital and on-demand platforms on June 9, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it emphasizes themes of friendship, ingenuity, and familial bonds.^[4] The film received mixed critical reception, earning a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 10 reviews, with praise for its wholesome message and young lead performance but criticism for predictable plotting and occasional crude humor.^[1] It holds a PG rating for rude and suggestive material, making it suitable for families, particularly audiences aged 7 and older, and includes elements of potty humor alongside mild peril.^[2]

Plot and Cast

Plot Summary

Think Like a Dog centers on 12-year-old tech prodigy Oliver Reed, whose middle-school science fair project—a mind-reading device—goes awry after a bully sabotages it, embarrassing him in front of his crush, Sophie, and a talent scout.^[5] Desperate to redeem himself, Oliver enlists his Chinese pen pal, Xiao, to hack a satellite and amplify the device's signal, inadvertently forging a permanent telepathic link with his loyal dog, Henry.^[6] This connection allows Oliver to hear Henry's unfiltered, canine thoughts, blending human logic with instinctual wisdom to tackle everyday hurdles.^[2] The duo's bond becomes instrumental in addressing Oliver's personal and family challenges. At school, Henry's straightforward insights help Oliver confront bullies and build self-confidence, turning potential defeats into triumphs, such as outsmarting antagonists during presentations.^[5] On the home front, the central conflict revolves around Oliver's parents, Lukas and Ellen, whose marriage is crumbling amid Lukas's job offer in another city, threatening divorce and family separation. Guided by Henry's optimistic, emotion-driven advice—often highlighting simple joys like loyalty and play—Oliver orchestrates a heartfelt scheme to reunite them.^[7] Comedic highlights emerge from the link's quirks, including Henry's blunt observations on human quirks (like scent-based judgments or impulsive behaviors), leading to slapstick moments such as "revenge poops" on bullies and witty inner monologues that expose Oliver's insecurities in humorous ways.^[6] Complicating matters, the satellite hack triggers a national security alert from government agents, while school benefactor and tech entrepreneur Mr. Mills, who seeks to exploit the invention for corporate gain, kidnaps Oliver. Henry rallies a pack of neighborhood dogs for a chaotic rescue, overwhelming Mills with their antics in a scene filled with physical comedy.^[6] In the resolution, Oliver leverages the telepathic synergy to excel at the science fair, earning acclaim and a scholarship opportunity to a summer program, while successfully reconciling his parents by luring them to dance to their wedding song at the school event, solidifying family unity. The link remains active, continuing to support Oliver's growth and affirming the value of their unique bond.^[7]^[8]

Cast and Characters

The film features Gabriel Bateman as Oliver Reed, a 12-year-old tech prodigy and socially awkward genius whose inventive experiments form the emotional and comedic heart of the story, particularly through his deepening bond with his dog via their telepathic connection.^[2] Bateman, known for child roles in films like Lights Out and Benji, brings a relatable vulnerability to Oliver, highlighting the character's growth in navigating family and social challenges.^[9] The loyal dog Henry, Oliver's best friend, is physically portrayed by a shaggy dog breed and voiced by Todd Stashwick in the telepathic sequences, where his wise-cracking, straightforward commentary delivers much of the film's humor and underscores themes of uncomplicated loyalty and perspective.^[10] This dual portrayal emphasizes Henry's role as comic relief while providing emotional support to Oliver amid the plot's inventive mishaps.^[3] In supporting roles, Josh Duhamel plays Lukas Reed, Oliver's father, whose strained relationship with the family adds emotional depth and contributes to the story's dynamics of reconciliation and understanding.^[11] Megan Fox portrays Ellen Reed, Oliver's mother, who balances concern for her son with her own romantic subplot, enhancing the film's blend of family tensions and lighthearted romance.^[11] Kunal Nayyar appears as Mr. Mills, the school benefactor and tech entrepreneur who becomes the antagonist, attempting to steal Oliver's invention for profit and providing comedic conflict through his schemes.^[9] Additional supporting characters include Sophie (played by Madison Horcher), Oliver's classmate and crush who aids in school-based antics, and the school bully whose antagonism heightens the stakes for Oliver's social struggles and inventive triumphs.^[12] Minghao Hou plays Xiao, Oliver's Chinese pen pal who assists with the satellite hack.^[12]

Production

Development

The development of Think Like a Dog began in 2016 when Double Dutch International acquired worldwide sales rights to the family film, which was co-written and to be directed by Gil Junger, with Andrew Lazar producing under his Mad Chance Productions banner.^[13] Junger's script centered on a 12-year-old tech prodigy whose science fair experiment unexpectedly creates a telepathic bond between the boy and his dog, drawing from tropes in family-oriented sci-fi comedies.^[14] Casting attachments accelerated in March 2018, with former Transformers co-stars Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox signing on to play the boy's divorced parents, marking their first on-screen reunion since 2007.^[14] Young actor Gabriel Bateman was attached shortly thereafter to portray the protagonist, Oliver Reed, the inventive middle-schooler at the story's core.^[15] Financing for the project came primarily from M-Star International, alongside Mad Chance, with an estimated production budget of $12.9 million, positioning it as a modest-scale family film targeted for video-on-demand and international markets.^[16] Lionsgate later secured North American distribution rights, aligning with the film's completion in 2018. Pre-production wrapped up in early 2018, including script finalization and location scouting in Louisiana, setting the stage for principal photography to commence that May.^[14]

Filming

Principal photography for Think Like a Dog began on May 1, 2018, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a location selected for its versatile suburban settings and the state's generous film tax incentives that have established the area as a major production hub.^[17]^[18] The shoot utilized various on-location sites throughout the city, including residential neighborhoods, parks, and educational facilities, to authentically capture the film's depiction of everyday family life and school environments.^[19] A primary production challenge involved working with animal performers, as three dogs were specially trained to portray the central character Henry, ensuring consistent and naturalistic behaviors during key scenes.^[20] Animal coordinator Sarah Clifford emphasized minimal interference on set to elicit the best performances from the pups, allowing them to interact organically with the human cast, including leads Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox.^[21] Scheduling was further complicated by the need to accommodate the school obligations of child actor Gabriel Bateman, who played the young protagonist Oliver.^[22] Filming wrapped in early June 2018 after approximately five weeks, with reshoots limited primarily to minor prop adjustments, reflecting the production's streamlined approach.^[23] In post-production, editors David S. Clark and Terel Gibson handled the assembly, focusing on pacing the comedic timing and emotional beats of the family dynamics.^[24] The original score, composed by Jake Monaco, incorporated upbeat, whimsical motifs to underscore the film's lighthearted sci-fi comedy tone. Visual effects for the telepathic mind-link sequences, including CGI visualizations of canine thoughts and shared perspectives, were integrated to enhance the central premise without overpowering the live-action elements.^[25]

Release

Distribution

Lionsgate distributed Think Like a Dog as a premium video on demand (PVOD) release in the United States on June 9, 2020, bypassing traditional theaters due to widespread closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[26]^[27] The film runs 91 minutes and received an MPAA rating of PG for rude and suggestive material.^[16] Although principal photography wrapped in mid-2018, the film's release was delayed until 2020, ultimately bypassing theaters for a VOD debut due to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving distribution strategies.^[28] Following its U.S. debut, the movie quickly became available for digital rental and purchase on major platforms including Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.^[29] Lionsgate also handled the physical media rollout, with Blu-ray and DVD editions hitting shelves on the same date as the PVOD launch.^[30] For international markets, Double Dutch International secured worldwide sales rights prior to production and facilitated deals across various territories.^[15] The film premiered online in Germany on June 9, 2020, followed by releases in Canada on June 10, Argentina on July 3, and the United Kingdom on July 6.^[31] It earned equivalent PG certifications in the UK for mild action and language, aligning with its U.S. rating, and similar classifications in other regions.^[2] The film became available for streaming on Netflix in select international markets starting June 19, 2020.^[32]

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Think Like a Dog emphasized its family-friendly sci-fi comedy elements, leveraging digital platforms amid the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the film's direct-to-video-on-demand (VOD) release on June 9, 2020. Lionsgate focused on building anticipation through online trailers and social media, targeting parents and children with themes of boy-dog friendship and telepathic adventure.^[33] Lionsgate released the official trailer on May 5, 2020, via its YouTube channel, showcasing the central duo of young tech prodigy Oliver and his dog Henry, along with humorous scenarios highlighting their mind link. The trailer featured prominent cast members including Josh Duhamel and Megan Fox to draw broader appeal, while underscoring the film's lighthearted tone and family bonds. No separate teaser was issued; this served as the primary pre-release footage.^[34]^[35] Promotional artwork, including the main poster, prominently displayed the dog Henry alongside the human cast, emphasizing the film's whimsical premise without a distinctive tagline beyond the title itself. Lionsgate distributed these visuals across digital channels to evoke the emotional core of human-animal connection.^[36] Social media efforts centered on family-oriented engagement, with Lionsgate using the #ThinkLikeADog hashtag on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share clips, behind-the-scenes content, and calls to action for VOD rentals. These campaigns encouraged user-generated posts about pets and family, aligning with the movie's themes to foster organic buzz.^[37]^[34] Publicity was adapted to virtual formats due to pandemic restrictions, including press junkets in June 2020 featuring interviews with director Gil Junger. Junger discussed the film's exploration of family dynamics and the joys of pet companionship, positioning it as uplifting entertainment for quarantined households.^[38] Given the VOD distribution model and ongoing health crisis, the campaign allocated resources modestly toward digital advertising and streaming platform integrations rather than traditional theatrical promotions.

Reception

Critical Response

Think Like a Dog received mixed reviews from critics, with praise centered on its family-friendly elements and young lead performance, while criticisms focused on its formulaic storytelling and uneven execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 70% approval rating based on 10 critic reviews, with an average score of 6.1/10.^[1] Common Sense Media awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, noting its appeal for families with children aged 7 and older due to strong performances and emotional depth in exploring parent-child relationships.^[2] Critics highlighted Gabriel Bateman's engaging portrayal of the inventive protagonist Oliver as a standout, describing him as an "earnest, beguiling young hero" who anchors the film's lighthearted adventure.^[2] The dog-centric comedy, particularly the telepathic interactions between Oliver and his pet Henry (voiced by Todd Stashwick), was commended for providing charming, age-appropriate humor suitable for young audiences, with one review calling it "just charming enough" for fans of talking animal films. Themes of child ingenuity and family reconciliation were appreciated for adding emotional heft, balancing the sci-fi premise of the telepathic link with relatable coming-of-age elements.^[2] However, detractors pointed to the film's predictable plot and sentimental tone as major shortcomings, with The Guardian labeling the script a "syrupy slush" that devolves into lowbrow clichés despite its promising setup.^[39] Performances from supporting cast members like Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel were criticized as "terrifically wooden," suggesting underutilization of their talents in service of the uneven pacing and overly busy narrative.^[39] Pete Hammond of Deadline gave it a middling 3/5, acknowledging its entertainment value for kids but noting its slow and predictable structure. The film received no major awards nominations, reflecting its modest critical footprint as a direct-to-video release.^[1]

Audience and Commercial Performance

Think Like a Dog received mixed reception from audiences, earning a 5.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb based on 2,508 user votes.^[3] On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score stands at 50% from over 50 ratings, with viewers noting its cheesy elements but appreciating its family-oriented charm.^[1] Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 7 and up, highlighting its family-friendly appeal in parent and kid reviews, where the sassy dog humor and emotional family themes resonate positively despite some potty humor and peril.^[2] The film achieved modest commercial success primarily through its premium video-on-demand (VOD) release by Lionsgate on June 9, 2020, bypassing wide theatrical distribution in the U.S.^[26] Internationally, it grossed $1,239,498 at the box office, reflecting limited but steady performance in select markets.^[40] Culturally, Think Like a Dog has had a minor impact, occasionally appearing in lists of family comedies featuring animal protagonists but without spawning sequels or broader franchise development.^[1] The primary viewer demographics consist of families and children, who praised the film's lighthearted dog-centric humor and relatable coming-of-age elements, though some noted criticisms of dated technological tropes and low-budget production values.^[2] As of 2025, the film maintains sustained streaming availability on platforms including Starz, Philo, and Netflix in various regions, bolstering Lionsgate's portfolio of accessible family VOD content.^[29]

References

[1]
Think Like a Dog | Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 70% (10) Think like a dog isn't as bad as let's say show dogs but still your little great typical talking dog movie. The movie is filled with usual parents get divorced ...
[2]
Think Like a Dog Movie Review | Common Sense Media
Rating 3.0 · Review by Renee SchonfeldThink Like a Dog is a live-action comedy about Oliver (Gabriel Bateman), an enterprising boy who loves science, and his happy talking dog.
[3]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - IMDb
Rating 5.2/10 (2,508) Think Like a Dog ... A young tech genius accidentally creates a mind link with his dog. Together, they humorously tackle life's challenges at home and school ...
[4]
Everything You Need to Know About Think Like A Dog Movie (2020)
Rating 3.6 (7) Follows 12-year-old Oliver, a tech prodigy whose middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, creating a telepathic connection between him and his furry ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[5]
https://www.dove.org/review/20566-think-like-a-dog/
[6]
Think Like A Dog - Caution Spoilers
Rating 3.0 · Review by SarahJul 6, 2020 · Twelve-year-old whizz-kid Olly is a tech prodigy who accidentally creates a telepathic connection between him and his furry best friend ...Missing: cast | Show results with:cast
[7]
'Think Like a Dog' celebrates the simple - Angelus News
Jun 19, 2020 · Ollie and Henry devise their plan fairly early on: get Mom and Dad to dance to their wedding song and remember how much they love each other.
[8]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
Gabriel Bateman, Oliver, Josh Duhamel at an event for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Josh Duhamel, Josh Duhamel, Lukas, Megan Fox at an event for ...
[9]
Review: 'Think Like a Dog' | Movie Paws
Jun 9, 2020 · In a fresh spin on the talking dog genre, a boy can hear his dog's thoughts after a science experiment goes wrong in “Think Like a Dog.”
[10]
Think Like a Dog | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
Cast & Crew · Gil Junger · Josh Duhamel · Megan Fox · Gabriel Bateman · Kunal Nayyar · Julia Jones · Janet Montgomery · Todd Stashwick.
[11]
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/think_like_a_dog/cast-and-crew
[12]
DDI Nabs Worldwide Sales Rights To Family Film 'Think Like A Dog'
Sep 5, 2016 · Double Dutch International (DDI) has acquired worldwide sales rights to director Gil Junger's family film Think Like a Dog, the Andrew Lazar ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
[13]
Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel to star in 'Think Like A Dog' - Screen Daily
Mar 23, 2018 · Gil Junger wrote and will direct the story of a 12-year-old tech prodigy whose science fair experiment goes awry and creates a telepathic ...
[14]
Cannes: Janet Montgomery, Julia Jones, Kunal Nayyar Join 'Think ...
May 9, 2018 · Think Like a Dog begins shooting May 9 in New Orleans. 10 Things I Hate About You's Andrew Lazar is producing together with M-Star International ...
[15]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - Box Office and Financial Information
After an experiment goes disastrously awry, a twelve-year-old technological whizkid discovers that he's developed an unexpected telepathic connection with his ...Missing: plot | Show results with:plot
[16]
Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel headed for New Orleans and 'Think Like ...
Mar 26, 2018 · Budget figures were unavailable. "Think Like a Dog" is envisioned as the first in a trilogy of films and will tell the story of a 12-year-old ...
[17]
Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel to Star in 'Think Like a Dog'
Mar 23, 2018 · Think Like a Dog will begin principal photography in May 2018 in New Orleans. Fox is represented by ICM Partners; Duhamel is represented by ICM ...
[18]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - Filming & production - IMDb
FAQ · IMDbPro. All topics. Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox, and Gabriel Bateman in Think Like a Dog (2020 ... New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Helpful•4. 1. Louisiana, USA.
[19]
Behind the Scenes With a Hollywood Dog Trainer - K9 Magazine
Jul 24, 2020 · ... dog in 'Think Like a Dog' Photo Credit: Lionsgate UK. “I just love ... Three in total played the role of Henry. “The main dog was JC ...
[20]
Training The Pups in Think Like A Dog - Motion Picture Association
Jun 17, 2020 · First, she had to train the title character, a shaggy dog named Henry, to do a variety of stunts that would allow the viewer to suspend ...
[21]
Gabriel Bateman - Lead Actor/Series Regular - The Mosquito Coast
Lead Actor/Central Character - Think Like a Dog. Lionsgate. New Orleans. 05.2018 - 07.2018. Worked with several animals and underwent training for the ability ...
[22]
"Think Like a Dog" Casting in New Orleans - Nine9
“Think Like a Dog” Casting in New Orleans ; About ; When: May 9th – June 8th ; Where: New Orleans ; Contact Information: Staff@caballerocasting.com.
[23]
Jake Monaco - IMDb
Composer. 2023 • 7 eps. Annette Bening and Bryan Cranston in Jerry and ... Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox, and Gabriel Bateman in Think Like a Dog (2020. Think ...Missing: editor VFX
[24]
Think Like a Dog (2020) | Official Movie - Lionsgate
Think Like a Dog, Official Movie Site. Pre-Order Now. Anything is Paw-sible. Home Premiere On Demand, Digital & Blu-Ray™ June 9. Watch full movie trailer ...
[25]
[WATCH] 'Think Like A Dog' Review: Talking Pooch Amuse Kids ...
Jun 5, 2020 · Lionsgate is holding a virtual world premiere tonight ahead of Tuesday's VOD and digital release of its talking-dog kids flick, Think Like a Dog.
[26]
Think Like a Dog - Production & Contact Info | IMDbPro
Still of Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox and Gabriel Bateman in Think Like a Dog.
[27]
Think Like a Dog streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
Rating 60% (218) Currently you are able to watch "Think Like a Dog" streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel, Starz, Philo, Starz Amazon Channel.
[28]
THINK LIKE A DOG Comes to Blu-ray, DVD, Digital, and On ...
May 12, 2020 · Don't miss the paws-itively heartwarming family comedy Think Like a Dog, premiering on Digital, and On Demand June 9 from Lionsgate.
[29]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - Release info - IMDb
Release date · Germany. June 9, 2020(internet) · United States. June 9, 2020(DVD and Blu-ray release) · Canada. June 10, 2020(internet) · Argentina. July 3, 2020( ...
[30]
Watch Think Like a Dog | Netflix
Think Like a Dog ... When whiz kid Oliver discovers a way to hear his dog's thoughts, he joins forces with his furry best friend to find a way to keep their ...
[31]
THINK LIKE A DOG - Lionsgate Publicity
Don't miss the paws-itively heartwarming family comedy Think Like a Dog, premiering on Digital, and On Demand June 9. The film will be available on Blu-ray ...Missing: marketing promotions
[32]
Think Like A Dog (2020 Movie) Official Trailer - YouTube
May 5, 2020 · Think Like A Dog - Premiering in Households Everywhere June 9! Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox, Gabriel Bateman, Janet Montgomery and Kunal Nayyar ...
[33]
'Think Like A Dog' Trailer: Josh Duhamel And Megan Fox Are ...
May 10, 2020 · Lionsgate debuted the official trailer for the family comedy Think Like a Dog, which is being released direct to VOD starting this June. And ...Missing: promotions | Show results with:promotions
[34]
Think Like a Dog Movie Poster - IMP Awards
Jun 28, 2020 · High resolution official theatrical movie poster for Think Like a Dog (2020). Image dimensions: 1433 x 2048. Directed by Gil Junger.Missing: tagline | Show results with:tagline
[35]
A furry tale about love & family. Watch #ThinkLikeADog now ...
Jun 26, 2020 · Lionsgate 󱢏. Jun 26, 2020󰞋󱟠. 󰟝. Think Like A Dog | Now Available. A furry tale about love & family. Watch #ThinkLikeADog now available ...
[36]
Think Like a Dog Interview with Gabriel Bateman, Gil Junger, Sarah ...
Jun 11, 2020 · Think Like a Dog follows 12-year-old Oliver, played by Gabriel Bateman, a tech prodigy whose middle-school science fair experiment goes awry, ...Missing: poster tagline
[37]
Think Like a Dog review – Feds bark as pet wisdom melts into syrup
Jul 2, 2020 · Low IQ entertainment whatever your age. Think Like a Dog is available on digital platforms from 6 July.Missing: Lionsgate acquisition
[38]
Think Like a Dog (2020) - Box Office Mojo
All Releases ; Domestic (–) – ; International (100%) $1,239,498 ; Worldwide $1,239,498.Missing: VOD | Show results with:VOD