Review of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN

This review is brought to you by Kathy Kaiser

“No race was ever won in the first corner…”

THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN – Rated PG – 1 hr. 49 mins.

DIRECTOR:  Simon Curtis

WRITERS:  Mark Bomback (screenplay) Garth Stein (Novel) 

STARRING:  Kevin Costner, Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker and Martin Donovan

As we venture into the life of the most adorable Golden Retriever EVER named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner), his owner, and aspiring Formula One Race Car Driver Denny (Milo Ventimiglia) seems to have a way with the ladies, when he meets the beautiful Eve (Amanda Seyfried), and as sparks fly, it seems that Enzo’s life is about to change, and not necessarily for the better…

But as Enzo settles in to his new existence, his life’s journey with Denny will take a few more twists and turns along the way too, as they both find themselves trying to navigate this thing, we call LIFE… 

I give THE ART OF DRIVING IN THE RAIN a rating between MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN and WAIT AND CATCH THIS FILM ON DVD:  Emotionally draining and rather depressing at times, I suggest that you may want to wait and catch this film when there is more of a pep in your step, as this particular storyline makes some really sad and depressing pitstops along the way.  But, with that said, I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin Costner’s narration of this very touching film, as he adjusts to the trials and tribulations of life, trying to be the best companion he can be.   Milo Ventimiglia’s performance as Racecar Driver and Family man Denny is also exceptional, as he transitions from his television persona to big screen leading man rather seamlessly.  Let’s just say, I’m hoping that Milo has the role of 007 in his future, as he has the perfect presence on screen to totally pull off playing Bond.   Seyfried is perfectly cast this time too, as the girlfriend/wife and eventual mostly single mother, as she supports her husband’s dreams of racing “on the big stage” as a Formula One driver, someday.  Add in the complex family dynamic of Eve’s Father (Martin Donovan) and Mother (Kathy Baker), and you have one multi-dimensional story that leaves you needing a tissue or two, before this total tear-jerker is through…