I know it's thought of as another cheesy dog movie, but it was different.
I took Jen to see it yesterday, and it definitely opened up the emotions.
Something about that dog, the look in his eyes, and especially the cinematography around Odin (the dog) staring down a grizzly bear after being urged by his owner (Pitt) to look away and not challenge it.
Something in the battle torn eyes of the dog gave the grizzly bear and understanding, a fear, whatever it was... and the AI generated grizzly bear back down and left.
It was a cool moment, and that one scene created lots of attachment for me, to the dog Odin. The eternal friend with you to the end, after seeing so much pain.
Somehow in the hours and day to follow it opened a door of emotion about my dad.
For some reason I just started thinking about the things he used to say, and do, and the way I felt being around him.
And now, to have him gone, never to return in that form made me understand how much I miss that steadfast voice and the old world words of wisdom about not needing to take certain risks, patience, hard work, etc.
It also made me realize how much sadness is just kicking around inside me that will come pouring out eventually.