AJ Goes to the Dog Park Christian Review
“AJ Goes to the Dog Park” — the very name makes one feel that it would be something light-hearted, a little strange, but from the heart. And honestly? It is exactly like that. He laughs, seems a little crazy too, but in between there are some moments that go straight and sit in some corner of the heart. Love, belonging, responsibility — everything is there… just quietly. Like if you find a note written from the heart in the middle of a page of the Bible.
The story is basic — a dog park has been closed, and AJ wants to get it back. That’s all. But the feeling hidden behind that small story is like Genesis 2:15 – “Tend and keep creation.” Simple, but so deep. The film doesn’t say that you should go and change the world. It just says – take care of what has been given to you. And here? A small place – a dog park – that itself becomes a blessing. Where people meet, smile, and stay alive for each other.
And in today’s time? A person does not stop. Neither can the shortage of money stop him, nor people’s taunts, nor negativity. His journey seems as if James 1:12 has come alive – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.” The film seems like a comedy, but inside there is a messiah-type depth – that faith is not just in big miracles. Sometimes a small fight – like standing up for your neighborhood – is the biggest deed.
If I talk about the characters, everyone is a little crazy in their own way. But all of them are saying the same thing – that sometimes God’s work gets done through friendship also. And such friendship – neither overdramatic, nor fake – just real, open, and necessary. A teamwork scene literally feels as if Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 has come on the screen – “Two are better than one.” And when AJ fights a demon lord – yes, at first it seems a little animated – but then it comes to light that this is a spiritual battle for all of us. And how does one win? Neither by power, nor by mind – it is only dependent on grace.
The relationship between AJ and AJ Jr.. It breaks your heart and also unites you. A bond in which not only love but also a hidden faith flows. Proverbs 22:6 comes to mind – “Train up a child…” But this training is neither happening in school, nor on a Zoom call. It is happening right here – among dogs, in cold winds, with hope.
And yes, the whole film is feel-good. It makes you laugh, cry, but most of all – it lightens the heart. It shows that sometimes God also likes our small things – like our friendship, our hard work, and yes… our dogs too.
So if you want to see something that makes you laugh a little, cry a little, but most of all makes your heart light – then brother, do not miss this movie. Sometimes worship may not happen on the bench of the church, it can also happen while running behind the dog.
