Hal's dog, Arthur, a very expressive Jack Russell, is an integral part of the film: Oliver becomes his caretaker when his father is hospitalized with pneumonia. His father's health declines and Oliver finds himself with Arthur full-time. They both enjoy each other's companionship, but both are grieving. Oliver can't ever leave Arthur alone (pitiful crying ensues each time he tries it), so he ends up taking the dog to a party with him, where he meets Anna (the beautiful Mélanie Laurent of 'Inglourious Basterds'). The two begin a tentative relationship and Arthur is there every step of the way.
Oliver has commitment issues, not least because he learns his parents marriage was a sham: After his mother's death, his father tells him he's gay and is going to start leading an out gay life at age 75! And so he does, becoming a busy gay activist and finding himself a hot boyfriend.
This is a sweet and poignant film, full of very real moments, and the audience I saw it with "Awwed" at many of the scenes involving Arthur. It's also very sad in spots (don't worry, the dog is fine!) and at least one friend of mine found it too slow.
I really enjoyed it its quirky approach and the realness of its characters. And, of course, Arthur! (Whose real name is Cosmo, a 9-year-old who was also in 'Hotel for Dogs' and 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop.' His trainer, incidentally, worked with the late Moose, best known as 'Frasier's Eddie.
