Welcome to another exciting episode of our movie video review series! Reviewing movies and videos while not centrally themed around animals, they do incorporate insightful depictions of various animals, subtly enhancing the story.

"Come Back Little Sheba" revisited: watched it as a kid, then again in high school for a psychology assignment. Recently rewatched it, and this time it hit differently. The lady's missing dog, Little Sheba, isn't just a dog; it's a symbol. She lost more than a pet – her youth, looks, and dreams. Every day she calls for Sheba, dreaming of what's lost. Her husband, whom she calls Daddy, was once a promising medical student but dropped out when Lola became pregnant. Marrying her due to her father's rejection, they faced a miscarriage, and Lola couldn't have more children. Doc's years of drinking ruined his career. Now sober for a year, he's polite but distant. Lola, lonely and unhappy, sleeps late, dresses sloppily, and doesn't keep a tidy house. All unveils a messy backstory. It's not just about a dog; it's about fading dreams, missed chances, and a yearning for what was. That was a lot for a 50s movie.

In Hitchcock's classic "Rear Window," the dog plays a pivotal role, adding an unexpected twist to the suspenseful narrative. While not central to the main theme, the dog becomes a key element in the unfolding mystery. As Jeff Jefferies, the photographer with a broken leg, observes from his apartment window, he witnesses the unfortunate demise of the dog, brought about due to its natural instinct of digging. This canine casualty becomes a crucial clue, marking the intersection of daily life and the sinister events unfolding within the neighborhood.

Jeff, incapacitated and confined to his apartment, discovers that his canine neighbor has unearthed something more than just buried treasures. The dog's unintended role in a murder sets the stage for Jeff's voyeuristic journey, as he peeks through his window and stumbles upon a web of secrets he was never meant to witness. In "Rear Window," the seemingly ordinary canine becomes a catalyst for suspense, highlighting Hitchcock's masterful storytelling where every detail, even the dog's antics, plays a crucial part in the unfolding drama.

Additionally, there is a cat owned by the sculptress character, played by Jessie Royce Landis. The cat's presence is observed by James Stewart, as he becomes increasingly curious about the various activities of his neighbors. We first observe the cat walking thru the opening scene.

W. Bruce Cameron's novel, "A Dog's Purpose," traces the journey of a reincarnated dog's soul across multiple lives. Through various encounters with different people, the dog learns vital lessons about loyalty, acceptance, and love. Ultimately, the dog realizes its overarching purpose: to bring joy and love to those in its life, a universal trait shared by all dogs.

"Groundhog Day" (1993) follows the life of Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, a self-centered weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again – Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA. Initially frustrated, Phil begins to use the repetition to better himself and those around him. The film is a comedy that explores personal growth, love, and the transformative power of second chances. Punxsutawney Phil symbolizes the time loop that traps Bill Murray's character, Phil Connors. The groundhog's annual appearance highlights the cyclical nature of Phil's predicament, adding both humor and whimsy to the film.

It's not your everyday occurrence for animals to grace the big screen and later reappear alongside famous co-stars in sequels. However, the extraordinary tale unfolds when two turtles, originally featured in the 1976 film "Rocky," resurface over forty years later in 2018's "Creed II," sharing the limelight with none other than Sylvester Stallone.

In the initial film, Rocky introduces Adrian to his two pet turtles, Cuff and Link, purchased from her at a pet store. Fast forward to the recent reunion, Stallone shared a captivating Instagram photo with the pair of female red-eared slider turtles, estimating that they have gracefully aged to approximately 44 years old. The cinematic journey of Cuff and Link takes an unexpected turn, proving that some stories have sequels that extend far beyond the silver screen.

In the movie Déjà Vu, Denzel Washington portrays ATF agent Doug Carlin who travels back in time to prevent a domestic terrorist attack in New Orleans and save a woman named Claire Kuchever, played by Paula Patton. While investigating, Doug goes to Claire’s apartment to look for clues. Her cat's familiarity with him suggests that future Doug has recently visited the apartment in an attempt to save Claire. The cat, an orange tabby like my Ernie. However, that cat’s name is not explicitly mentioned in the film. There’s a thrilling ride involving ATF agents, time travel, and a race against the clock, Déjà Vu is definitely worth watching! this was on the edge of your seat nail biter. Unbelievable ending.!

In this uproarious tale, Elwood P. Dowd befriends an invisible 6’3" white rabbit named Harvey, much to his sister Veta Louise's dismay. As she tries to have him committed, chaos ensues, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Yet, through Harvey's whimsical presence, the movie explores themes of family, acceptance, and the power of believing in the extraordinary. Harvey isn't just a rabbit—he's the heart and soul of this delightfully quirky film, adding an element of magic that will leave you laughing and believing in the impossible.

In the movie, Harvey is referred to as a "pooka." A pooka is a creature from Celtic folklore, often depicted as a mischievous spirit or ghostly entity that takes various forms, including that of an animal. In the case of Harvey, he is portrayed as an invisible 6’3" white rabbit, embodying the whimsical and mystical essence of the pooka. Throughout the film, Harvey's presence adds an element of magic and mystery, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and serving as a catalyst for unexpected adventures and heartwarming moments.

"Best in Show" (2000) is a satirical mockumentary comedy directed by Christopher Guest, known for its improvised dialogue. The film humorously portrays five eccentric contestants and their dogs as they prepare for and compete in a prestigious dog show. Through a mockumentary lens, it provides a comedic commentary on the world of dog shows, showcasing the absurdity and quirks of both the contestants and the event itself. "God Loves a Terrier" is a song featured in the film. The song is a tongue-in-cheek homage to terriers, performed by the fictional folk duo, The New Main Street Singers, portrayed by Jane Lynch and John Michael Higgins. In the film, the song is presented as a humorous and upbeat anthem celebrating the virtues of terrier breeds in the context of a prestigious dog show. The song's catchy melody and whimsical lyrics have made it a memorable and beloved aspect of the film for fans.

In the 1982 film "The Thing," animals make brief but impactful appearances, adding to the atmosphere of isolation and terror in the Antarctic setting. While not the main focus, their presence underscores the threat posed by the shape-shifting alien organism.

Sled dogs play a significant role in the film, serving as the primary mode of transportation for the characters stationed at the remote research outpost. However, their importance extends beyond mere utility, as they become unwitting hosts for the alien entity. The tense scene where the researchers discover the mutilated remains of the sled dogs serves as a chilling precursor to the escalating paranoia and distrust among the human characters.

Throughout the film, the dogs' behavior becomes increasingly erratic and aggressive, indicating that they have fallen victim to the Thing's ability to assimilate and imitate other life forms. This transformation not only heightens the sense of dread but also highlights the alien's insidious nature, capable of infiltrating and corrupting any living being it encounters.

While animals may not be the central focus of "The Thing," their inclusion adds layers of suspense and reinforces the pervasive sense of fear and paranoia that permeates the film's atmosphere.