I’m a sucker for movies about dogs. That’s probably why I enjoyed Frank so much. It’s a heartwarming family film with a big, ugly pooch in the starring role. Frank wanders into the lives of the York family while they’re spending the summer on an idyllic island. But not every one of the Yorks welcomes this canine with open arms. Colin, the dad, just happens to be an obsessive-compulsive guy who can’t stand doggie drool and seems to be allergic to everything. Much of the charm of this film involves the important relationship that finally develops between Frank and Colin (played by Jon Gries).

The rest of the family members take Frank into their hearts almost right away. Mom (Cynthia Watros), lonely after the loss of her own father, talks to the mutt because she thinks he’s the only who listens to her; little Patrick (Ashton Dierks) dresses Frank up like a pirate and plays with him to make up for being friendless; and teenager Ann (Brittany Robertson) helps her brother hide their new pet from Colin whenever necessary. It seems this dysfunctional family needs a catalyst to bring them together, and Frank fits the bill. The big problem?  What to do with Frank when they have to move back to the city, for their lease includes a clause forbidding pets.

While watching Frank, I was reminded of A Christmas Story -- quite a compliment, for that’s one of my all-time favorite films. Frank has the same kind of family feel to it. Gries doesn’t seem as comfortable in the father role as Darren McGavin did, but he projects a similar frustration that makes us laugh. And Dierks even looks a bit like Peter Billingsley’s “Ralphie.” His character wants to keep Frank with the same type of fervor Ralphie showed for his Red Ryder BB Gun.   

Filled with humor, heart and the antics of a lovable dog, Frank is  an excellent movie for family viewing. (Capsule review)

(Released by First Look Studios and rated “PG” for mild suggestive material.)