Forget your spiritual beliefs. Yes, this is an impossible and surreal story. So what? It's beautiful, sentimental, sad and depressing. "Fluke" isn't just a movie about man's best friend. It's one of the best of its kind. They don't make movies like this now. It's a touching, dramatic, deeply emotional, heartwarming and sweet movie. A magical touch has a role here too and it goes beyond the small number of special effects (which are effective).Very few movies are capable of making me teary eyed. This one, however, is powerful on that. There are many emotional scenes. I should bring a Kleenex with me whenever I watch this film.Despite the frequent use of simplicity, this movie can also count with the help of gorgeous sceneries: sunsets, rivers, waterfalls, green places, mountains, snow and other things.The soundtrack is a revelation and a masterpiece. It fits in perfection: soft, relaxing, emotional and beautiful piano melody. It's entirely instrumental, no vocals or singing.I've always loved this movie and I've always thought that Fluke is such a beautiful name. Plus, Comet is another beautiful name. Comet is the name of the brown Golden Retriever that portrays Fluke, while Barney is the name of the Saint Bernard-like dog that portrays Rumbo. Both of them terrific "actors" - especially the Retriever, very convincing and very expressive with his sad eyes and general acting. Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards are among my favorite dog breeds. They're so beautiful and affectionate.As for the cast, we've got Nancy Travis as the pretty Carol in one of her best roles. We have Matthew Modine in a good performance as Tom, a workaholic. True, we don't see much of human Tom, but what we see is enough to realize that he was an emotionally distant workaholic. There is also Eric Stoltz (who was originally considered for the role of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future"), good as Jeff Newman. As the voice of Rumbo, we've got Samuel L. Jackson (not much of an actor, but his vocal performance is interesting). And finally, there is Max Pomeranc, who steals the show as Brian (the son of Tom and Carol). Max Pomeranc, besides being a cute and handsome boy, was also a brilliant actor. Too bad he didn't want to continue a career as an actor after this, his 2nd and last film.As for the characters, Rumbo is a cool quadruped chap. Fluke is so sweet and affectionate that we almost forget he was once Tom. Brian is such a loving and sweet kid, one of the nicest kids in the big screen. His love for Fluke is another close resemblance to the other doggy movies like this.As a final note and personal observation, it's sad that this movie did so poorly at the theaters and critically. It's one of those movies which were unfairly criticized... and is underrated either. One of the few things I don't like in this movie is the evil Sylvester character: very sinister-looking with his demon-like face and also a vicious man. This should definitely be on Top 250.

Having just looked at this, small, understated movie, I am totally knocked out by it. Here we have a movie that teaches us something about ourselves, life and love. It does not bombard us with visual effects, nor does it try to be anything but what it really is, a beautiful movie. From all of the actors,from the leads and even smaller parts, even the old bag lady, compliment this movie. Fluke works is so many ways, with a score that is matched with perfect photography. Special credit must go to the dog trainers and the director, it must have been such a joy to see this film coming together and completed into such a great and special movie. I fully intent to buy this on DVD, and to read the book. As an animal lover and a fan of all the adult leads, voice actors as well, this was a pleasure to watch and a movie that deserved to smash all box office records. Yet even if it did not, I am sure it will live on in the memories of all of the people who have seen it, for many years to come, and will get better with each viewing. Well done Fluke.

Just a truly fine film. Made me cry, and I rarely cry on seeing a movie. I intend to get a copy of it. Few movies have touched me as much. Daily, we are exposed to ever more sex and violence in the media, but the accent found here is love. And forgiveness. And, of course, racial harmony. If it "exploited" our ability to care for others and to respect life, so much the better. This is a movie for people of all ages. The animal wranglers did an outstanding job, ditto the actors. Have not seen the dog who played Fluke before; wonder if he is still in the acting business.Would be glad to see more films of similar ilk, but I have not run across many like this.

Fluke is a family movie whom someone couldn't give so much credit.In my opinion it's great. I always loved pets and non-domestic animals so I can truly believe they've got a soul.In the movie, a young child loses his father, but for magic his soul transmigrates in a dog. With some clues, Fluke the dog will be accepted as the reincarnation of the dear daddy.I've lost my father at the age of 3. Sometimes is very hard think of it but I've got a special feeling with my cat. She's with me since 11 years (now I'm 26), I can see in her eyes a true spirit, like an angel standing by.With the help of this movie I've raised the conviction that animals should be guiding souls of exhaled dears for us.Yes, I still believe, though my "old" age, in such romantic things.----- My vote: 8 1/2 -----