During a time where movie studios are putting out their worst, it’s amazing to report that an affable film titled Dog Days provides some of the best, breezy entertainment.

It’s not going to win an Oscar, but for parents, children, and moviegoers tired of explosions and superheroes, this alternative plays out like Love, Actually for dogs, and actually works.

A number of people in Los Angeles are all connected through their pets and the love they have for their furry friends.

This is all formula — with but one singular surprise in 120 minutes — but Dog Days infuses enough comedy and charm from the cast to make it work.

No one here is an A-lister, but Adam Pally, Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Finn Wolfhard, Eva Longoria and Rob Corddry are all wonderful.

The standouts are small but mighty performances from scene-stealers Thomas Lennon, Tig Notaro and Ron Cephas Jones, of This Is Us fame.

If you don’t love the eclectic human cast, then the animals are sure to win you over.

This film is innocuous, cutesy and goes down easy, and sometimes a movie like this is exactly what you need.

3/5 Stars