Val’s review published on Letterboxd:
Stop!
Long sentimental ramble warning. Keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times, and prepare for headaches induced by potential extensive eyerolling.
Proceed with caution and sorry in advance.
Here we go.
The last time I went to the cinema was for Evil Dead Rise.
Right after that my dog was diagnosed with the early stages of congestive heart failure. We went to the vet, because she had a cough and upon examination, her heart didn't sound right. So, they did an x-ray and ultrasound, and she was apparently born with a malformed heart valve, which wasn't closing properly. It wasn't noticable for many years and there's no way we could have known sooner, but because she grew older, it caused the heart to become enlarged and her lungs started to fill with water. The vet is optimistic because it was caught early, and told us that with the proper treatment she can be around for a few more years. So, she's now on a bunch of medicine, and we visit the vet every 2 months.
Now, some people might say "oh, it's just a dog," but to me, my dog is my whole entire world. She is the kindest most wonderful little sweetheart you could ever meet and I sincerely have no idea what I'd do without her. She saved me in so many different ways, and taught me so many things that if I start writing about it, I'm afraid this would be even longer than it already is.
I can't really express in words how much she means to me and how much I love her. Animal people will get it.
In any case, at that moment I knew that changes need to be made.
I learned dog CPR, and I'm not letting her out of my sight anymore. Everywhere I go, she goes with me.
If dogs aren't allowed, then fuck it. We're not going.
That means, no more cinema. I miss it, but that's a very small sacrifice that I was more than willing to make.
In any case, today was my wedding anniversary and my awesome husband gave me the best present in the history of presents! He arranged that I could take my dog to the cinema with me to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice together!
What?!? I nearly fainted.
Of course, if it would turn out to be too loud or bothersome for her, we would leave immediately, but luckily she just stared at the screen through the gap between the seats for a little while, turning her head (so cute!), then promptly took a nap next to me, unbothered by Beetlejuices' shenanigans.
If that wasn't enough, they played a little video of my dog on the big screen before the movie, and when I saw her up there as a pup, I just completely lost it.
My little movie star 🥹
I know, I know. Crazy dog lady and all that.
I realize that I once again didn't say anything about the movie, which seems to be becoming a pattern lately. I'm sorry and I'll get back to my regular dumbassery after this.
I just wanted to share this beautiful experience with all of you, because LB, frankly, you're awesome and I'm grateful for all y'all too.
Anypup, today made me realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family, small as it may be. That old cliché rings so true to me right now: It's the little things that make life worth living.
Like watching an awesome movie with your dog.
Right now, my heart is full and I feel loved.
And Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?
Well, it will be one of those movies that fill me with love and gratitude every time I watch it.
Also, it is now a dog movie according to Val's canon.
Fido score: There's no dogs in this, what are you nuts? A picture doesn't count. Why am I even here? ૮(╹ -╹)ა
P.S.: Our local cinema is just the best. What a bunch of rock stars 🤩 Also, hug your pets, because they're awesome.
Altogether now:
🪲🪿!
🪲🪿!
🪲🪿!
