The Art of Racing in the Rain.
Denny and his faithful companion Enzo.
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Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life. The film follows Denny and the loves of his life – his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried), their young daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.
Meeting Enzo.
Cast: Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Martin Donovan, Kevin Costner, Gary Cole, Kathy Baker.
The Art of Racing in the Rain filmed in Vancouver from late April to late July last year.
Racing in the rain at Kent Hangar field in Vancouver.
Most of the actual racing was done at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.
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Meeting Eve. Filmed at Supervalu in Port Coquitlam.
Marrying Eve. Filmed in West Vancouver.
One of the producers is part-time race car driver Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy fame, who acquired the rights to the book over ten years ago.
The film adaption was written by Michael Rich and Mark Bomback and directed by Simon Curtis.
What’s it about?
A dog’s efforts to keep his family together during a divisive custody battle.
Plucked from a farm outside Seattle, Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) rides shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia) as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny marries Eve (Amanda Seyfried) and has a daughter Zoe. But things go wrong when Eve becomes terminally ill.
After her death, Eve’s parents (Gary Cole and Kathy Baker) take custody of Zoe, arguing Denny is irresponsible with his low-paying day job and unreliable racing schedule. Denny has to sell his house and temporarily gives up racing to fund a lawsuit to get Zoe back.
It’s a long fraught battle but Denny plays a long game and eventually things right themselves. Ferrari in Italy offers Denny a new job as a car tester and track instructor, a home and schooling for Zoe. It’s a happy ending, except Enzo is too old to go with them and Denny must say goodbye to his faithful companion.
Milo Ventimiglia’s Instagram from Vancouver.
The Art of Racing in the Rain will be in theatres on August 9th.