Why does Playback write such negative things about a movie when it could write positive things just as honestly? I am referring to your nasty short paragraph (Critical Mass, March 14, p.4) about Daniel and the Superdogs.

Your citation from the Calgary Sun could also have read: ‘There is some hilarious slapstick from Daniel’s two friends William (Wyatt Bowen) and Colin (William Phan).’

From The Globe and Mail you could also have quoted: ‘Performances from the veteran cast (which includes Dorothée Berryman and Jan Rubes) are solid’ and ‘good-humored, well-orchestrated entertainment.’

In your citation from the Toronto Star you could also have stated: ‘Smart acting, both human and animal, terrific cinematography and some great hijinks (William and Colin dress up as girls to visit a grounded Daniel) get the Superdogs over all the hurdles.’

Moreover, you could have used the following citations from other publications:

‘The film is endearing… With its gentle tone, fine acting from the young leads – especially Annie Bovaird as April, the pretty-with-braces romantic interest – and some of the cutest mutts ever filmed, Daniel exerts a pit bull-like grip on the heartstrings.’ (Brian Bethune, Maclean’s Magazine)

‘There’s more than one good reason to go see the film Daniel and the Superdogs. The number-one reason is the playful and poignant performance by Montrealer Matthew Harbour as Daniel. Reasons two and three are Daniel’s best buddies, William and Colin… The voyage becomes a metaphor for determination to reconnect with those you love in the face of crippling grief.’ (Kathryn Greenaway, Montreal Gazette)

‘Of all the Tales for All, Daniel and the Superdogs is the one that probably deals best with the realities of being a grownup, realities these young people will have to tackle sooner or later – including the good parts, such as love.’ (Paul Villeneuve, Journal de Montreal)

‘Honest, well done, tactful and intelligent.’ (Aleksi K. Lepage, La Presse)

You could also have mentioned that last year the film participated in three international youth film festivals (in Russia, the Czech Republic and Italy) and came away with the grand prize at each one of them.

Why? Why? Why? What do you and other media outlets, and the public, have to gain from such negativity? Is it more honest to be negative than positive?

Why is it easier for us to show one of our films in the U.S., England, Australia – or anywhere else in the world – than it is in English Canada?

I sincerely consider Daniel and the Superdogs one of the best films I have ever produced. And I have had enough positive reactions to know I am not the only one to think that.

Rock Demers,

La Fete Productions,

Montreal