Dog Jack

While the overall story line holds great promise, the movie falls short by wielding a clumsy script and incongruous story line. One is constantly bashed over the head with the movie's many "points" in an unbelievable and unnatural line of dialogue in each scene as characters seem to line up in some shots, hovering in the background, waiting for their turn to speak to the main character as if they cannot see or hear the character before them. On top of that, the dialogue from some characters seems to come out of left field motivated by some unseen force having nothing to do with the environment, circumstances, or previous scene. Combined with the complete, utter lack of congruity between scenes and the overuse of narration, the movie constantly breaks the fourth wall and one has to force oneself back into the story over and over again. I'm not saying it's the worst movie ever made, but it's pretty darn close.

Accompanied by his dog, Jack, a teen slave in Virginia (Benjamin Gardner) escapes his plantation at the outset of the Civil War and goes to Pittsburgh to see a struggling minister (Frank Kasy). They join the 102nd Pennsylvania Regiment and see lots of action. Louis Gossett Jr. Narrates as the elderly version of the protagonist while Eddie Huchro is on hand as a seasoned corporal.

Based by the book by Florence W. Biros, "Dog Jack" (2010) is a Civil War movie in the mold of "The Colt" (2005) and "Pharaoh's Army" (1995), but without the funds of those low-budget flicks. In other words, if you can't handle really low-budget movies I suggest staying away. I was able to acclimate to its limitations and enter into the world of the characters and enjoy it. Inspired by true events, I liked how the film showed the challenges of a black soldier being accepted by members of a white platoon and the camaraderie that slowly develops. Furthermore, the music is a highlight and there are some moving dramatic scenes.

Most of the story takes place in the woods/fields or at a farmhouse while everything else was obviously shot at historic sites. For the most part, the forest/camp/action scenes are surprisingly well done considering the budget. Some acting by the peripherals is questionable with a few lines sounding too eye-rolling quaint, which could've been better written/executed. Nevertheless, I think it's interesting how you can make a worthwhile little movie with very little funds if you're efficient and know what you're doing.

If you liked "Glory" (1989) and don't mind micro-budget flicks, give it a try.

The film runs 1 hour, 53 minutes, and was shot mostly in Darlington, Pennsylvania, but also Pittsburgh (Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial), Wisconsin (North Freedom), Illinois (suburbs of Chicago) and Iowa (Mt. Pleasant).

GRADE: C.

*Dog Jack* may not boast the sweeping grandeur of a high-budget Hollywood production, but that hardly diminishes its emotional impact. Sometimes, the most compelling films rely not on dazzling effects or elaborate set pieces, but on **storytelling that resonates deeply**-and *Dog Jack* is one such film.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this poignant drama follows **Jed**, a young runaway slave who joins the Union Army, alongside his loyal dog, Jack. The film explores themes of **freedom, loyalty, and perseverance**, but what makes it truly stand out is its ability to illustrate the **moral complexities of war**. While historical conflicts are often framed in stark terms of right and wrong, *Dog Jack* reminds us that war is rarely that simple-there is a vast gray area where personal struggles, survival, and humanity collide.

At its core, the film highlights a powerful truth: **despite our differences, the most important thing is human life and the compassion we extend toward one another**. Jed's journey, filled with sorrow and hope, showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between man and animal-even in the darkest of times.

What makes *Dog Jack* even more compelling is that it is **inspired by true events**-the real Dog Jack was the mascot of the 102nd Pennsylvania Regiment, valued so highly that he was once **exchanged for a Confederate prisoner**. The historical foundation of the film adds weight to its emotional depth, reminding viewers that courage and companionship were just as vital on the battlefield as strategy and firepower.

While *Dog Jack* doesn't have the polish of a blockbuster war film, its **heart and sincerity** make it an unforgettable watch. It proves that storytelling, when done with passion and authenticity, can be just as powerful as any big-budget production. For those who appreciate **historical narratives, emotional depth, and themes of loyalty and justice**, this film is absolutely worth seeing. 8/10.

This movie was so badly done I would not let my dog watch it. The acting and the writing were poorly done. Even the voice over with Lou Gossett Jr. could not salvage this lemon. Anyone who funded this movie should get their money back. I know I wanted my dollar back from Redbox after viewing this one. Don't waste your time or money on this one. The plot was not consistent. I've seen better acting on local theater stages with amateur actors. The filming was also poorly done. So save yourself some money and rent something other than this movie!!!If this movie was based on a true story of a dog in the 102nd Pennsylvania as they claimed then he is probably rolling over in his grave at how they have soiled his heroic actions with a badly done movie. May he rest in peace because this movie needs to.

Our family and several friends watched DogJack.

The film is intelligent, thought-provoking, the music was great. script is well-written and the acting was good. The The actor who played Jed turned in a command performance as did most of the other actors. I am a big fan of Louis Gossett.

We had a meaningful discussion after the film. We talked about how life s so different today than it was 150 years ago for the young boys who were called to fight in the war. I am not normally a big fan of my kids movies but this was very watchable for my husband and myself and the kids thought it was one of the best films they'd seen in the past 2 years.

I would recommend this film to any family who wants to watch a meaningful film and not just rent a DVD as a babysitter for the kids.