Dog

Okay. So, I am not really a Tatum Channing (Who? Stockard Channing? Carol Channing?) err, Channing Tatum aficionado. Kind of thought he was the beefy guy of the moment--yet here he still is. But, wow, he did a fabulous job in this flick. Absolutely a wonderful story and for sure this movie is an unexpected DRAMA. Channing's range has expanded. I mean, this is not an academy award movie, don't get me wrong, but it it is well done, emotive, tear jerker at times...totally impressed. Great scenery. Great lighting ---the production team did a good job. And the reality beneath this story, most of us don't have a clue. Well done across the board.

This film's trailer and classification might lead you to believe it's a comedy and although it has some humor in it, it is primary a drama. I was expecting lots of laughs based on the trailer, but I realized the editing on the trailer doesn't match the type of editing style of the actual film.

The film is about two post-war veteran army rangers. Both have unresolved issues. One of the veterans is Army Ranger, Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum). The second is a K-9 Army Ranger by the name of Lulu.

After Lulu's master death, Briggs is charged with the task of delivering the K-9 to its former master's funeral for a last goodbye. The two rangers are reluctantly paired together on a long road trip to the funeral. While on their journey there, the two eventually find comfort and solace in each other. But there are plenty of hiccups along the way.

The film doesn't spell out what Briggs and Lulu are going through. The story is carefully explained through the nuances in their acting and body language. So, this is a read between the lines type of movie. The film is a bit slow but that's probably a good thing considering what the intent of the film is meant to be. Briggs also has domestic issues, but the true nature of the issues aren't disclosed. But based on the fact he wants to leave on another rotation to active duty, it seems he is trying to escape problems with his daughter's mother. Can't tell if he is married to her or just a girlfriend.

It's a good film but probably not a film children will enjoy but empathic adults will understand. Particularly military families.

Dog is a fun movie that knows what it is: a cute dog and a charming lead going on a road trip together while having some misadventures.

I still don't why some movies decide to put CGI dogs in a movie like The Call of The Wild remake. People go see dog movies to see dogs.

Positives:

• As a 'road movie' featuring a man and a dog, this one has genuine heart. It's not gooey and gelatinous like a "Marley and Me" dog story: it actually has a moderately hard edge to it. This is helped along by Channing Tatum who delivers a really nice and believable performance as the injured vet.

• Given this is the directorial debut of writer Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum (sharing the seat), it has a really nice pace to it. At 100 minutes long it doesn't outstay its welcome. And any time that the pace does slacken off, it's for meaningful relationship-building between Briggs and Lulu. (A stormy interlude in a barn is particularly engaging).

• The cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel is gorgeous, making full use of California's wonderful golden light and with some impressive drone footage along Highway 1.

• Given the low-budget cast (Tatum is the only big name), they've wisely invested in a scoring master (Thomas Newman) to write the music. And its lovely: understated, but when it does come through it adds considerably to the pictures.

Negatives:

• There's a lot of "thank you for your service" type messaging in here, which might cloy a bit with non-American audiences.

• It's also worth saying that this is a 12A for a reason, and parents thinking to take little ones along to see this in half term as a 'happy clappy dog movie' might want to check the BBFC comments on their web site. I attended an afternoon showing, with a number of parents and kids in the 8 to 10 sort of age-range. The parental squirming evident during the "threesome scene" (nothing actually proceeds) was self-evident, as a portent for those questions in the car home!

Summary Thoughts on "Dog": A solid and enjoyable tale that - and there is no one more surprised at this than me - I would recommend.

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7/10

This film officially releases on Friday, but my local Cineplex had an early showing that I took advantage of.

I must say that this film actually exceeded my expectations. This trailer didn't come across as very emotional, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. There were a lot of offsetting funny and serious parts throughout with just enough emotional tension to finish the film off as expected.

I liked Channing Tatum here because he was able to express those funny and serious tones with his interactions coming mainly between himself and the dog, Lulu. The few interactions he had with people were spot on. Some military humour was thrown in there that not everyone found tasteful, but I found hilarious.

Although it had a military vibe to it. I don't think one would have to support the military to enjoy this one. If you care about dogs, and especially dogs finding their place in one's life and vice-versa, then I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

I thought it was longer, but 90 minutes was perfect timing for the film. Although some of the fluff pieces felt just that. Fluff. I would've liked to have seen more silent, emotional moments such as flashbacks to show background to the trauma, but overall the film had good pacing and the story was told in its structured setting.

Overall, truly a good film that I came out of emotionally touched and happy to have seen. Good acting by Channing Tatum and the story was relatable and enjoyable.

Until next time.... Enjoy the show!