Dog Jack

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.

This is a good movie. Most of the leading actors do a good job. Jed is portrayed as quite intelligent and determined, and he overcomes a lot of prejudice to show he is a man and equal to others.

Being a war movie, this does have violence, but most of the violence is unrelated to the war. The cruelty of white people toward slaves is the worst part, but it is not graphic. As for the war itself, we see the unfortunate decisions that have to be made in combat situations, and both sides of moral issues. We are also reminded of what a terrible thing slavery was.

There is also good music. Songs performed by slaves are the best. There is also church music sung by white people, who don't sound professional, though overall they sound good. They are supposed to be soldiers, not singers, and so what if they aren't together or all on key?

It is a worthy effort.

Bad writing, bad acting, the biggest load of claptrap I've ever seen. Talk about whitewashing the Civil War. I cannot believe Lou Gossett, Jr. had anything to do with this movie - his mortgage must have come due. Sheesh!

*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.

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.