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Dog Jack

  • 2010
  • PG-13
  • 1h 54m
IMDb RATING
5.4/10
204
YOUR RATING
Dog Jack (2010)
Trailer for Dog Jack
Play trailer1:31
2 Videos
31 Photos
DramaWar

In the midst of the Civil War, a boy and his dog escape a plantation and embark on a life-changing journey. Inspired by true events, "Dog Jack" chronicles a turbulent moment in American hist... Read allIn the midst of the Civil War, a boy and his dog escape a plantation and embark on a life-changing journey. Inspired by true events, "Dog Jack" chronicles a turbulent moment in American history, and a tale that's never been forgotten.In the midst of the Civil War, a boy and his dog escape a plantation and embark on a life-changing journey. Inspired by true events, "Dog Jack" chronicles a turbulent moment in American history, and a tale that's never been forgotten.

  • Director
    • Edward T. McDougal
  • Writers
    • Florence Biros
    • Edward T. McDougal
    • Joshua Russell
  • Stars
    • Louis Gossett Jr.
    • Benjamin Gardner
    • Frank Kasy
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.4/10
    204
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Edward T. McDougal
    • Writers
      • Florence Biros
      • Edward T. McDougal
      • Joshua Russell
    • Stars
      • Louis Gossett Jr.
      • Benjamin Gardner
      • Frank Kasy
    • 11User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win total

    Videos2

    Dog Jack
    Trailer 1:31
    Dog Jack
    Dog Jack
    Trailer 2:51
    Dog Jack
    Dog Jack
    Trailer 2:51
    Dog Jack

    Photos31

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    Top cast47

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    Louis Gossett Jr.
    Louis Gossett Jr.
    • Grown up Jed
    • (voice)
    Benjamin Gardner
    • Jed
    Frank Kasy
    Frank Kasy
    • Reverend Stewart
    Kenneth Craig
    • Eli Cooper
    Eddie Huchro
    Eddie Huchro
    • Casey Case
    Kevin Holmen
    • Kirk Cooper
    Joe Gandurski
    Joe Gandurski
    • Captain Malloy
    • (as Joseph Gandurski)
    Stephen Schuch
    • Jimmy Malloy
    Shane Kenyon
    Shane Kenyon
    • Jesse
    Gregory Winston
    • Noah
    Jeannette Blackwell
    • Sarah
    Paul Jaquith
    • Nathaniel
    John Corcoran
    • Matt
    Eddie Staver
    • Tennessee
    Jeffrey Boehm
    Jeffrey Boehm
    • Company Soldier Emerson
    • (as Jeff Boehm)
    Olindo Alo
    • Company Soldier
    Sam Dyer
    • Company Soldier
    Alex Orlebeke
    • Company Soldier
    • Director
      • Edward T. McDougal
    • Writers
      • Florence Biros
      • Edward T. McDougal
      • Joshua Russell
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    5.4204
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    Featured reviews

    vchimpanzee

    Good job

    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.
    1ImpertinentGremlin

    Dog vomit

    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.
    1mzqjqc

    Ridiculous White Christian Revisionist Claptrap

    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!
    8jreyna0417

    Powerful!

    *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.
    5Wuchakk

    A runaway slave joins the Union Army during the Civil War

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Goofs
      When Jed leaves the Union lines to go after Jack, in the shots from behind him he is carrying a full-length rifle, and in the shots from in front, he is carrying a much shorter carbine with more of the barrel and ramrod sticking out from the stock.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 29, 2010 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
    • Production company
      • Edward T. McDougal Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $1,500,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 54m(114 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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