PG Score: 6.75/10
Dog was released in theaters on 2/18/22
Making their feature directorial debuts, Channing Tatum (Logan Lucky) and Reid Carolin (writer, Magic Mike) bring us, Dog. Dog is the story of two veterans, one human and the other a dog that embark on a journey to their friend’s funeral. After serving as Army Rangers, both have been medically discharged and are out of sorts with life post war, while dealing with the PTSD they both suffer from. The film starts slow, but takes the viewer on an emotional journey as both Briggs (Tatum) and Lulu (the dog) learn to deal with one another and the trauma they have both suffered.
Overview
The film has ups and downs to go along with having funny moments and sad moments. The pacing could have been better from the start as there was a lot of stop and go, but the final third of the film is where it gets really good and hits all the feels. There are some amazing sights as their journey takes us from the Pacific Northwest down through California. We meet a few interesting characters along the way; Gus (Kevin Nash) and his wife Tamara (Jane Adams) are some pot-growing enthusiasts with a taste for the conspiracies in life that offer Briggs a look at Lulu’s softer side. Noah (Ethan Suplee) also plays an important role as a former vet and as someone who had adopted Lulu’s brother. He helped to rehabilitate him after his career as a military dog came to an end. He gives Briggs a different perspective and understanding of the damage war did to Lulu and her moods.
Worthy of Your Time
Dog is an enjoyable film with a simple story. Tatum gives one of his better performances and shows excellent chemistry with Lulu throughout the film as they go from adversaries to friends, and they help each other heal. It is a fun little film that doesn’t do anything new, but tells a story of someone struggling to recapture their old life when what they need is right in front of them. Dog is a good bonding film with funny moments that bring some levity to the sadder moments. Is it a must see? No, but it is worth a watch and if you are a dog lover, all the more.
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