Good evening everyone, and welcome to another movie review! Today, we are reviewing a comedy-drama road film that involves an Army Ranger, and a dog. Not only that, but Channing Tatum plays the main character in this film. So, without further ado, I present to you all my review of the comedy-drama, Dog.
Plot: When a U.S. Army Ranger named Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum) is parked with a German shepherd named Lulu, he, and the dog must now travel from an Army base in Tacoma Washington to Nogales, Arizona to get her to the funeral of her former handler. Will Jackson fulfill his task within five days?
Well, to start things off, Dog is a very funny film, as well as dramatic at times. Also, even if this film may look like your typical road trip type of movie, Dog manages to pull off making it more than that. I mean not only does Jackson make his journey to try to get the dog assigned to him to her destination, but it’s almost like he starts to have some growth in himself along the way as well. Also, Tatum, who of course plays Jackson in this film, delivers some really hilarious lines. Sure, some of them may feel a little corny at times, but somehow, you can’t help but enjoy even those moments anyway. The cinematography is also breathtaking, whether it be seeing gray plains, mountainous terrain, or even deserts in this film. This movie can also serve as a good reminder of how some dogs can be sensitive about things like where to be petted, touched, you name it. Also, to see Thomas Newman of all people compose the score? I mean we’re talking about the very person who composed for adult films in the past like Pay It Forward, as well as for family films like Finding Nemo. Is his score a masterpiece in this film? Not sure that I would go far as to say that in this case. Still, you can’t help but still enjoy it regardless.
Still, there were some flaws in this film. First of all, there is a scene where a character is attempting to get healed from two other people with supposed mystic healing power. Yeah, I understand that kind of mumbo jumbo stuff may happen in real life. Still, did something creepy like that need to be incorporated in this film? Also, what was with lines like how one can call a rock, or other objects God? Seriously, that was not the best thing to say in this film. Finally, there was a point where Jackson seemed to act ungrateful even in spite of something good happening to him. I’m thinking, really? Not something that is a good example to show to the audience, you know?
And that’s my review for Dog. Despite the few flaws, Dog is still a fun film. Yes, the flaws that were in this film were especially not the best examples to put in this movie. Still, Dog is very funny at times, the score is decent, the bond between Jackson, and Lulu is good, and the cinematography is also very amazing. I would say definitely give this film a watch if you can. You’d still find yourself having a great time since it is a mostly good film.
Final Grade: B+
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