Dog (2022)

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"Dog may be unimaginative and unsurprising, but it still offers a simple, lovely story, boasting enough authenticity and genuine emotion to captivate any viewer. Bearing in mind the directorial debuts of Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, it's worth highlighting the lack of extreme dramatizations or overly sophisticated shots, which helped keep the narrative quite natural.

Despite an odd plot point or two, Briggs and Lulu share emotionally impactful interactions that will generate a lot of smiles, a few laughs, and, who knows, a tear or two - Thomas Newman's fantastic score will surely cause that.

I couldn't recommend this film more for anyone who considers their pet as their best friend."

Rating: B-

Fmovies: It does absolutely nothing new but Dog executes it's well worn narrative extremely effectively, resulting in a great drama that's consistently funny, heartwarming and emotional.

Channing Tatum gives a perfect lead performance that's endlessly charming, essentially carrying the film on his screen presence and great chemistry with his canine costar.

His direction along with co-director Reid Carolin is excellent, elevating the material with impressive cinematography and longer takes. Both the music by Thomas Newman and the soundtrack are as satisfyingly easy going as the film itself.

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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Dog fmovies. Dog: A serious comedy. Channing Tatum is a discharged Army Ranger recovering from a brain injury, he wants to do a security guard course but needs clearance from his former C. O. Unsure that Tatum is fit the officer says he'll sign off on it if Tatum delivers a temperamental Combat Dog, Lulu, to her handlers funeral in Arizona. A road movie ensues with high jinks from Lulu messing up Tatum's encounter with tantric yoga practitioners, meeting up with an off the grid hippie couple and causing havoc in a hotel. There are plenty of laughs but also a very serious side to the film. PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse and family break up among injured war veterans are explored. As is the monstering/othering of the enemy and the effect that can have on the dogs outside of a military setting, An entertaining film which you won't forget in a hurry. Directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, Written by Carolin and Brett Rodriguez. 8/10.

Dog is a thought-provoking film about an important subject. This movie tells a compelling story about a former Army Ranger and his journey to bring a canine hero to the funeral of his previous comrade and handler. In the end, the two warriors rescue each other in their odyssey of self-discovery.

Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois K-9 Working Dog) are joined together against their will to honor the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Riley Rodriguez (Eric Urbiztondo) at his distant funeral. Along the way, they drive each other crazy, exhibit self-destructive and bad behavior while also escaping dangerous situations. They begin to bond on their journey and heal the wounds they both experienced from combat situations which makes them realize that life can move forward in unexpected ways.

Channing Tatum (Army Ranger Briggs) adds a lot of humor in his character's dialogue and in the physical comedy between Lulu and him. Tatum also co-directs this movie along with Reid Carolin who wrote the screenplay as well. My favorite scene is when Briggs coaxes Lulu into taking a bath-and there are many other funny physical interaction scenes between the two of them when they are fighting or at odds. There are some touching scenes together as well, such as when Lulu is comforting him after a severe headache.

The message of Dog is that life typically unfolds in unexpected ways and embracing change can bring about unexpected happiness. Both Army Ranger Briggs and Lulu are wounded warriors and together they experience this journey of healing. Parents need to be aware that this film has some mature elements involving language, drugs and sexual material. Younger audiences may also be frightened by some of the dog's aggressive behavior.

I give Dog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18, plus adults. By Selene W., KIDS FIRST!

A former Army Ranger (Channing Tatum) who wants to back in the game, has to bring an army dog to the funeral of an old comrade, but getting there is gonna be not has easy has it seems.

A great bittersweet film, moment with Tatum and dog are a joy, you really feel they click on all bases. Now moments comes to a little annoying when Tatum tries to hard to be funny, cause it seems he's trying to hard to be overly witty. But other than that it's a sweat tale, and a great road trip.