Dog: Un Viaje Salvaje

7/10

This film officially releases on Friday, but my local Cineplex had an early showing that I took advantage of.

I must say that this film actually exceeded my expectations. This trailer didn't come across as very emotional, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. There were a lot of offsetting funny and serious parts throughout with just enough emotional tension to finish the film off as expected.

I liked Channing Tatum here because he was able to express those funny and serious tones with his interactions coming mainly between himself and the dog, Lulu. The few interactions he had with people were spot on. Some military humour was thrown in there that not everyone found tasteful, but I found hilarious.

Although it had a military vibe to it. I don't think one would have to support the military to enjoy this one. If you care about dogs, and especially dogs finding their place in one's life and vice-versa, then I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

I thought it was longer, but 90 minutes was perfect timing for the film. Although some of the fluff pieces felt just that. Fluff. I would've liked to have seen more silent, emotional moments such as flashbacks to show background to the trauma, but overall the film had good pacing and the story was told in its structured setting.

Overall, truly a good film that I came out of emotionally touched and happy to have seen. Good acting by Channing Tatum and the story was relatable and enjoyable.

Until next time.... Enjoy the show!

To the person that said it's been done before sure but never this story I'm sure there's very few about a dog from the army. Channing Tatum was superb throughout I loved Dog (Lulu) the journey story and bonding was so lovely! So much wildness, charm, endearment, and great dialogue throughout; amazing movie I'd recommend to anyone!

Okay. So, I am not really a Tatum Channing (Who? Stockard Channing? Carol Channing?) err, Channing Tatum aficionado. Kind of thought he was the beefy guy of the moment--yet here he still is. But, wow, he did a fabulous job in this flick. Absolutely a wonderful story and for sure this movie is an unexpected DRAMA. Channing's range has expanded. I mean, this is not an academy award movie, don't get me wrong, but it it is well done, emotive, tear jerker at times...totally impressed. Great scenery. Great lighting ---the production team did a good job. And the reality beneath this story, most of us don't have a clue. Well done across the board.

A movie about K-9 & the interaction with human. Very touching movie. Animal has memories & emotion as well. They need time & love to overcome those traumas. It is very touching to see how human helping her to get well.

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.

(For the full graphical review, please check out One Mann's Movies on the web or Facebook. Thanks.)