Sun Dogs

One of those movies that makes you smile. Give it a go.

'SUN DOGS': Four Stars (Out of Five)

An indie comedy-drama about a young man that's obsessed with becoming a military hero, who thinks that he finds a new way to save lives, with the help of a young woman that he meets. The film was directed by actress turned first time director Jennifer Morrison, and it was scripted by Anthony Tambakis and Raoul McFarland (a first time screenwriter). It stars Michael Angarano, Melissa Benoist, Allison Janney, Ed O'Neill and Xzibit. The movie was featured at multiple prestigious film festivals, before being released by Netflix through it's streaming site. I found it to be pretty moving and effective.

Ned Chipley (Angarano) is obsessed with joining the military and becoming a hero. He's mentally unstable though, and this disqualifies him from entering the service (unbeknownst to him). The enlisting officer, Master Sgt. Jenkins (Xzibit), doesn't have the heart to tell him this, so he instead asks Ned to watch out for terrorists in the civilian world (as a secret operative). Ned of course takes this assignment very seriously, and he finds help from a young woman he meets named Tally (Benoist).

The movie is ultimately very sweet and inspiring, after a pretty rough and depressing opening third act though. I think it tackles mental illness with a pretty respectful and heartfelt approach, and Angarano is perfect in the lead. What's most impressive about the film though, I think, is Morrison's beautiful direction (it's so well done for a first time director). I really look forward to seeing what she does next.

This movie is funny, sweet, sad, happy, and uniquely pleasing, as life can be at its best.

Two thirds of the way through the film I found myself hoping the movie would have a happy ending, not just for Ned, but for Tally. They were just two people the world had passed by and forgotten; the deserved it.

It's nice to root for nice people. It's nice to see nice people get nice things in life.

You don't need a full deck to have a good hand or to lend a hand -- anyone can save lives.

It's a nice movie, well worth the time.

I didn't know what to expect before watching Sun Dogs. Looking at the poster, reading the summary and seeing that Ed O'Neill (Married With Children, Modern Family) is in the cast made it look like something that might be fun to watch. And in my case it was, I had a lot of laughs, mostly because of the quirky character of Ned Chipley played greatly by Michael Angarano. His character is definitely the thing that makes this movie stand out. A funny story about a guy with mental issues, living in his own world, trying to 'save' lifes like it's his only mission in life. I was pleasantly surprised by Sun Dogs, will probably watch it again in the future.

Or maybe he is. But this movie is about including people who are outsiders. Giving them a chance and showing the humanity of someone who is ill. It could have easily just be exploiting the mentioned illness, but it goes beyond that. And the performances are there to back it up. And even if you feel that the female counter part should know better, it makes sense she doesn't.

If you like offbeat comedies/dramas, than you will not be dissapointed. And you know what you will be getting. It may feel wrong at times how some things are going and you could argue that some people are contributing and assisting in him going the wrong way ... but it is all done with grace and with just the right amount of humor too