Dog Jack

This movie was so badly done I would not let my dog watch it. The acting and the writing were poorly done. Even the voice over with Lou Gossett Jr. could not salvage this lemon. Anyone who funded this movie should get their money back. I know I wanted my dollar back from Redbox after viewing this one. Don't waste your time or money on this one. The plot was not consistent. I've seen better acting on local theater stages with amateur actors. The filming was also poorly done. So save yourself some money and rent something other than this movie!!!If this movie was based on a true story of a dog in the 102nd Pennsylvania as they claimed then he is probably rolling over in his grave at how they have soiled his heroic actions with a badly done movie. May he rest in peace because this movie needs to.

This is a good movie. Most of the leading actors do a good job. Jed is portrayed as quite intelligent and determined, and he overcomes a lot of prejudice to show he is a man and equal to others.

Being a war movie, this does have violence, but most of the violence is unrelated to the war. The cruelty of white people toward slaves is the worst part, but it is not graphic. As for the war itself, we see the unfortunate decisions that have to be made in combat situations, and both sides of moral issues. We are also reminded of what a terrible thing slavery was.

There is also good music. Songs performed by slaves are the best. There is also church music sung by white people, who don't sound professional, though overall they sound good. They are supposed to be soldiers, not singers, and so what if they aren't together or all on key?

It is a worthy effort.

While the overall story line holds great promise, the movie falls short by wielding a clumsy script and incongruous story line. One is constantly bashed over the head with the movie's many "points" in an unbelievable and unnatural line of dialogue in each scene as characters seem to line up in some shots, hovering in the background, waiting for their turn to speak to the main character as if they cannot see or hear the character before them. On top of that, the dialogue from some characters seems to come out of left field motivated by some unseen force having nothing to do with the environment, circumstances, or previous scene. Combined with the complete, utter lack of congruity between scenes and the overuse of narration, the movie constantly breaks the fourth wall and one has to force oneself back into the story over and over again. I'm not saying it's the worst movie ever made, but it's pretty darn close.

*Dog Jack* may not boast the sweeping grandeur of a high-budget Hollywood production, but that hardly diminishes its emotional impact. Sometimes, the most compelling films rely not on dazzling effects or elaborate set pieces, but on **storytelling that resonates deeply**-and *Dog Jack* is one such film.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this poignant drama follows **Jed**, a young runaway slave who joins the Union Army, alongside his loyal dog, Jack. The film explores themes of **freedom, loyalty, and perseverance**, but what makes it truly stand out is its ability to illustrate the **moral complexities of war**. While historical conflicts are often framed in stark terms of right and wrong, *Dog Jack* reminds us that war is rarely that simple-there is a vast gray area where personal struggles, survival, and humanity collide.

At its core, the film highlights a powerful truth: **despite our differences, the most important thing is human life and the compassion we extend toward one another**. Jed's journey, filled with sorrow and hope, showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between man and animal-even in the darkest of times.

What makes *Dog Jack* even more compelling is that it is **inspired by true events**-the real Dog Jack was the mascot of the 102nd Pennsylvania Regiment, valued so highly that he was once **exchanged for a Confederate prisoner**. The historical foundation of the film adds weight to its emotional depth, reminding viewers that courage and companionship were just as vital on the battlefield as strategy and firepower.

While *Dog Jack* doesn't have the polish of a blockbuster war film, its **heart and sincerity** make it an unforgettable watch. It proves that storytelling, when done with passion and authenticity, can be just as powerful as any big-budget production. For those who appreciate **historical narratives, emotional depth, and themes of loyalty and justice**, this film is absolutely worth seeing. 8/10.

Our family and several friends watched DogJack.

The film is intelligent, thought-provoking, the music was great. script is well-written and the acting was good. The The actor who played Jed turned in a command performance as did most of the other actors. I am a big fan of Louis Gossett.

We had a meaningful discussion after the film. We talked about how life s so different today than it was 150 years ago for the young boys who were called to fight in the war. I am not normally a big fan of my kids movies but this was very watchable for my husband and myself and the kids thought it was one of the best films they'd seen in the past 2 years.

I would recommend this film to any family who wants to watch a meaningful film and not just rent a DVD as a babysitter for the kids.