Dog - A Aventura de Uma Vida

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.

This film's trailer and classification might lead you to believe it's a comedy and although it has some humor in it, it is primary a drama. I was expecting lots of laughs based on the trailer, but I realized the editing on the trailer doesn't match the type of editing style of the actual film.

The film is about two post-war veteran army rangers. Both have unresolved issues. One of the veterans is Army Ranger, Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum). The second is a K-9 Army Ranger by the name of Lulu.

After Lulu's master death, Briggs is charged with the task of delivering the K-9 to its former master's funeral for a last goodbye. The two rangers are reluctantly paired together on a long road trip to the funeral. While on their journey there, the two eventually find comfort and solace in each other. But there are plenty of hiccups along the way.

The film doesn't spell out what Briggs and Lulu are going through. The story is carefully explained through the nuances in their acting and body language. So, this is a read between the lines type of movie. The film is a bit slow but that's probably a good thing considering what the intent of the film is meant to be. Briggs also has domestic issues, but the true nature of the issues aren't disclosed. But based on the fact he wants to leave on another rotation to active duty, it seems he is trying to escape problems with his daughter's mother. Can't tell if he is married to her or just a girlfriend.

It's a good film but probably not a film children will enjoy but empathic adults will understand. Particularly military families.

Dog is a fun movie that knows what it is: a cute dog and a charming lead going on a road trip together while having some misadventures.

I still don't why some movies decide to put CGI dogs in a movie like The Call of The Wild remake. People go see dog movies to see dogs.

Co-director and star Channing Tatum does a nice job with "Dog". It is a great looking movie filled with nice performances. The story does take a few unexpected turns but it never loses focus. The movie has a nice pace and packs more emotion than one might expect. Also, the dog is great. "Dog" is a well done, emotional movie. Honorable mention: the soundtrack. (I saw "Dog" at Regal, Westbury, NY.)

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!