Dog

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 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!

This is a very straightforward movie about PTSD. Do not make the mistake that you are going to watch a comedy! The drama here is imbedded throughout the whole movie. The mental health of veterans. Two former Army Rangers are having a road trip of a lifetime. Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier's funeral on time. First time director Channing Tatum is apparently not only a good actor, but in this movie he proofs he can also direct. In this movie his acting is so good that you really start to think he has a brain injury. Despite the fact that the ending is predictable, it is a very good movie. No need to think too much about the story, just a movie you will enjoy. A solid 7/10.

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.

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.