DOG – A Review By Gadi Elkon

Here is Gadi’s review of DOG.

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness.

Channing Tatum as Briggs really showcases both the physicality and the comedic elements that have made him a star on screen.  Chemistry with an animal can be difficult to capture on screen and there is little doubt that the Tatum is a dog lover.  The up and down relationship between Briggs and Lulu really shines and holds your attention for the entire film.  The film has an ability to have the perfect stop down moments even with a fast pace throughout.

The plot is a bit predictable but that doesn’t bog down the connection between man and his best friend.  Also the added bonus of diving into the unique demeanors in the Army world is refreshing.  The appeal of the Rangers seems to spark from this rogue mentality compared to their other Army brethren and that is captured in the film.  The connection highlights the tremendous brotherhood that is looked at when a fellow Ranger is mourned.   Ethan Suplee’s character is especially nice addition in showcasing a former vet that has transitioned successfully back into home life.  This happy character type is often not shown in films with military themes and Ethan’s scenes with Channing are my favorite in the entire movie.

DOG does a wonderful job of letting the music and score carry us at times across the beautiful Pacific coastline.  This visual/sound design is a real highlight and gives another “character” element to the road trip vibe.

Give your pooch a big ol’ hug and go see the taming of Lulu in DOG.

DOG

Directed by: Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum

Written by:  Reid Carolin

Rated: PG-13

Selig Rating 4 Stars

Running Time: 1h 41min

Comedy  Adventure

Release: Exclusively in Theaters on February 18th, 2022.

Starring: Channing Tatum, Channing Tatum, Jane Adams, Kevin Nash, Q’orianka Kilcher, Ethan Suplee, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Nicole LaLiberté, Luke Forbes, Ronnie Gene Blevins

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.

4 Stars – Good movie

3 Stars – OK movie

2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.

1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.