BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
Dog
(Now showing in theatres)
Rated PG-13 – for adult themes
The first thing you need to know about this week’s film, Dog, is that the marketing people behind the advertising of this film have completely misrepresented what it is.
Marketed as a comedy, Dog is a drama. Yes, there are funny moments, but I assure you, it is not a comedy.
Channing Tatum plays Briggs, a former U.S. Army Ranger who, while in combat, sustained a serious brain injury, as well as multiple gunshot wounds. Ignoring the side effects of his injury and his PTSD, he is desperately trying to get back into security work for diplomatic travel. To secure the position, he needs his former commanding officer to sign off on his health. In order to get that sign off, he is forced to escort his recently-deceased former squad member’s combat dog to the funeral.
The dog, named Lulu, is also suffering from PTSD and lashes out at all that approach her.
This film is about healing, common ground, and understanding that erasing trauma is not in the cards, but healing can be. There is a strong message here,, folks, about how we treat our Veterans after their service is completed. The last two decades of war have left far too many scarred, both externally and internally, and this film shows us that fact.
There are lighthearted moments, including a scam to get a free hotel room, but the majority of the movie focuses on Briggs and Lulu and their slow journey to trusting again.
Three out of five stars for this one, because it is a very well done film about an important topic. It is well worth the price of admission.