One of the major new movie releases this week poses a follow-up to the old chestnut about the friendship between a boy and his dog. So, does that extend into manhood? And would they be great “travel’ bros’ as in a buddy “road trip” adventure? Well, one of the silver screen’s “hunkiest” (maybe magical) leading men aims to explore that as he does double duty in front of and behind the camera. It’s a kibble-flavored popcorn flick as movie-goers embark on a hero’s journey alongside a lovable but difficult DOG.
The film’s title refers to Lulu (played by a trio of Belgian Malinois), a military canine trained to go into battle in the Middle East. A montage during the opening credits shows her as a puppy, then put into training, and eventually becoming a member of an elite Army Ranger unit. Unfortunately, she’s wounded, earning a purple heart, and so traumatized that she cannot follow commands, even from her handler, Sgt. Rodriguez, who’s also injured. As is his GI brother Briggs (Channing Tatum), who is working as a “sandwich artisan” at a gas stop while he hopes to get the “all clear” to return to duty (the docs say yes, but his captain hesitates). One snowy day at his Oregon home, Briggs gets the call from his cap to join in a “wake” for the now deceased Rodriguez. Cornering his CO at the end of the night, Briggs is given a mission that could be his way back “in”. The family Rodriguez wants Lulu to attend the funeral service in five days. Since she won’t fly, Briggs will need to transport her there in his old beat-up 1984 Ford Bronco. Not an easy task as Lulu is a “broken beast’, much like Briggs (he’s also dealing with PTSD). Ah, but once the trip is over, Briggs will return Lulu to the base to be “terminated” and he’ll be back with his unit. Surely nothing will go wrong on this trek. And Briggs won’t bond with Lulu, will he?
So yes, this is basically a two-person excursion, with Tatum ably doing most of the “heavy lifting” on his broad shoulders. We know from his fairly long list of rom-coms, and of course, those MM’s, that he’s got an undeniable (and a bit undefinable) charm and charisma which can carry him through the most absurdist situations, though an early sequence of him failing to “score” in a Portland bar with the local ladies feels a bit forced. But he’s also got a chance to stretch his dramatic wings as he deals with loss and regret (it’s not till the tale’s midpoint that we’re informed of his estranged wife and child). Plus there’s the added frustration that bubbles to the surface when trying to return to his former life as his mind and body fail him. Oh, there are a few other terrific two-legged actors too, particularly Ethan Suplee, the father (of two kids and of Lulu’s brother) who provides a bit of needed wisdom to Briggs. Ditto for an unlikely couple living “off the grid’ played by the unlikely paired Jane Adams and Kevin Nash, who’s like the burly big brother of Briggs. Oh, and we’ve got to talk about Lulu and the three canine actors that make us believe that this cuddly pup with the big sad brown eyes can unleash (sorry) chaos at any moment.
As I mentioned earlier, this is the directing debut of Tatum, who is ably aided by co-director Reid Carolin (who co-wrote the script with Brett Rodriguez), a daunting task since it’s been nearly five years since his last starring role (LUCKY LOGAN way back in 2017). The duo does their best to reign in the shifting tone of the often disjointed story. A chase through the woods suddenly takes a dark turn into PULP FICTION territory, while a con-artist caper as Briggs and Lulu pose as a blind vet and his service dog in order to get a swanky compted suite skirts the borders of bad taste. The comedy and sincere service dramatic plot butt heads with the film shifting gears too quickly almost inflicting whiplash. The film’s biggest issue may be its confusing marketing. The trailers and even the poster promise a zany slapstick comedy, but the “cute guy and his dog” are facing the same obstacles that many of those returning vets are dealing with. It is great to see Mr. Tatum on-screen again, but let’s hope his future films will be more focused (and the PR more forthcoming) than DOG.
2 Out of 4
DOG is now playing in theatres everywhere
