Should I See 'Dog'? 10 Questions Answered
I generally go to the movies to see movies worthy of the big screen or the state-of-the-art sound system. This tends to be sci-fi, Marvel movies, big action flicks, etc.
Occasionally, my wife, who doesn’t like any of those types of movies, will see a movie preview and insist on seeing the movie in the theatre, even though you gain (in my view) nothing seeing this in the theatre vs watching at home. However, sometimes, you realize it’s better she wants to watch these movies with you than with a girlfriend, so you enjoy the time with her. So that leads to my review of ‘Dog’, which is really more a guide to those who are on the fence about seeing it in a theatre or streaming it.
Before my review, you should know my Dog movie biases:
Channing Tatum: a decent movie star whom I don’t mind seeing, but never flock to the theaters to see if that’s all I know about him
Dogs, as pets: Proud owner of an 11-year-old Golden Retriever, whom I hope will stay with us for the next 30 years.
Dog movies: I rarely see them because they never surprise me
10 questions answered before you see this in the theaters or on streaming:
1) If I love dogs and am not a movie critic by any measure, will I love this movie?
a. The dog is not the most adorable of all the various dog movies out there, but, since all dogs are inherently adorable, you will probably like it.
2) If I like Channing Tatum and don’t care for dogs or dog movies, will I love this movie?
a. ’s an ok vehicle for Channing Tatum; it’s a fairly “color-by-numbers” performance, but he does the things people like about him in here. He has that whole “I’m tough on the outside, but a bit cuddly on the inside” vibe going on the whole time. This I think makes him particularly popular with the ladies (other than his features which I won’t discuss in keeping this review family-friendly, which leads to the next question:
3) If I like Channing Tatum for qualities other than his acting skills, (if you know what I mean), will I love this movie?
a. He takes his shirt off a couple of times, so you’ll have that, but sadly, this is not in the Magic Mike Connected Universe, so you’ll have to live with that and daydream about him taking care of your puppy.
3B) So you’re saying no trench coat needed for this movie?
a. I wouldn’t wear jeans, but that’s about it for this movie
4) My significant other is demanding I see this with her. I don’t like Channing Tatum and I don’t like dog movies. Is there anything in there for me to enjoy?
a. The only interesting scene for this question would be when Bill Burr shows up, and, as a huge Bill Burr fan, he is wildly, and I mean wildly overqualified for this role. He must have been bored or owed the casting director a favor. Anyways, his scene is the best in the movie, by far, assuming you don’t like Tatum or dogs.
5) I don’t like seeing dogs in pain or killed, and I don’t want to cry at the end of this movie. Should I see it?
a. I won’t give any specific spoilers, but, you’re fine to go to this movie
6) I heard PTSD is a major plot element of this movie. Explain?
a. Tatum and the dog both have it. There is nothing remotely approaching First Blood in this movie, and frankly you forget Tatum has it most of the time. The dog’s PTSD is actually the most interesting element of the movie, and they stick with it throughout the movie, but you wish it was done a bit heavier, TBH.
7) Is the movie funny?
a. Humor is super subjective, but as a dog owner, I laughed at the initial scenes when the dog is super acting up. Every puppy owner will relate to those scenes.
8) I lost my dog a few years ago and haven’t gotten a new one yet. Should I see this movie?
a. First, go get a new dog if you can; it’s the best medicine for losing your beloved pet. Secondly, this isn’t really aiming to be a generic “All dogs are amazing” type of movie, it’s really dealing with this one specific dog and its cross country journey and character arc. You should be ok without getting too nostalgic.
9) This really has a PG-13 Rating? Can my 10 year old see it?
a. This is a curious movie in that regard because it could have easily been a PG movie with a couple of minor tweaks. There is a fairly lengthy sexual situation in it, but, as far as sex in movies goes, it’s super-duper mild (and if memory serves there’s no real sexual or even kissing contact in the movie). PTSD might be an awkward conversation for a 10-year-old depending on their maturity. You’ll have to judge your kid’s maturity, but, I’d probably let my 8-year-old daughter see it, but I would probably re-watch that sexual situation scene first.
10) Is it a good movie? Should I see it?
a. Putting aside whether you’ll see anything related to Tatum or dog movies, if you’re just evaluating it as a movie and you’ll see any movie if it’s good, this……..doesn’t pass the test.
It’s way, and I mean way too predictable. If you’ve seen any type of road trip or dog movie, you know all the plot beats ahead of time and won’t be surprised at all. It’s not aiming too high, and (I guess) hoping Tatum will carry the movie, but he’s not that type of movie star.
It’s not anywhere close to offensively bad like many movies are, it’s just like a perfectly ok turkey sandwich in a sea of interesting dinner delicacies.
If you’re just looking for a sweet, sentimental movie because the theatres greatly lack these types of movies, then this will work for you, but not for anyone else.