Dog

I didn't get a chance to see Dog when it was first released a couple of weeks ago so I decided to make time to see it last night and my dog loving heart is so glad that I did!  Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum) is a former U.S. Army Ranger who is suffering from PTSD after a traumatic brain injury.  He is trying to join a global diplomatic protection service but he needs clearance from his former commanding officer who is hesitant to give it because of some lingering effects from his injury.  When a fellow Army Ranger commits suicide, Briggs is asked to drive his dog Lulu, a Belgian Malinois who has also been severely traumatized by combat, from Washington to Arizona to attend his funeral and then to a nearby military base to be euthanized afterwards.  He will receive his clearance if he is able to deliver the dog as promised but Lulu doesn't make it easy for him.  They have a series of misadventures, some of which are very amusing (ahem) and some are incredibly heartwarming, before they end up saving each other.  I really enjoyed Tatum's performance as a man so damaged that he can't make a connection with anyone in his life until he is finally able to make one with a dog.  He imbues Briggs with a lot of vulnerability and I think it is one of his best performances.  I also loved Lulu (the three dogs who play her are pretty good little actors) and several of her scenes reduced me to tears, especially her actions at the funeral of her handler.  The resolution is totally predictable and a bit emotionally manipulative but it hardly matters because I spent most of the movie hoping for the very thing that happens.  I love dogs and I honestly can't remember a time when my family hasn't had at least one so I really enjoyed this feel-good movie.  It might not be for those who are expecting a road trip buddy comedy or for those who don't like dogs but otherwise it is definitely worth checking out.