Dog (2022) Movie Review

Dog, released in 2022, is a comedy-drama road trip film directed by Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, marking their directorial debut. Tatum also stars as Jackson Briggs, a former Army Ranger desperate to return to active duty. His chance comes with a challenging assignment: transport Lulu, a Belgian Malinois military dog, from Washington state to Arizona to attend the funeral of her handler, Riley Rodriguez, Briggs’s fallen comrade.

Lulu, traumatized by her wartime experiences, is not your average friendly canine. She’s unpredictable, aggressive, and emotionally closed off. Briggs, still struggling with his own demons and a traumatic brain injury, finds himself battling Lulu at every turn. Their journey becomes a chaotic blend of mishaps, misunderstandings, and forced cohabitation. They encounter quirky characters along the way, including marijuana farmers, eccentric dog trainers, and even a potential love interest for Briggs. Each interaction forces Briggs and Lulu to confront their pasts and slowly, reluctantly, begin to trust each other.

The film’s strength lies in the dynamic between Briggs and Lulu. Tatum delivers a compelling performance, balancing comedic timing with moments of genuine vulnerability. He convincingly portrays a man struggling with physical and emotional scars, yearning for purpose and connection. While Lulu is, of course, a dog, the film cleverly uses her behavior to reflect Briggs’s own emotional state. Her aggression mirrors his suppressed anger, and her fear echoes his own anxieties.

Dog isn’t a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, but it’s a heartwarming and entertaining watch. The road trip format provides a framework for episodic adventures, each adding a layer to the characters’ development. While some of the comedic moments feel somewhat predictable, they are offset by the film’s genuine emotional core. The film explores themes of PTSD, grief, and the importance of human-animal connection. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by military personnel and the challenges they face upon returning home.

Ultimately, Dog is a story about healing and finding companionship in unexpected places. It’s a feel-good movie that manages to balance humor with moments of genuine pathos. While not a masterpiece, it offers a worthwhile and enjoyable cinematic experience, largely thanks to Tatum’s performance and the undeniable charm of Lulu the dog. The film reminds us that even the most damaged souls are capable of finding redemption and connection, and that sometimes, the best therapy comes in the form of a four-legged friend.

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