I’m a sucker for animal movies, especially when the animal in question can help improve the life of the human attached to it. The distaff version of this retiring service animal type of story, Megan Leavey, was pretty solid a few years ago, and now it is Channing Tatum’s turn. He not only stars, but co-directs the film.
Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum’s film follows former Ranger Jackson Briggs (Tatum) who wants back in, despite medical issues that should rightfully keep him out of combat forever. His former commander gives him one chance, which is to bring another former Ranger’s service dog to that soldier’s funeral. Nobody can handle the dog, but Briggs doesn’t care; this is his opportunity. Briggs and the dog, Lulu (a Belgian Malinois, similar to a German Shepherd), have the adventure of a lifetime on the road from Oregon to Arizona, and you can easily guess how everything turns out.
The conclusion is foregone, but the delight ought to be the journey to that conclusion. Sadly, that’s where this story has its biggest problems. Briggs is a mess and he just doesn’t know how to relate to man, woman or beast. Some of the detours are comic, some are concerning. Lulu has the upper hand at all times, no matter what he thinks. And other people demonstrate what a great dog she really is, to his consternation. I just didn’t have any patience for Briggs’ constant bellyaching and inability to see past his own situation. The human angle is what drives the story and I was unsatisfied watching this particular human.
That said, the conclusion delivers just the right action on Lulu’s part and on Briggs’ as well. After an hour and half of sighing a lot it made me cry (I explained that I am a sucker for animal movies). That’s why it rates another half star, on top of the routine two. If you can put up with Channing Tatum’s constant chatter and self-destructive behavior (Briggs is definitely hurting) then you may enjoy this straightforward but doleful adventure. I like the dog much better than the person. ☆ ☆ 1/2. 5 April 2022.