DOG SOLDIERS
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Since hearing about it earlier this year I have had high hopes for DOG SOLDIERS. Would it bring some bite back to the recently toothless werewolf movie? Could it spark a revieval in long traditional, now dead, British Horror?
DOG SOLDIERS is so obviously British, in so many ways. It looks more like British TV than Hollywood blockbuster. So be warned, if Hollywood polish is your thing, DOG SOLDIERS probably isn't.
Directed and written by Neil Marshall, it upon analysis seems less an original creation and more a mix of various other well known films.
For concept, take the "Werewolves alive in north Britain" angle (AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON).
For plot, start with a group of soldiers being hunted in the woods (PREDATOR) and finish off with them barricading themselves up in a house, fighting to survive till dawn ().
So, okaaay, it might not beat you over the head with originality but the idea of stranding half a dozen soldiers in a forest full of werewolves is just so, well, cooooool...
After a quick off-screen introduction to the werewolf we are then introduced to the cast. A motley crew of British soldiers on an exercise in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. From the getgo the dialogue is colourful, and British. No Dick Van Dyke accents or lines here, the language is authentic in a way only a Brit can truly appreciate.
The cast is also (thank god!) all British, and led by a gruff Scot (McKidd) and a couple of foulmouthed, wisecracking Geordies. So no stereotypes there then!
A couple of things are immediately apparent though. One, the cast is made up of unknowns, the exception being Sean Pertwee (son of DOCTOR WHO's John). Two, that some of the young actors practically scream "How do I do this acting, then?" at times. They are *that* raw.
The actors though are at their best when the dialogue is at its funniest, when the soldiers are wisecracking amongst themselves. Darren Morfitt (the raw Geordie) particularly excels as the often funny Spoon. This guys comic delivery is excellent.
At the half hour mark, the werewolf makes its first appearance. At first it is merely glimpsed in flashes, as, in silouette, it chases the soldiers through the twilit woods. It makes for a perfect introduction to the lycanthropes.
Seconds later, when the Soldiers decide to play patty-cake with the werewolves arm through the roof of a landrover, I was just dying to shout "For fucks sake! Just get your gun out and blow it's fucking head off!"
After escaping the clutches of the Werewolf Act 2 sees the soldiers holed up in an empty house holding the furry bastards at bay.
Going into the film one of my fears was "Would the werewolves be realistic enough to allow DOG SOLDIERS to be a 'serious' horror film?"
That fear is answered as soon as you get the first real look at them and I have to say (for a non Hollywood blockbuster) they look DAMN good. No CGI shit here, just big men in big furry suits, but the wolves have a real indefinable quality about them. They (mostly) don't look (or feel) like men in suits. O.K. they sometimes look like they are acting their movements but only in the extended shots.
They are wolves in the shape of men, more like The Howling than American Werewolf. Hell they even sound good, particularly the yelps of pain as they are riddled with bullets.
This is also the point you realise the real direction of the film.
What I expected, or maybe hoped, was that Dog Soldiers would be a 'real' horror movie. None of this self deprecating Scream shit. Not even an Evil Dead comedy.
I wanted Dog' to be a movie about soldiers experiencing the mind numbing terror of facing real killing machines. The trauma of Private Ryan, only facing an enemy that you CANNOT kill...
The further through the film goes though the less serious the situation and it's antagonists are treated. The soldiers aren't shitting themselves shouting "What the fuck are these things?!". They take it in stride, guns at the ready, chewing gum and making fun of the enemy. British badasses (Hell they are Northern!) that make John Wayne look like Shirley Temple. Send these guys to Iraq and Saddam is toast.
For some unexplicable reason Pertwee, the best actor among them, is barely featured in the middle half of the film. I guess though being that the film isn't overly serious that 'real acting' isn't needed. Still a waste of talent though.
Unfortunately, at least for me, when Dog Soldiers needed to go for the jugular we get 'quipping in the face of death' of legendary proportions. This isn't Evil Dead comedy, but some of the parting lines delivered late in the film have to be heard to be believed. Arnie eat your heart out.
Dog Soldiers is without doubt a good film. Hell it's *definitely* a fun film. It has many things going for it that make it a recommendation.
It just unfortunately isn't the film *I* was hoping for.
I have a feeling though that despite all that, Dog Soldiers, like fur, will grow on me...
- JohnShaft
WHAT YOU SAID [VIEW]
dhrupick saidI liked this movie. I had pretty high expectations for the film and it lived up to all of them. The effects were for the most part top notch and the CGI was pretty tame except for a couple death scenes. Overall it's one of the best I've seen from last year.
42nd Street Freak said
I am waiting for the superior R2 release of this next month..my thoughts...
There is some great black humour on show to balance the violent action. The sequence where a delirious Sgt Wells (Sean Pertwee) has his ripped open stomach tended to (some nice darkly funny gore on show) is a blood coated riot that amazingly puts a smile on the viewers face even as exposed entrails slop all over the screen.
The gore is plentiful but used carefully for full shock effect.
The Werewolf kills are realistically messy as victims are ripped apart and eaten, entrails are flung around, blood sprays and in one memorably gory scene a head is ripped off and casually tossed at a terrified soldier. The Werewolves themselves (SFX, supervised by British horror effects veteran Bob Keen of HELLRAISER fame) are very impressive, especially considering the budget, and thankfully walk around on two legs in true wolfman style. They are quite close to the underrated work that Rob Bottin did on THE HOWLING and make for impressive beasts. They are only shown, until the superbly crafted finale, in half light or in quick cuts and camera pans and this works well, giving us enough not to get frustrated but never letting them become to detailed. A good move that avoids the all too common "men in suits"™ look.
There are a few faults, like the dialogue being sometimes too cliche for it's own good.
The small budget is defied for the most part, but during the chase through the woods, we do have a strange and glaringly obvious change of location for the close up action. We bizarrely go from normal, open, tall tree filled woods to what looks like a maze built from small, close knit Christmas trees which sadly distracts from the unfolding, violent chaos. But this is the only concession to the films low budget origins, and in general the movie puts a lot of larger budgeted exercises to shame. Despite the obvious nods to other films (some well known such as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and THE HOWLING, but also more obscure stuff like SCARECROW�), the film actually has a unique feel that makes for a surprisingly original take on the Werewolf myth.
The cinematography (by Sam McCurdy) and lighting are very well done, it does come across as rather staged (and you do wonder where the light that sometimes glares into the house comes from) but it works in the context of creating atmosphere.
The Direction by Neil Marshall is assured, not only with the fine handling of the dialogue scenes but also during the brilliantly orchestrated action sequences as the Werewolves attack the house from all directions and the viewer, just like the soldiers, never knows where they are going to burst in from next. Real edge of the seat stuff.
We have some nice plot twists (one at the end is a great throwback to the films opening) that add an extra level to the films basic Werewolf premise and overall i thought it an exciting, funny, violent, gory and superbly entertaining horror film.
JohnShaft said
There is some great black humour on show to balance the violent action. The sequence where a delirious Sgt Wells (Sean Pertwee) has his ripped open stomach tended to (some nice darkly funny gore on show) is a blood coated riot that amazingly puts a smile on the viewers face even as exposed entrails slop all over the screen.
The gore is plentiful but used carefully for full shock effect.
The Werewolf kills are realistically messy as victims are ripped apart and eaten, entrails are flung around, blood sprays and in one memorably gory scene a head is ripped off and casually tossed at a terrified soldier. The Werewolves themselves (SFX, supervised by British horror effects veteran Bob Keen of HELLRAISER fame) are very impressive, especially considering the budget, and thankfully walk around on two legs in true wolfman style. They are quite close to the underrated work that Rob Bottin did on THE HOWLING and make for impressive beasts. They are only shown, until the superbly crafted finale, in half light or in quick cuts and camera pans and this works well, giving us enough not to get frustrated but never letting them become to detailed. A good move that avoids the all too common "men in suits"™ look.
There are a few faults, like the dialogue being sometimes too cliche for it's own good.
The small budget is defied for the most part, but during the chase through the woods, we do have a strange and glaringly obvious change of location for the close up action. We bizarrely go from normal, open, tall tree filled woods to what looks like a maze built from small, close knit Christmas trees which sadly distracts from the unfolding, violent chaos. But this is the only concession to the films low budget origins, and in general the movie puts a lot of larger budgeted exercises to shame. Despite the obvious nods to other films (some well known such as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and THE HOWLING, but also more obscure stuff like SCARECROW�), the film actually has a unique feel that makes for a surprisingly original take on the Werewolf myth.
The cinematography (by Sam McCurdy) and lighting are very well done, it does come across as rather staged (and you do wonder where the light that sometimes glares into the house comes from) but it works in the context of creating atmosphere.
The Direction by Neil Marshall is assured, not only with the fine handling of the dialogue scenes but also during the brilliantly orchestrated action sequences as the Werewolves attack the house from all directions and the viewer, just like the soldiers, never knows where they are going to burst in from next. Real edge of the seat stuff.
We have some nice plot twists (one at the end is a great throwback to the films opening) that add an extra level to the films basic Werewolf premise and overall i thought it an exciting, funny, violent, gory and superbly entertaining horror film.
Have to agree with your points Lucio.
When I got over the fact it wasn't a super serious Werewolf movie but one which was at sometimes tongue in cheek I really enjoyed it.
The action was superbly staged, especially if you let yourself believe that the reason the soldiers didn't get torn apart on contact was because they were being toyed with like a cat plays with a mouse. Take for example Spoon boxing a Werewolf.
I loved the British cast (maybe helps that I'm British) and think they made the film seem a lot more believable and less like a Hollywood movie as they were so down to earth.
Spoon was the stand out for me. I thought he was at times funny as hell. Darrenn Morfitt who played him is from about five miles from me, and it was utterly refreshing to have fellow North Easterners in a film.
I was hoping that Deathwatch would be similarly successful but from the little I've heard it is perhaps not going to be the film Dogs' was. I would be interested if anyone has seen it.
But for anyone who can take a hefty dose of black comedy with their horror Dog Soldiers more than delivers.
42nd Street Freak said
When I got over the fact it wasn't a super serious Werewolf movie but one which was at sometimes tongue in cheek I really enjoyed it.
The action was superbly staged, especially if you let yourself believe that the reason the soldiers didn't get torn apart on contact was because they were being toyed with like a cat plays with a mouse. Take for example Spoon boxing a Werewolf.
I loved the British cast (maybe helps that I'm British) and think they made the film seem a lot more believable and less like a Hollywood movie as they were so down to earth.
Spoon was the stand out for me. I thought he was at times funny as hell. Darrenn Morfitt who played him is from about five miles from me, and it was utterly refreshing to have fellow North Easterners in a film.
I was hoping that Deathwatch would be similarly successful but from the little I've heard it is perhaps not going to be the film Dogs' was. I would be interested if anyone has seen it.
But for anyone who can take a hefty dose of black comedy with their horror Dog Soldiers more than delivers.
I loved Spoons final line! Wonderfully English!
I was surprised that it has trvelled so well over the pond due to the mix of strong accents and football references..sadly they first got it cut on the Sci-Fi channel, so too many saw it with some of the gore and language trimmed.
Roll on 17th Feb for that DVD.
JohnShaft said
I was surprised that it has trvelled so well over the pond due to the mix of strong accents and football references..sadly they first got it cut on the Sci-Fi channel, so too many saw it with some of the gore and language trimmed.
Roll on 17th Feb for that DVD.
Absolutely agree! As an Englishman it was a joy to watch. The dialect was superb. But I expected Americans to wonder what the hell they were talking about.
Spoon's final line does go down as an absolute classic.
Shame about the cuts on Sci-Fi, but at least they got it on there pretty quick. I think maybe that's part of the reason the film has been so well received so quickly.
I just think it's great that we can show that all is not lost in British horror...
42nd Street Freak said
Spoon's final line does go down as an absolute classic.
Shame about the cuts on Sci-Fi, but at least they got it on there pretty quick. I think maybe that's part of the reason the film has been so well received so quickly.
I just think it's great that we can show that all is not lost in British horror...
Agreed..i have not seen "Deathwatch", but the trailer looked excellent.
And "28Days Later", despite the faults, was also very good.
*Much Union Jack waving*
Furious said
And "28Days Later", despite the faults, was also very good.
*Much Union Jack waving*
im not British,i live in the U.s.I though this movie kicked ass!I rented it from a video store a while ago and i just got it on DVD.I love werewoplf movies and this might be one of the best i have seen.I heard about the sequel called Dog Soldiers:Fresh Meat.I can't wait
rusty nails said
it was ok but it did not stand the pace of ginger snaps what classic, but no werewolf movie can't beat a good old british movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON they have to go far too top that aint it proud to be british (TO SOME EXTENT YES OTHER WISE NO)
Keederdag said
I truly Loved Dog Soldiers. I think It may be my alltime favorite werewolf flick. As an American, I was truly impressed by both Dog's and 28 Day's. Frankly I didnt know you guy's had it in you! Lately the stuff being put out over here is pure mindless crap. We could use more of the same from the Englesh. Interesting part for me was the true lack of all gore/violence I ever saw out of GB for the longest time. Jesus, as I understand Straw Dog's was banned over there No? Now it seems we violent/gore prone Yanks are being outdone. I have seen more gun-play in recent GB films than I have seen Cockney accents. :D
GoredMike said
Yeah I loved Dog Soldiers when I watched it. It was very enjoyable. What it said on the cover was enough to make me get it; "If you liked Predator and Aliens, you're gonna love this!"
Dog Soldiers is awesome! said
I think Dog Soldiers is an AWESOME movie - I love it!!! Dog Soldiers is my favorite movie.
The problem is, I don't know where to go to buy it on VHS.(I don't even know if it is released yet!!!)
Anyway, I thought I would just leave this little message; no biggie. See-yall'!!
Beast said
The problem is, I don't know where to go to buy it on VHS.(I don't even know if it is released yet!!!)
Anyway, I thought I would just leave this little message; no biggie. See-yall'!!
While in terms of sheer unrelenting terror brilliance and spectacle in Neil Marshall's second film and magum opus, 'The Descent', 'Dog Soldiers' cannot even compare, but by no means does that mean it is a bad film. While it is fairly slow-paced, drags on a little bit and distinctly lacks variety in places, 'Dog Soldiers' is still an exceptionally-made, hilarious werewolf movie with excellent special effects. Neil Marshall has not displayed the full potential of his talent as he would three years later in 'The Descent', but it is still a very respectable horror debut and a very enjoyable film on its own.
B+
B+
DIRECTOR
Neil MarshallCAST
Sean PertweeKevin McKidd
Emma Clearsby
Liam Cunningham
Thomas Lockyer
Darren Morfitt
RELEASE DATE
2002REVIEWER
JohnShaftREVIEW DATE
31st October 2002 - 8:23PMTaglines
- Six Soldiers. Full Moon. No chance.
Trivia
- Set In Scotland but filmed in Luxemborg.
- The piece that Megan plays on the piano halfway through the film is Debussy's "Clair de Lune", roughly translatable as "moonbeam". The link is obvious, but is possibly also a nod to An American Werewolf in London (1981), the soundtrack of which consisted purely of songs with "moon" in the title.
- One of the soldiers in this movie is called Bruce Campbell, a reference to The Evil Dead (1981) (Bruce Campbell is the actor who portrayed its hero Ash and the film seems to have partially inspired the plot of Dog Soldiers (2002)).
- Near the start of the film, they discover the tracking chip in their radio and someone mentions the Kobiashi Maru scenario, originally in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982).
- The G3 rifle used by Spoon and later Terry didn't work properly when firing blanks. During some scenes in the house, you can see Terry manually working the bolt to chamber the next round.
- In the scene where Wells asks Cooper to knock him out, Kevin McKidd (Cooper) throws a stage punch the first time, but misjudges the distance of the second and catches Sean Pertwee (Wells) on the nose. Pertwee didn't feel the punch however as he really was drunk for that scene.
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