Sun Dogs

There are some movies that stands out from the typical Hollywood pattern. These movies mix in all kinds of genres, and dare to do something different. And this is the kinds of films that makes me interested, because they don´t care about what they should be doing. One perfect example of this is the 2009 film Gentlemen Broncos, from director Jared Hess. Now, this may not be a classic, like his film Napoleon Dynamite, but i have to say Gentlemen Broncos is a really entertaining film. It is an odd story about a sci fi writer named Benjamin Purvis ( played by actor Michael Angarano ), who gets his novel stolen by famous author Dr. Ronald Chevalier ( played by actor Jemaine Clement ). In my personal opinion, Gentlemen Broncos was one of the funniest films released in the year 2009, and is still today a very funny film. This film is a crazy mix of sci fi and comedy, with some really interesting odd characters. This is a film you must own on DVD or Blu Ray, and i guarantee you will enjoy this film if you are in the right mood. Speaking of actor Michael Angarano, let´s talk about his acting career a bit. He have made a lot of films over the years, and i think you will probably remember him mostly from the Jackie Chan / Jet Li film known as The Forbidden Kingdom. He did a great performance in the Kevin Smith film Red State from 2010, a film i highly recommend that you should see. A very different film from legendary director / actor Kevin Smith. I also want to mention that i enjoyed actor Michael Angarano in the film Wild Card with action star Jason Statham. What makes Wild Card interesting, is that this is not the typical Statham film, and i liked the premise surrounding the story of gambling, while dealing with personal issues. I am always curious to see the upcoming films of Angarano, since he seems to choose very different types of characters. And not that long ago, i discovered that he have released a new film called Sun Dogs. A film i knew nothing about, and this is why i was curious to check it out. I noticed that this film is directed by Jennifer Morrison, who fans of TV series Once Upon A Time recognize her as the character Emma Swan. She have been an actor for almost 20 years, and with Sun Dogs she steps into the director chair, making her first full feature directorial debut film. Is this a film that should be seen by a large audience, or a film that is doomed to be forgotten ?

Ned Chipley ( Michael Angarano ) is a young man, training to join the Marine Corps. His parents Rose Chipley ( Allison Janney ) and Bob Garrity ( Ed O´Neill ) know that Ned is taking this Marine Corps training too serious, but let him follow his dreams. Ned visits an office for the Marine Corps, where he hopes to join. He is specifically excited to meet a certain Sergeant, but finds out he is no longer in this office. Instead he gets to meet Master Sgt. Jenkins ( Xzibit ), who listens to his stories. Ned believe he can help the Marine Corps to fight terrorism. At first Sgt Jenkins have a positive view on Ned, but he realise soon that Ned have mental problems. But this does not stop Ned, he meets a young woman named Tally Petersen ( Melissa Benoist ) who belive that Ned have actually been figthing in a war, and is spying on real terrorists. The more time they spend together, Tally is about to find out the real truth behind Ned´s life.

If i would try and explain what kind of film Sun Dogs is, i could probably not tell you in a simple way. This film is odd, in the sense that you have a man who is addicted to join the Marine Corps, even if he have no education or the right training. So he lives in his own imaginary world, thinking he is helping America by spying on terrorists. The idea itself is actually a great concept for a film, and Sun Dogs manage to make the main character fit this story. Is he crazy ? Yes, he clearly have a mental problem. And the film tries to show how bad things can become, if a person with mental problems act outside of laws. In one way, this film have some charming moments, and then you have the other story of the mentally ill patient behavior. I believe that people who work in health care, can have an advantage with this film, especially if you work with people who have mental problems. Lead actor Jemaine Clement does a great performance as the over hyped Marine Corps dreamer Ned Chipley. All he can think of is helping the Marine Corps, anything else does not matter. I also enjoy the performance of legendary actor Ed O´Neil, playin Ned´s father Bob. I have always loved seeing Ed O'Neil, ever since the classic TV comedy series Married With Children, and he is still great in this film. I am surprised to see how good actor Alvin " Xzibit "Joiner is in the role as Master Sgt. Jenkins. He actually does this role in a much more serious tone, than i have ever seen him do before. So well done Xzibit, keep this up and i know you will give us something special in the future. Actor Melissa Benoist also gives a good performance, as the young adventurous woman Tally. What makes Sun Dogs work, is the combination of comedy and serious drama. Since the film focuses on how obsessed you can be about something you love, it is easy to see why there are many patients worldwide who would need help. Director Jennifer Morrison have made her first directorial debut film into a unique story. And she clearly seemed to know how to handle this film in a effective way, without using too many cliches. Is there anything missing here ? There probably is, but i must say that i´m not bothered by that. I enjoy this film for trying to give us a unique lead character, with a story that has a lot to say about our dreams and visions. If you happen to get a rainy summer day, why not watch Sun Dogs ? This is a film that will be enjoyed by those, who especially enjoy smaller quality films.

Rating: DDD