Dog Soldiers 

Dog Soldiers Review's 2002 British horror film is set in Scotland. An army training exercise turns into a war against werewolves.

Director Neil Marshall

Writer Neil Marshall

Cast

• Kevin McKidd, Private Cooper
  
• Sean Pertwee, Sergeant Harry G. Wells
  
• Emma Cleasby, Megan
  
• Chris Robson, Private Joe Kirkley
  
• Leslie Simpson, Private Terry Milburn
  
• Liam Cunningham, Captain Ryan
  
• Darren Morfitt, Private "Spoon" Witherspoon

Kismet Entertainment Group, Running time 104 minutes.

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A group of army soldiers is sent on a routine training exercise. They're expected to meet up with some SAS soldiers before beginning their training in the highlands of Scotland. Instead, upon arrival, they discover the SAS members torn to pieces. 

However, it turns out there is one remaining survivor, Captain Ryan. Captain Ryan gives the soldiers hints about what attacked him and killed his troops; distressed and traumatized, Captain Ryan cannot explain what happened.

There aren't many decent werewolf films, which is surprising considering how well-known the creature is. 

But, of course, I am talking about actual Werewolf movies, not films that include werewolves like the Twilight films. 

So we have the British low-budget horror movie Dog Soldiers. Because I am not a great admirer of British movies, I didn't have high expectations for this.

Dog soldiers certainly have plenty of action, shooting, blood, and swearing. The pacing is good, which prevents boredom. 

I like the Werewolf design. The wolf's humanoid creatures are giant, fast, and very deadly. Unfortunately, there seems to be no CG in the manner it should be. The werewolves are simply men in suits, which is OK. 

Still, the cheap budget occasionally shows in the effects, particularly the creatures and gore.

For the most part, the acting is sufficient. However, some of the dialogue is corny and coarse, typical of British films. 

However, things aren't that bad here. Isn't it true that (Sergeant Harry G. Wells) is by far the most lovable character and provides some amusing moments?

It's not very memorable, although there are some enjoyable moments. Nevertheless, Dog Soldiers is a fun film that everyone who likes werewolves should watch.

Review:

Dog Soldiers isn't for you if Hollywood glitz and glam is your thing.

After a short off-screen introduction to the Werewolf, we're introduced to the actors. Next, a ragtag group of British troops takes part in an exercise session right at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. 

The conversation is bright and British right from the start. There are no Dick Van Dyke accents or lines here; the language is genuine in a way that only a British person can understand.

The cast is also entirely British, with a dour Scot (McKidd) and two foul-mouthed, wisecracking Geordies leading the way. So there aren't any stereotypes there! 

However, there are a few aspects that stand out right away. One, most of the cast is unknown, except for Sean Pertwee. 

Two, some of the young performers nearly scream at moments, "How can I do this acting?"

But, on the other hand, the performers are at their greatest when the conversation is funniest when the troops are joking around. 

Darren Morfitt shines as Spoon, who is frequently amusing. This man does a fantastic job with his hilarious delivery.

The Werewolf makes his first appearance at the half-hour mark. But, unfortunately, it's only seen in glimpses at first, as it follows the troops through the twilit woods in silhouette. 

Nevertheless, it's an excellent introduction to lycanthropes. Seconds later, the Soldiers try and play patty-cake with the monster arm through the roof of a land rover. 

Act 2 sees the troops locked away inside an abandoned building, fending off the hairy goons after they escape from the clutches of the Werewolf.

One of my concerns going into the production was whether the werewolves would be realistic enough to make Dog Soldiers an accurate horror picture.

That apprehension is allayed as soon as you have a good look at them, and I must say, they look fantastic. 

There's no CGI nonsense here; simply prominent men in big fuzzy clothes, but the wolves have an indefinable charm. 

They don't always appear or feel like suits-wearing males. They seem to act their movements occasionally, but only in long shots.

It's wolves disguised as humans. They even sound amazing, especially the yelps of pain after being shot. 

It's also at this moment that you grasp the film's actual direction. Dog Soldiers was supposed to be a true horror film, or at least that was my expectation. 

Instead, dog Troops was supposed to be a film about soldiers terrified of simple killing machines—Private Ryan's traumatic experience of only killing one opponent.

The further the film progresses, the less severe the issue and its enemies are treated. They take everything in stride, and weapons are drawn, gum chewing and sarcastically mocking the opponent. Saddam Hussein would be cooked if these soldiers were sent to Iraq.

Pertwee, the most outstanding actor, appears only briefly in the middle of the picture for some inexplicable reason. 

I suppose natural acting' isn't required in this picture because it isn't severe. But nonetheless, it was a squandering of talent.

Unfortunately, when Dog Soldiers need to go for the kill, we get legendary levels of 'quipping in the face of death.' 

Although this isn't an Evil Dead comedy, some of the last phrases must be heard to be believed. So, Arnie, take a bite out of your heart.

Without question, Dog Soldiers is a great movie. It's a lot of fun, to be sure. It features a lot of positive attributes that make it a good choice. 

Unfortunately, it's just not the movie I was anticipating. Despite this, I think that Dog Soldiers will grow on me, just like fur.