Last of the Dogmen

Rating:
Summary: discovering this movie is like finding a gem...
Review: Screenwriter Tab Murphy (Gorillas in the Mist, Disney's Tarzan, Atlantis) directs his first feature film, an adventure fantasy that borrows the best traditions of old westerns and infuses them with a modern sense of humanity and an awareness of the consequences of American expansion and growth over the last 200-plus years. In short, Tom Berenger plays a bounty hunter in a small mountain community, a decent guy who sorta keeps to himself, which makes certain folks suspicious that he's up to some sort of no good. When Berenger discovers that an ancient tribe of Indians, the Dogmen, have been living in the mountains nearby, completely cut off from the white man, he becomes determined to protect them from being discovered and corrupted by the outside world. His efforts to do so raise more suspicion among the townfolk, leading to the film's dramatic, climactic confrontations. The film has mystery, romance (Barbara Hershey is great) incredible scenery (it was filmed in Canada and Mexico) and a great symphonic score. "Las of the Dogmen," I believe, was the last movie ever released by Savoy Pictures, just as the distributor was folding its tent and going bankrupt. They put no effort into promoting the film and it died on the vine. What's worse, they made the horrible mistake of taking the movie out of director Murphy's hands at the last minute and adding a horrible voice-over track by Wilford Brimley (Mr. lemonade) which adds nothing to the story and is, in fact, completely irritating. That the film is still so entertaining and enjoyable despite this is proof that a great story and fine performances will shine through.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing and entertaining drama-adventure
Review: This one caught me by surprise, to say the least. While Hershey's supporting performance wasn't up to her usual high quality, Berringer was quite convincing. I was, however, drawn into the story I found myself reacting strongly (as I'm sure the director intended). Rarely does that happen with this particular genre.

While I could have lived without the historically inaccurate narration (the reason it got 4 stars rather than 5), I have an unusual level of knowledge on Native American history, and so such inaccuracies were a distraction to me. However, the narration may be useful as part of the story for those with little or no knowledge of Native Americans, particularly in laying out the premise and maintaining continuity.

The cinematography itself is stunning, demonstrating the talents and imagination of the director, camera operators, and editors. The movie uses this in place of the gimmicky special effects and stunts of most modern movies, and the result is excellent.

Overall, a well done movie that most will enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Last of the Dogmen
Review: I was flipping channels during the Olympics and came across this movie on a local independent station. The movie captured my attention enough to watch most of it. I had no idea what was happening at first, so I decided to look it up in the television guide from our newspaper. The movie critic who rates these for the Pioneer Press gave it one star. At first I was inclined to agree as Tom Berenger is really a second rate character actor.

But the movie grew on me. I found it engaging and entertaining, what else should a movie be? My emotions swayed with the events on the screen. I felt anger at the Indians then sympathy. The story line is off of mainstream, but I like that. There is no chance of a corny sequel and I also like that. This is a good movie and it is worth a look. Tom Berenger still can't act, but the movie absorbed his weaknesses well.