StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
SnoopyStyle
Tom (Luke Ford) arrives at a remote bar to find a bunch of men trying to euthanize a dog. They can't and Jack Collins (Noah Taylor) recounts the story of the dog. In 1971, Jack picks up the dog in the middle of the road. His bad-smelling farts force them to put the dog in the open trailer. By the time they arrive in the mining town of Dampier, the dog is covered with red dust gaining the name Red Dog. He has no owner and hitches rides by simply sitting in the middle of the road. He is more a member of the community of brash miners. New bus driver John Grant (Josh Lucas) is intrigued and becomes his friend. New secretary Nancy Grey (Rachael Taylor) pushes her way to sit in his seat on the bus. John and Nancy become a couple. When John dies riding his bike, Red Dog travels the world looking for his friend.This is one of those doggy movies. It could have been better to fully embrace the genre. It certainly has some wacky comedy fun. I care a lot less about Josh Lucas. The movie should follow only Red Dog and his various adventures. Jack keeps going back to the animal hospital and that sequence is pretty fun. Red Dog looking for John is really touching. This movie should be Benji with some dirtier jokes. I also don't like starting the movie in the future with the euthanasia. It's an awkward attempt at a joke and that happens a few times in this movie.
gorgil-21631
Many of the scenes in Red Dog were made up like the hotel the action started at I was their in 1070 to late 72 and it was a brick and tile building in Dampier not a tin shed. all the Dongers Single accommodation I saw were square transportable, but one thing I do remember I would ride a motorbike from Karratha to just out side Dampier following the overhead telegraph and one time a dog was sitting in the middle of the dirt track I stopped and he jumped on the back of my Suzuki he got off when I stopped to go on to the main road just before the salt flats. as for the rest I think it was a big stretch of the imagination. I did like the story and it brought back fond memories of Dampier and the North West it is a pity the hotel the Mermaid was miss represented in front of the hotel was a bitumen car park and then a shopping mall with shops at either side and a walkway down the middle. one shot taken looking at the Island (East Intercourse Island) I feel was over light up for its tile. Also from just outside Karratha right down to Dampier the road was sealed bitumen. I am a stickler for details in this type of movies
Amy Adler
A man in a watering hole tells this tale to his fellow down under countrymen. In west Australia, at a desert-mining community, an engaging Aussie Kelpie, Red Dog, once begged for a ride from two village members. The canine got it, but after smelling his strong odor, they put him in the back of the truck. Once back at the little town, everyone falls for Red, as he is lovable and expressive. But, when a new employee of the mines, John (Josh Lucas) from the States arrives, Red is transfixed. Slowly, the dog worms his way into John's heart, even being allowed to ride the mining bus with the others. The only one not really crazy about Red Dog is Red Cat, who resides in a nearby mobile home park. Then, a beautiful lady arrives to be the mining business secretary. Her name is Nancy (Rachael Taylor) and she is spunky and nice. Soon, John is smitten and asks for her hand. But, one the night they get engaged, John tells Red Dog to guard his house all night while he, John, goes off to Nancy's. Very bright, Red obeys. But, alas, John is killed in a motorcycle accident and never returns. Red, waiting faithfully, is fed by friends and neighbors. But, unhappy, the dog decides if John won't come home, he, Red Dog, will go search for him. The Kelpie starts visiting town's all over the west coast. Will the small mining town lose both John and Red forever? This fab film has everything going for it. First, it has a nice cast, which includes Koko's wonderful turn as Red Dog. Then, the story is based on a true tale and it will make everyone laugh, cry, and cheer! Finally, the exotic setting is so harshly beautiful that it is a treat for the eyes. Are you ready for a film to rock your evening? Don't fail to find Red Dog!
seamus-69
Red Dog is a movie which will tell you more about yourself than you might believe. At an extreme, if you like it, you're an empathetic soul who can revel in a good yarn and be whisked away into a world of yesteryear. If you don't like it you are probably a narcissist. So if you know where you sit on the scale between empathetic soul and narcissist you can simply decide to watch it based on your own assumption of your character. The movie has very few flaws (yes I am the empathetic soul) that aren't easily forgivable, the clichés are there but not overstated and the cast all perform admirably. An excellent soundtrack and the best dog acting you may ever see make this a must see family movie. Enjoy it!!