A Boy & His Dog
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Movie Reviews of A Boy & His Dog
Movie Review: A boy and his somewhat advanced sentient being
Summary: 4 Stars
This pre-"Mad Max" low budget sci-fi, based on a novella by Harlan Ellison, has gathered quite a devoted cult following over the years, in addition to spawning a (by now overworked) movie subgenre. A youthful Don Johnson wanders a post-nuclear outback, chock-a-block with the requisite mutants and ruffians, ever on the prowl for food and sex. Oh, did I mention "the dog"? The voice-over work by actor Tim McIntire, ostensibly "as the dog", steals the movie at every turn and undoubtedly cemented the film's cult status (it certainly wasn't Johnson's rather workmanlike performance). By turns annoyingly amateurish and brilliantly inspired, the film ultimately generates a certain kinky charm-in a guilty pleasure, pre-P.C. era kind of a way (Johnson's glorified serial rapist undoubtedly earns the film few feminist admirers). It's a "love it or hate it" scenario, and those already devoted will not be swayed. DVD notes (2003 reissue edition): The (widescreen) transfer itself is decent; unfortunately the print it was taken from is, shall we say, "less than pristeen". The audio is mono and still quite tinny, but a bit improved over previous VHS versions and cable airings. The commentary by director LQ Jones (sporting a "good 'ol boy" Hoytt Axton sort of charm) is as quirky as his film.Movie Review: Harlan likes it.
Summary: 4 Stars
It may not be a perfect adaptation (actually, only the robotic "Michael," the strange pumping machine, and the last line of the film are major differences), but it fares much better than I thought it might when I first had a look. It is low-budget, but the interplay between man and beast, as well as some surprisingly good acting, make up for the lack of funds. It could have been very bad. I've noticed in my screenings of this film for friends, that women tend to dislike the film very much. This could have a lot to do with the ending, which despite what a previous reviewer has said, is quite unambiguous and easy to understand (my 61-year-old mother got it, and actually liked the film). The ending, which is a bit shocking at first, simply fails to fully evoke Ellison's original, more subtle approach. Harlan Ellison, a man not easily pleased by adaptations (especially of this story, arguably his most personal--at least at the time), has said he really likes this film, but the last line bugs the heck out of him. For those of you who haven't read the story, you should know that Vic never took a bite at the end. He did what he had to do for Blood, but couldn't bring himself to eat. A boy loves his dog.
Movie Review: Not Your Average Buddy Film
Summary: 4 Stars
Long before Mad Max, Miami Vice, and Look Who's Talking Too comes a post-apocalyptic tale of an unusual partnership between a boy (played by Don Johnson) and his dog (voiced by Tim McIntire.) The dog grumbles about not getting any food while the boy grumbles about not getting any. Oh yeah, they also happen to communicate with each other telepathically. Strange? You bet!
Set in 2024 A.D. following World War IV, the pair survive by scavenging a desert wasteland for food, stealing what they can. Meanwhile, they are secretly monitored by shadowy members of an underground community who have more sinister plans in mind.
Filmed in 1975 on a low budget (the sets consist of junkyards emptied into the desert near Barstow), the picture succeeds because it is visually compelling throughout. I know people who love this film and others who hate it, but I have yet to find one person who has shut it off before watching it in its entirety. The makeup and special effects are deliberately awful, adding to the cheese factor, and the ending doesn't disappoint. If you're looking for something offbeat, you can't go wrong here.
Movie Review: Man's best (only?) friend
Summary: 4 Stars
It's the future once again and the world has obliterated itself through nuclear destruction (once again.) Don't despair! This film is really a "buddy" picture about two characters, Vic and Blood, surviving in a post nuclear world. The only thing is, Blood is a telepathic dog and the "brains" of the operation. Vic provides the brawn and the two roam the desert wasteland, a veritable land of opportunity for those with enough greed and power (some things never change), in search of food and for the less evolved, women. It is this all-too-human weakness for sex that ends up tearing Vic away from the only thing in this world a boy can trust . . . his dog! Vic is lured to an underground world of smiling faces, bright colors, and pretty girls but "the good life" is a fraud. Jason Robards delivers an excellent performance as the leader of this underworld. This film inspired countless copies (Mad Max) over the years and the last line of the film has become deservedly famous in cult movie lore.Movie Review: I'm sorry for you if you don't get it
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm so very, very sorry for you if you don't get this movie. I was very young when I saw it, in the 70's. I just got out of the hippie era and it was a refreshing change to the peace love b.s. of that time. The world is a cold and violent place. Look around you today, and realize our time is limited. Enjoy all the good times you can, they may be over soon.
As far as technically, the movie was well made with the money they had to spend. The acting was good for the exp. level of the players. What made it great was the fine story. And of course the herb in the theaters at midnight when this movie aired.