Dog Soldiers Review

Name: Dog Soldiers
Country: UK
Release Date: 2002
Director: Neil Marshall
Writer: Neil Marshall
Actors: Sean Pertwee (Sgt. Harry G. Wells), Kevin McKidd (Pvt. Cooper), Liam Cunningham (Captain Ryan)

Plot

A band of British Soldiers are sent to the Scottish Highlands on special training manoeuvres. Their biggest worry being their missing the game. Things take a turn for the worst when they stumble upon Captain Ryan, who seems to be the only survivor of a Special Operations Team, but won’t disclose what the mission was. They eventually find out that they are not alone in the Highlands, and whatever took out Captain Ryan’s team, are hungry for seconds.

You know that film that sounds incredibly naff but you watch it and you immediately put it in your ‘favourite movie’ collection? Dog Soldiers is that film for me. I’m not sure if any of you seen this British horror flick, but if you love a good slasher horror, then Dog Soldiers is definitely the film for you!

This film is a slow burner, it doesn’t really kick in until the 25 minute mark and their being chased by a pack of 6ft tall wolves! The pace of the plot is steady throughout and the plot twist at the end is great! You’ll be rooting for everyone and you really do feel for the characters and sympathize with their dire situation, even with their slight flaws.

The acting is solid throughout and everyone gives it their all. They take their parts seriously, even when some situations are slightly far fetched. The film is ridiculous in some parts but the acting and how straight everyone plays their role keeps you watching. The relationship all the characters have with each other is acted so brilliantly. They all seem to care so deeply about each other. The relationship Cooper has with that dog is just adorable!

Dog Soldiers will have your adrenaline rushing! Even though it’s completely ridiculous! It has so many ‘edge of your seat’ moments, and they have so many narrowing escapes. The film does have it’s relaxed moments in-between each night. But each night means less ammo and the film revives itself with even more intensity! Each night becomes more intense and will guarantee to get the heart racing!

There is plenty of gore to go around in Dog Soldiers. And it’s incredibly graphic. Definitely not a film for the faint hearted. When the dog is pulling on his intestines, I do squirm in my seat. Must have hurt. A lot.

When I think of British film I immediately think of Bridget Jones Diary, Rocknrolla, or Notting Hill, so this stands out as being an ‘out there’ movie in the genre. It’s made me interested in seeing what other British slasher horrors are out there, and if they’re just as far fetched as this film.

I really do highly recommend this film to you. It’s bonkers and I absolutely love it. I’ve watched it so many times since I watched it last Halloween for the first time and I never get tired of it!