There is no Spoon

Back in 2006, I worked for a movie store in a shitty mall called “Suncoast Videos.” I really can’t say that I worked there because all I ever actually did was stock the shelves, deal with the occasional customer, and spend countless hours discussing films with the one co-worker who cared about horror. One Monday night while stocking the shelves with new arrivals, he let out a scream of excitement because we had gotten in 3 or 4 copies of “Dog Soldiers.”

I had read about it in “Fangoria,” but honestly never gave the film a second thought. He proceeded to give me an entire plot rundown and practically forced me to take the film home. The next day we had a lot to talk about. Yeah…this is THAT action/horror hybrid.

This film has many of the elements that make action/horror like “Aliens” and “Predator” work so well. It’s fast paced, witty, and really never holds back. It may borrow bits and pieces from other films, but never really feels like a downright rip-off. It also has this sort of Romero “Night Of The Living Dead” vibe to it, which in my opinion is the proper setting for a film like this.

The werewolves are large and walk upright. This really adds to the intimidation factor of the creatures, once they finally get full screen glory. They are kept mainly offscreen or in the dark, which is extremely effective because it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The pace can also be credited for making the werewolves frightening. They are relentless in attack and constantly giving our characters a fight. There is no real “down time” in this film.

I also really appreciate the writing. The cast has this kind of “tough as nails, when I’m on the job, but I’m not a fucking hero” vibe to it. Yeah, you like that? I just made it up.

I’m all for this film so I can’t stress it enough.When someone you work with gives you a recommendation… Give it a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? You’re out an hour and a half? Everybody passes over random films at the video store.Sometimes you gotta just take a chance.The ol’ hail marry shot in the dark. You just never know, you might be passing up your “Dog Soldiers”.

This one gets the Rottin’ Roger Demarco seal of approval with 4 out of 5 dead soldiers.