Don't know if this film will be released in the US, but for those in the UK -
go see this film
It's awesome!
Basic premise - soldiers meet werewolves in Scotland, and hell breaks loose. Unlike Hollywood action films, this is almost believable. Weapons jam; magazines need changing; ammo is limited; reactions are believable ("what the shit was that!"); followed by total disbelief of the situation - and beliveable responses to that... There is an ingenious twist in the film - the twist itself is not ingenious, and opens a plot hole (I won't spoil it, but you *will* ask yourself "why" about 10-15 minutes from the end). The ingenuity comes in the way the twist is presented; it's under your nose from about 45mins into the film... and obvious when you think about it.
Character fleshing is done right at the start of the film - Cooper failing selection; the squad's banter between themselves after deploying introducing each character; a similar scene later at night during a stop introduces emotions - yes, soldiers do have them!. Although not long, the characters are immediately established as real people with lives, attitudes, etc. When will Hollywood realise this is a superior way of achieving characterisation without recourse to "one-off's", such as picking up a weeping kid and going "ahh" one scene before blowing away half a tower block?
Special effects are very limited (the film was made in 6 weeks on a tight budget - yes, I did say SIX weeks!). Very few sfx shots, there was no budget. Instead, the director relies on building tension and using limited glimpses of the wolves to build the atmosphere. The wolves themselves are played by ballet dancers(!) on stilts, and move in a very, very convincing fashion.
The cast is headed by Sean Pertwee (son of John Pertwee, of Dr Who fame). One magazine review slated his attempt at Cockney, but to be honest it's not overplayed. I don't recall any of the other actors names, but they all play convincing parts. In respect to that, someone has done a
very good job at turning actors into soldiers (far better than the pathetic attempt in the Soldier, Soldier TV series). After 13 years in the Forces, I have a reasonable idea of how squaddies talk, joke, react, and trained. These guys were extremely well taught. Right down to dress, patrolling, IA drills, slang, (bone!), reactions. The only criticsm is the "Special Ops" team. I guess the director so much wanted to say "SAS" or "Regiment", but sensibly didn't. The references are there - "Selection" (there is only one Selection with a capital S, all the others - para, marine, Delta are selection with an 's'). Maybe he couldn't find someone to train those actors. Anyway, it's a refreshing change as I have yet to see a film that accurately portrays the Regiment, both operations and chanracters.
All in all, a bloody good film. Don't be mislead by the reviews (most of which tilt in favour of it, just don't do it justice), go to see it expecting "not a lot" and come away pleasantly suprised.
To be honest, I preffered this to Star Wars AotC.
Go see, or get on DVD if it ever comes out. A good night's fun, and you'll think twice about visiting Scotland
Dog Soldiers
