Last of the Dogmen

What’s the Deal: Tom Berenger plays Louis Gates, a mountain man / bounty hunter in rural Montana. After a prison bus crashes and 3 prisoners are on the loose, local law enforcement sends Gates into the woods after the prisoners. While on his hunt, he sees “something” through the fog in the woods, then the prisoners disappear. Gates suspects that he knows what the “something” was. He does some research and discovers that an unusually large number of people have disappeared from those very woods. His curiosity gets the best of him, and he and a professor from a local University go into the woods to try to solve the mystery of the “something,” and the disappearances.

What I like:

1. Very interesting plot. I don’t want to give too much away, but the mystery in the woods is interesting, even if not very plausible. But that’s the fun of it…these characters didn’t think it was plausible either, and it turned out to be.

2. The setting / cinematography. What’s not to like about a movie set in the mountains and woods of Montana. Most of the movie takes place out in the woods, and there are numerous beautiful shots of forest, snowy mountains, trees, rivers, waterfalls, etc. Think “Legends of the Fall.” Seriously, it’s that good.

3. Melissa actually suggested it. Usually when I suggest watching a movie I am met with blank “not-again” stares from Melissa. But this time it was her idea. On a related note, I’m going to need Courtney Giammalva to suggest more movies to Melissa, so that she’s actually interested in seeing them. Thanks.

4. The side characters who I also recognize from sitcoms. This is just more of a personal thing. The escaped convicted plays Mac’s dad in Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where, interestingly enough, he also plays a convict. The Sheriff also plays the dad from That 70’s Show, which is as unfunny as anything ever. And the old man in the nursing home plays the Mayor from the Andy Griffith Show. Grouchy mayor, not bumbling mayor. One of them is Mayor Stone, one is Mayor Pike, but I can’t remember which one. Also there is a random appearance by a redneck at the beginning who plays Brisco Darlin, also in the Andy Griffith Show. Good Stuff.

What I didn’t like:

1. There are some times when the dialogue seems pretty forced and there really isn’t much chemistry between the stars. The word “cheesy” comes to mind at points.

2. Also, the subplot where the sheriff and Gates don’t like each other is also cheesy.