Beethoven. Hooch. Jerry Lee. Lassie. If there’s a pooch in your film, chances are you’re taking aim at the heartstrings, and Yakin’s story of a traumatised military-service dog points a grenade launcher at your feelings and fires.
Subtle this isn’t, nor is it particularly original, but while neither the main storyline of loss, love, recovery and family relationships, nor the bizarrely dark subplot about stolen weapons are more than bland kibble, there are a few poignant moments lurking within here. It’s just undermined by the fact the truly effective emotional arc is handed to the furry member of the cast.
