This movie reminds me a lot of "Lost Horizon". The scenery is beautiful and anyone that's ever been up in that area can attest to it. It's both a chick flick and a guy's movie because of the great mix of emotion, excitement and action. A couple of things in the movie are a little hard to swallow, but so are a lot of things in James Bond or Indiana Jones pic's, and it never stopped anyone from liking them. Tape it or rent it if you haven't seen it, you won't be disappointed.
106 Reviews
Wilfred........I'm begging ya...........
boardwalk_angel31 October 2004
"Shutup...you!!" Fun.. modern, 'fantasy western'........with a great score..breathtaking scenery.....and wonderful sense of adventure. As an afterthought........the studio added a pointless narration by an uncredited Wilford Brimley.......arguably the most irritating..annoying..unnecessary voice over I've ever heard......this is called the Theatrical audio on the disc...& should be avoided like a week old plate of beans.
Before you play it..go to the 'Languages' section on the DVD..choose the Director's audio version...& enjoy this improbable little gem of a film.
Before you play it..go to the 'Languages' section on the DVD..choose the Director's audio version...& enjoy this improbable little gem of a film.
There's a reason they are called dog soldiers.
hitchcockthelegend14 May 2012
Last of the Dogmen is written and directed by Tab Murphy. It stars Tom Berenger, Barbara Hershey, Kurtwood Smith and Steve Reevis. Music is scored by David Arnold and cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub.
When three convicts escape from prison and head into the Montana mountains, the local law enforcer hires skillful tracker/bounty hunter Lewis Gates (Berenger) to go find them. What he finds is torn clothes, blood and an Indian arrow. After spying someone in the trees it leads Gates to an investigation on the possibility of a lost tribe of Cheyenne Indians living in the mountains.
A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary Western, even if it's cribbing clichés from a number of films and TV episodes of the past. Formula of story is simple, grizzled tracker man Berenger and prim anthropologist Hershey are poles apart, but into the mountains they go in search of a hidden tribe of Cheyenne. That they find them is a given, since the title says it all, but what unfolds is a burgeoning relationship between the two, while much understanding and soul searching involving the "alien" Cheyenne makes for a good chunk of the narrative. There's observations galore in here about the advancement of time, different cultures etc, and a nod to the Sand Creek Massacre, while a back story sub-plot involving Kurtwood Smith is deftly handled; if a little redundant in the grand scheme of things.
Anyone who has seen the likes of The African Queen, Dances With Wolves and the Twilight Zone Episode: A Hundred Yards Over The Rim, wont be particularly surprised by what transpires in eventuality. But Berenger and Hershey make for a nice duo to be in the company of, while Kip the dog steals the film from both of them! Though story is set in Montana, film was shot on location in Alberta and British Columbia, and here is the film's trump card, where Lindenlaub's photography is quite simply stunning. In fact his work, and that of Arnold, whose score darts in and out of the landscape, deserves to be in an "A" grade movie. It rounds out as very watchable, a professional picture that just about manages to sustain interest and good will for the two hours run time. 7/10
When three convicts escape from prison and head into the Montana mountains, the local law enforcer hires skillful tracker/bounty hunter Lewis Gates (Berenger) to go find them. What he finds is torn clothes, blood and an Indian arrow. After spying someone in the trees it leads Gates to an investigation on the possibility of a lost tribe of Cheyenne Indians living in the mountains.
A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary Western, even if it's cribbing clichés from a number of films and TV episodes of the past. Formula of story is simple, grizzled tracker man Berenger and prim anthropologist Hershey are poles apart, but into the mountains they go in search of a hidden tribe of Cheyenne. That they find them is a given, since the title says it all, but what unfolds is a burgeoning relationship between the two, while much understanding and soul searching involving the "alien" Cheyenne makes for a good chunk of the narrative. There's observations galore in here about the advancement of time, different cultures etc, and a nod to the Sand Creek Massacre, while a back story sub-plot involving Kurtwood Smith is deftly handled; if a little redundant in the grand scheme of things.
Anyone who has seen the likes of The African Queen, Dances With Wolves and the Twilight Zone Episode: A Hundred Yards Over The Rim, wont be particularly surprised by what transpires in eventuality. But Berenger and Hershey make for a nice duo to be in the company of, while Kip the dog steals the film from both of them! Though story is set in Montana, film was shot on location in Alberta and British Columbia, and here is the film's trump card, where Lindenlaub's photography is quite simply stunning. In fact his work, and that of Arnold, whose score darts in and out of the landscape, deserves to be in an "A" grade movie. It rounds out as very watchable, a professional picture that just about manages to sustain interest and good will for the two hours run time. 7/10
Best of genre
hota22 January 1999
This is one of the best movies of its kind that I have ever seen. I am Northern Cheyenne and the premise of the movie is based, I believe, on the legend of the Lost band of Suthai ( a Cheyenne band) I particularly enjoyed seeing Eugene Black Bear (the old Cheyenne Chief) Eugene is a Cheyenne and a Sundance Priest in real life. The Cheyenne language was spoken well and accurately. I would enjoy seeing a sequel to this film.
A Perfect 6
jayhonk26 August 2002
To me a 5 or below means get up and walk away; a 7 or above means grab a chair and stick around. A 6 means watch it if you don't have anything better to do. This was a 6.
First the good: the scenery. The not so good: The movie came off as a TV movie. I thought the acting of both Berenger and Hershey was flat. The opportunity was there for both, but there wasn't any zest. I attribute this mostly to the pedestrian writing. In addition, Berenger's presentation was very average. He exhibited a single vocal tonation--a medium holler. As the movie went on it got worse, not better. This was uncalled for since the plot became kind of interesting, and he should have too. Sure he was supposed to be the taciturn mountain man, but all in all, he came off as very one dimensional. Hershey was only mildly better. I really wanted to like her, but her character never came to life either. And between them, there should have been a smoldering heat, but I thought the matches were too damp to light the fire.
The plot was curiously predictable assemblage of several set pieces. However, I admit it did make me want to see how it ended. The first part was the socially exiled mountain man called in to help the cops solve a crime. I am a sucker for that one--though predictable. Then it turns into an interesting spin on the monster investigation. I am a sucker for that one, too--though predictable. Then it turns into the attack against the innocents. I don't usually go for that one, especially when the attacker is even more irrationally motivated than usual, as was the case here. The it finishes with the heroes go happily into the night. I can take or leave that one.
I wanted to like this movie, and I can see why most of the reviewers here fell for it: it had all the elements present. It just fell a little short. Watch it, only if you have the time.
BTW: I thought the voice over was the astronaut from Northern Exposure, not Wilford Brimley.
First the good: the scenery. The not so good: The movie came off as a TV movie. I thought the acting of both Berenger and Hershey was flat. The opportunity was there for both, but there wasn't any zest. I attribute this mostly to the pedestrian writing. In addition, Berenger's presentation was very average. He exhibited a single vocal tonation--a medium holler. As the movie went on it got worse, not better. This was uncalled for since the plot became kind of interesting, and he should have too. Sure he was supposed to be the taciturn mountain man, but all in all, he came off as very one dimensional. Hershey was only mildly better. I really wanted to like her, but her character never came to life either. And between them, there should have been a smoldering heat, but I thought the matches were too damp to light the fire.
The plot was curiously predictable assemblage of several set pieces. However, I admit it did make me want to see how it ended. The first part was the socially exiled mountain man called in to help the cops solve a crime. I am a sucker for that one--though predictable. Then it turns into an interesting spin on the monster investigation. I am a sucker for that one, too--though predictable. Then it turns into the attack against the innocents. I don't usually go for that one, especially when the attacker is even more irrationally motivated than usual, as was the case here. The it finishes with the heroes go happily into the night. I can take or leave that one.
I wanted to like this movie, and I can see why most of the reviewers here fell for it: it had all the elements present. It just fell a little short. Watch it, only if you have the time.
BTW: I thought the voice over was the astronaut from Northern Exposure, not Wilford Brimley.
Not very good but I still enjoyed it
ghent121 September 2019
This is by all means a mostly shabby B-movie. Acting's not very good, the script is nor very credible, and so forth. It's kind of a B-movie remake of Dances with Wolves, really. But somehow I still enjoyed watching it, so it's also not thát bad.
Fantastic, but having a very true air about it
joeestlinbm12 February 2005
I have rarely seen a movie where certain scenes run chills down my spine.
One scene in particular is the one where Lillian, and Lewis, first encounter the Native Americans. They were so dynamically beautiful, as well an intimidating in their native costumes, and paint, and their horses were painted, and decorated to the hilt. This scene didn't only send chills up my spine, but much to the credit of Tab Murphy, it brought tears to my eyes, as also did other scenes in the movie.
Yellow Wolf, who was played by Steve Reevis, was I think aware of the changing world beyond his own, and up until now the only way he could prevent the outside world from infiltrating his own was to do away with its representatives, Which meant of course killing them. Modern technology was advancing, and it was inevitable that they would be discovered in time, unless someone they could trust from the outside world could help them. As the story ended, I hoped that Lillian, and Lewis, would be the trusted folks from that outside world who would be able to help keep their existence hidden.
A beautiful story with a beautiful cast. See it if you can. you won't be disappointed.
One scene in particular is the one where Lillian, and Lewis, first encounter the Native Americans. They were so dynamically beautiful, as well an intimidating in their native costumes, and paint, and their horses were painted, and decorated to the hilt. This scene didn't only send chills up my spine, but much to the credit of Tab Murphy, it brought tears to my eyes, as also did other scenes in the movie.
Yellow Wolf, who was played by Steve Reevis, was I think aware of the changing world beyond his own, and up until now the only way he could prevent the outside world from infiltrating his own was to do away with its representatives, Which meant of course killing them. Modern technology was advancing, and it was inevitable that they would be discovered in time, unless someone they could trust from the outside world could help them. As the story ended, I hoped that Lillian, and Lewis, would be the trusted folks from that outside world who would be able to help keep their existence hidden.
A beautiful story with a beautiful cast. See it if you can. you won't be disappointed.
The People That Time Forgot
Uriah4315 November 2017
After a bus carrying several convicts in Oregon overturns and several prisoners manage to escape into an especially harsh and dangerous part of the country, the local sheriff decides to dispatch a highly regarded bounty hunter by the name of "Lewis Gates" (Tom Berenger) to locate and bring them back in. However, to his horror, when he finally catches up to them he discovers a massive amount of blood and some clothes belonging to the convicts-but no bodies. And it's then that he finds an arrow of some sort on the scene as well. So to help him understand what is going on he drives several hours out of his way to locate a professor of Native American studies named "Lillian Diane Sloan" (Barbara Hershey) in the hope that she can give him some answers. Unfortunately, what she tells him is so fantastic that nobody else will believe him. That being the case, he gets Professor Sloan to accompany him out into this part of the wilderness so that they can somehow piece together a puzzle that has eluded everybody in America for decades. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a very entertaining film which benefited from the beautiful scenery, decent acting and an engaging plot. Admittedly, there were a couple of scenes which were a bit unrealistic but that's Hollywood for you. Be that as it may, I enjoyed this film and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Completely and Utterly Magical
aesgaard4111 January 2001
This is a great movie! I've got to say it again: This is a great movie! I've never liked cowboy or Indian pictures, but this movie realisticly sets up a fantastic but simple premise that there are Indians still living in the wilderness. Tom Berringer discovers them with the help of Barbera Hershey while the sheriff played by Kurtwood Smith is looking for him. Smith, by the way, is now probably best known as the no-nonsense father on "That 70s Show." I also have to mention the dog who seems to get a lot of his own scenes. The Indians superficially look authentic and believable as does their history which is so grounded and set up before hand that they could almost be real. The scenery is probably the biggest star as much of the locales and views are too breath-taking to be real. This movie would have had Academy Award written all over it had it been released theatrically. This movie just goes to prove that Hollywood big shots really don't know what they are doing.
Dogmen is pretty Dog gone good
hartley-628 October 2005
Just saw this on HBO. Good enough for an afternoon's enjoyment. This movie is very, very, very similar to Lost Horizons starring Ronald Coleman set in America. That film and the book are from the 1930's. Wasn't there a remake of Lost Horizons a few years ago? The stars have good chemistry. The dog is real star and probably smarter than the two leads, as they admit in the dialog. The saving of the sheriff is a little faked. It did not appear he was in real danger. It would appear the film makers cut a few corners. I would have liked the characters developed to a greater extent. Couldn't Gates have gone to a local vet or animal supply store and purchased penicillin off the shelf or with a vet's OK?
last of the dogs, you mean
Oosterhartbabe8 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Whoo, this is a bad one. I can't decide what was the worst part-the overacting, the horrible voice-over, the many pointless scenes, or the pompous smarmy 'oh, aren't they cute' attitude of both of the main characters towards the lost tribes people. Let's start, however, with the ever dreadful Tom Berenger. This guy is the Bud Lite of acting-not a lot of body, and missing much of the flavor. His morose tracker is so unlikable that after the first ten minutes you're praying that the Indians get him. And the good lady anthropologist is almost as bad. She is thoroughly annoying throughout the film. My least favorite scene of her has to be when she's riding away with the tribe at the end to study them. The look on her face is that of a professor who's just discovered an interesting new species of insect to study. It's plainly obvious that she doesn't think of these folks as real people. But then, they're never really presented as real people by the writer/director of this piece of crap. They're more like those wax dummies they have in museums to show kids how our ancestors lived their lives, rather than people with personalities of their own. Sure the costumes were pretty-but if I want to look at a caricature, I'll go to the museum and look at the wax dummies myself. Better than wasting two hours of my precious time on this horrible movie. I think my least favorite scene in this whole movie-and this was a toss up-was when Tommy boy shows off his riding skills by reaching down to snatch up his hat off the ground before jumping the hood of his father-in-law the sheriff's patrol car. A totally unnecessary and completely stupid scene. Of course, that pretty much sums up most of the scenes in the film.
The Best Movie Nobody Ever Heard Of!
dthor62313 August 2002
This movie was wonderful. It had all the elements of an Oscar contender. It had action, but was also humorous throughout. Scenes of violence were done tastefully and the only thing slightly objectionable might be a few swear words. A true family film. I own the video and have watched this movie at least 30 times.
Far less violent than Last of the Mohicans
adrianovasconcelos8 March 2024
According to LAST OF THE DOGMEN, the Oxbow Quadrangle in Montana is the place to find the descendants of a few Cheyenne Indians who escaped a massacre by infamous whites and proceeded to live there in such complete ignorance and seclusion from the world that they did not know a word of English (now, wouldn't that be pure bliss?)
Directed with an eye for Montana's lovely, formidable landscapes, and for a syrupy scene whenever possible, in comes a fat-looking, paunchy Tom Berenger accompanied by Zip, a clever mutt of nondescript breed mix who absolutely steals the show as best actor and brightest mind.
In his occupation as bounty hunter Berenger witnesses a fatal attack on three prison escapees but he cannot tell who did it, and so begins his quest to identify the killers. In the process, he stumbles across beautiful Barbara Hershey (isn't that the name of a chocolate bar, too?) Hershey promptly announces that she likes to wander about naked. Now, if ever there was an invitation... Alas, Tom lives with the guilt of allowing his wife to drown and does nothing about tasting the chocolate.
As indicated, the culprits turn out to be Cheyennes but they are absolutely lovable people, and in the end Berenger and Hershey seriously consider staying with the tribe in its hiding place, thereby following wise Zip's choice. Before that, though, Berenger finds dynamite (wow, in a place that had possibly never received a human footprint!) and drives away his former father in law and posse. One major goof: a cuffed Tom and his sheriff dad in law are blown away by the dynamite and fall some 30 meters into rapids but somehow in the water Tom's hands are manacle-free and he saves his dad in law's life. I can only conclude that the dynamite removed Tom's cuffs... but not Tom. Call it luck.
Is that a story? Well, not in the way that James Fenimore Cooper told it in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, for instance, a very large budget production of which went on screen in 1992 featuring the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis jumping and sprinting about.
Of course, the only thing connecting the two tales is THE LAST OF THE part of the title, they even take place in different centuries, but at least in DOGMEN you see less blood and gore. Now, that's a plus! 6/10.
Directed with an eye for Montana's lovely, formidable landscapes, and for a syrupy scene whenever possible, in comes a fat-looking, paunchy Tom Berenger accompanied by Zip, a clever mutt of nondescript breed mix who absolutely steals the show as best actor and brightest mind.
In his occupation as bounty hunter Berenger witnesses a fatal attack on three prison escapees but he cannot tell who did it, and so begins his quest to identify the killers. In the process, he stumbles across beautiful Barbara Hershey (isn't that the name of a chocolate bar, too?) Hershey promptly announces that she likes to wander about naked. Now, if ever there was an invitation... Alas, Tom lives with the guilt of allowing his wife to drown and does nothing about tasting the chocolate.
As indicated, the culprits turn out to be Cheyennes but they are absolutely lovable people, and in the end Berenger and Hershey seriously consider staying with the tribe in its hiding place, thereby following wise Zip's choice. Before that, though, Berenger finds dynamite (wow, in a place that had possibly never received a human footprint!) and drives away his former father in law and posse. One major goof: a cuffed Tom and his sheriff dad in law are blown away by the dynamite and fall some 30 meters into rapids but somehow in the water Tom's hands are manacle-free and he saves his dad in law's life. I can only conclude that the dynamite removed Tom's cuffs... but not Tom. Call it luck.
Is that a story? Well, not in the way that James Fenimore Cooper told it in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, for instance, a very large budget production of which went on screen in 1992 featuring the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis jumping and sprinting about.
Of course, the only thing connecting the two tales is THE LAST OF THE part of the title, they even take place in different centuries, but at least in DOGMEN you see less blood and gore. Now, that's a plus! 6/10.
Runied by narration
coyotewrw19 August 2005
This would have been a somewhat enjoyable movie if not for Wilford Brimley's narration. Not his fault, of course, but it's so intrusive and filled with obvious commentary that I felt like I was watching it with the most annoying grandpa on the planet.
Otherwise, it wasn't too bad. The premise was (sorta) believable, just enough for me to go into fantasyland, imagining myself roaming the hillsides with a band of wild injuns... every suburban white boy's dream!
On a side note, it's just plain depressing to see Tom Beringer, an actor who showed so much initial promise in Platoon, reduced to taking parts in completely forgettable films. gotta pay the rent somehow, I suppose.
Don't bother unless you need everything spelled out for you.
Otherwise, it wasn't too bad. The premise was (sorta) believable, just enough for me to go into fantasyland, imagining myself roaming the hillsides with a band of wild injuns... every suburban white boy's dream!
On a side note, it's just plain depressing to see Tom Beringer, an actor who showed so much initial promise in Platoon, reduced to taking parts in completely forgettable films. gotta pay the rent somehow, I suppose.
Don't bother unless you need everything spelled out for you.
Under-rated: Good script, good performances, beautiful cinematography
escoles8 October 2000
HG Wells once recommended that writers of 'fantastic fiction' choose to break only one rule per story, to avoid stretching their readers willful suspension of disbelief to breaking. _Last of the Dogmen_ proves how well a story based on an implausible premise (traditional Cheyenne surviving in the mountains with their culture intact) can work if everything else is kept real. The action is realistic, and the characters are drawn honestly and allowed to behave in a natural, realistic manner.
As others have pointed out, it's a quiet little story as these stories go, and it's also one of Berenger's better performances; I feel as though I should bird-dog this director, because all the principles turn in good, nuanced work.
I recommend this movie as light or even moderate fare, with something for both romantics and adventurers.
(Curiously, as far as I can recall, the title is never explained in the film. 'Cheyenne' is a French corruption of a Blackfoot or Arikara word meaning "dog people", for the dogs the Cheyenne once used in preference to horses to haul their household goods between camps. The leading Cheyenne warrior society eventually adopted the name "dog men" or "dog soldiers" in defiance. The survivors depicted here would be the descendents of a dog soldier group and their families.)
As others have pointed out, it's a quiet little story as these stories go, and it's also one of Berenger's better performances; I feel as though I should bird-dog this director, because all the principles turn in good, nuanced work.
I recommend this movie as light or even moderate fare, with something for both romantics and adventurers.
(Curiously, as far as I can recall, the title is never explained in the film. 'Cheyenne' is a French corruption of a Blackfoot or Arikara word meaning "dog people", for the dogs the Cheyenne once used in preference to horses to haul their household goods between camps. The leading Cheyenne warrior society eventually adopted the name "dog men" or "dog soldiers" in defiance. The survivors depicted here would be the descendents of a dog soldier group and their families.)
A beautifully filmed initially intriguing neo-western that charges headlong into full on ridiculousness and melodrama in the third act.
IonicBreezeMachine25 April 2023
Following the escape of three convicts Sheriff Deegan (Kurtwood Smith) reluctantly contacts former bounty hunter and estranged son-in-law Lewis Gates (Tom Berenger) to help assist in their capture. As Lewis and Australian Cattle Dog Zip venture into the Montana Oxbow Quadrangle wilderness, he quickly finds the trail left by the three but someone gets to them first leaving behind no bodies and only a tattered and bloody piece of shirt with Lewis only catching the briefest glimpse of what appear to be Native American warriors. Driven to find the answer to what he saw he enlists the help of professor of Native America studies Prof. Lillian Diane Sloan (Barbara Hershey) for her expertise on tribes in the area, and upon learning of surviving Cheyenne lead by Lone Wolf who ventured into the Oxbow as well as sightings of a child who didn't speak English several years ago, Lewis and Lillian go into the Oxbow to find proof of this tribe.
Last of the Dogmen is a 1995 neo-Western romance written by Tab Murphy which also serves as Murphy's directorial debut. Murphy had written Last of the Dogmen in the 80s around the time of his work on the Jane Goodall film Gorillas in the Mist. Following the success of Gorillas in the Mist as well as the success of films such as Dances with Wolves and Last of the Mohicans which lead to the U. S.'s historical relationship with Native Americans being in the forefront of many audiences minds, Last of the Dogmen was produced by Carolco Pictures for distribution through the short lived mini-major Savoy Pictures. Possibly due to issues within both Carolco and Savoy, Last of the Dogmen received a very muted release opening in September 1995 in seventh place while critical reception was mildly positive with particular praise going to Berenger's performance. While the movie does has a strong performance from Berenger and is initially interesting, the movie slowly falls apart due to a third act collapse built on some really boneheaded character decisions that also leads to many of the various cliches and tropes associated with this genre of 90s era take on Native Americans that's not benefitted from hindsight.
Easily the biggest selling point for the movie is in how beautifully shot the movie is as it takes Western styles and tropes and brings them to a contemporary setting. In many ways the opening 20 minutes almost feel prototypical for the type of stylistic choices we'd see later down the line be it in Justified, Longmire, or the various works of Taylor Sheridan. In fact the opening chase of Lewis tracking the three convicts is so good you almost wish it had just stuck with it. I was still with the movie when it brough in the mystery of who the Native Americans Lewis saw were and his investigation into various incidents around the area as well as his questions towards Barbara Hershey's Lillian. Once Lewis and Lillian find the tribe of Cheyenne that's where we start getting some of the issues that invariably come from this premise as there's a disconnect between the characters we focus on and the Cheyenne as they aren't main characters especially since we the audience have to be relayed what they're saying. I think this issue of a disconnect probably could've been alleviated by having an Indigenous actress play the professor role and rewrite it her being either Cheyenne or part Cheyenne which would give a greater sense of personal investment from a character perspective to this story. Sure, we get some words about why Lillian is driven to research Native Americans and their culture, but that lack of personal connection feels like it creates a schism in the narrative that's never properly resolved especially as the movie is more concerned with the very standard romance between Lewis and Lillian that isn't all that engaging. We also get a really forced climax that comes about from some stupid decisions made by Lewis and the way that sequence of events plays out is just so baffling I'm not sure I could convey what motivated the characters to do them because of how confused they are.
There's a lot of passion and effort put into Last of the Dogmen, but it's also undeniably in the shadow of forerunners in the 90s glut of films exploring Native American culture like Last of the Mohicans or Dances with Wolves that leave the film feeling like another journey through well traversed territory (though it is better than Pocahontas). Aside from some pretty sizable gaffes in logic in the third act there's a good foundation for a movie even if the end result is only passable.
Last of the Dogmen is a 1995 neo-Western romance written by Tab Murphy which also serves as Murphy's directorial debut. Murphy had written Last of the Dogmen in the 80s around the time of his work on the Jane Goodall film Gorillas in the Mist. Following the success of Gorillas in the Mist as well as the success of films such as Dances with Wolves and Last of the Mohicans which lead to the U. S.'s historical relationship with Native Americans being in the forefront of many audiences minds, Last of the Dogmen was produced by Carolco Pictures for distribution through the short lived mini-major Savoy Pictures. Possibly due to issues within both Carolco and Savoy, Last of the Dogmen received a very muted release opening in September 1995 in seventh place while critical reception was mildly positive with particular praise going to Berenger's performance. While the movie does has a strong performance from Berenger and is initially interesting, the movie slowly falls apart due to a third act collapse built on some really boneheaded character decisions that also leads to many of the various cliches and tropes associated with this genre of 90s era take on Native Americans that's not benefitted from hindsight.
Easily the biggest selling point for the movie is in how beautifully shot the movie is as it takes Western styles and tropes and brings them to a contemporary setting. In many ways the opening 20 minutes almost feel prototypical for the type of stylistic choices we'd see later down the line be it in Justified, Longmire, or the various works of Taylor Sheridan. In fact the opening chase of Lewis tracking the three convicts is so good you almost wish it had just stuck with it. I was still with the movie when it brough in the mystery of who the Native Americans Lewis saw were and his investigation into various incidents around the area as well as his questions towards Barbara Hershey's Lillian. Once Lewis and Lillian find the tribe of Cheyenne that's where we start getting some of the issues that invariably come from this premise as there's a disconnect between the characters we focus on and the Cheyenne as they aren't main characters especially since we the audience have to be relayed what they're saying. I think this issue of a disconnect probably could've been alleviated by having an Indigenous actress play the professor role and rewrite it her being either Cheyenne or part Cheyenne which would give a greater sense of personal investment from a character perspective to this story. Sure, we get some words about why Lillian is driven to research Native Americans and their culture, but that lack of personal connection feels like it creates a schism in the narrative that's never properly resolved especially as the movie is more concerned with the very standard romance between Lewis and Lillian that isn't all that engaging. We also get a really forced climax that comes about from some stupid decisions made by Lewis and the way that sequence of events plays out is just so baffling I'm not sure I could convey what motivated the characters to do them because of how confused they are.
There's a lot of passion and effort put into Last of the Dogmen, but it's also undeniably in the shadow of forerunners in the 90s glut of films exploring Native American culture like Last of the Mohicans or Dances with Wolves that leave the film feeling like another journey through well traversed territory (though it is better than Pocahontas). Aside from some pretty sizable gaffes in logic in the third act there's a good foundation for a movie even if the end result is only passable.
A film with good use of flashback themes
LaxFan945 March 2004
I liked watching this film since it saw 2 people go back in time to the 1800's when the Plains Indians still ruled the prairies. Tom Berenger was a very well suited actor for his role in this film. His partner did her best in teaching him the ways of the people as the way they lived back then. But I found that one particular scene quite interesting where they encountered that Plains warrior on horseback and he apparently shot the dog that accompanied the 2 travellers with his bow and arrow. Tom Berenger was enraged with the warrior before lunging at him. However his lady companion pleaded that he stop before angering the warrior even more. He finally came to his senses and thought twice about attacking him.
But............ anyways......... that's why I gave this film a 7 out of 10.
But............ anyways......... that's why I gave this film a 7 out of 10.
Modern Setting; but filmed in the true Western Movie tradition
jwood3-325 October 2007
This is a movie that you will stop and watch every time it shows on TV: IF you have a true romantic spirit and love an outdoor action movie.
The first sentence says it all, but let me say that the actors are well matched and the chemistry is great. I recently spent some time in Western Vancouver Island and was struck by the scenery and immediately thought of this movie and the beautiful backdrop in every scene. It is truly a beautiful movie.
I am not a movie critic and as you probably can tell, this is my first, impromptu attempt to recommend a movie. It is a story about an itinerate cowboy and a secret that he stumbles across while tracking some runaway convicts. The story line has many facets that unfold as the cowboy becomes entangled in the secret that he uncovers.
The first sentence says it all, but let me say that the actors are well matched and the chemistry is great. I recently spent some time in Western Vancouver Island and was struck by the scenery and immediately thought of this movie and the beautiful backdrop in every scene. It is truly a beautiful movie.
I am not a movie critic and as you probably can tell, this is my first, impromptu attempt to recommend a movie. It is a story about an itinerate cowboy and a secret that he stumbles across while tracking some runaway convicts. The story line has many facets that unfold as the cowboy becomes entangled in the secret that he uncovers.
An entertaining crossing of genres
movie-reviews-uk20 August 2023
Sometimes when you're stuck in a hotel room, on a rainy day, your movie viewing options are severely limited. You have to take what you can and so it was that I took in "Last of the Dogmen" more than a quarter century after its release.
It quickly becomes clear that this isn't some forgotten classic but it's not a straight to cable clunker either. Instead it's a workmanlike affair that combines the lone bounty hunter with something of a paean to a lost time when real Native American tribes roamed the western states. The latter angle emerges when we discover that somehow actual Indians are still living in the mountains, apart from the modern era, and circumstances are conspiring to expose their existence.
What's particularly nice about the film is that it doesn't stray much from this core story. There isn't some epic romance, apart from with Nature, but there could be. Equally the central protagonist doesn't make any grand speeches, and he's neither good nor bad, but his actions speak for him. The outside world also isn't portrayed as particularly malevolent but more somewhat less than careful.
This is all great but somehow the arrival of the lost tribe just isn't as awesome as you would expect. They are suspicious of course but they don't feel especially alien and like refugees from the past. Instead they become comfortable with the strangers very quickly and their existence causes barely a ripple. It's a shame because the moment of contact could have been delivered with real impact.
So there's plenty to like with "Last of the Dogmen" and it's definitely worth your time should you stumble across it. But is it worth making a special effort to enjoy? Probably not unless you really fancy a story that doesn't try to be all things to everyone. It sticks to the script and there's nothing wrong with that.
It quickly becomes clear that this isn't some forgotten classic but it's not a straight to cable clunker either. Instead it's a workmanlike affair that combines the lone bounty hunter with something of a paean to a lost time when real Native American tribes roamed the western states. The latter angle emerges when we discover that somehow actual Indians are still living in the mountains, apart from the modern era, and circumstances are conspiring to expose their existence.
What's particularly nice about the film is that it doesn't stray much from this core story. There isn't some epic romance, apart from with Nature, but there could be. Equally the central protagonist doesn't make any grand speeches, and he's neither good nor bad, but his actions speak for him. The outside world also isn't portrayed as particularly malevolent but more somewhat less than careful.
This is all great but somehow the arrival of the lost tribe just isn't as awesome as you would expect. They are suspicious of course but they don't feel especially alien and like refugees from the past. Instead they become comfortable with the strangers very quickly and their existence causes barely a ripple. It's a shame because the moment of contact could have been delivered with real impact.
So there's plenty to like with "Last of the Dogmen" and it's definitely worth your time should you stumble across it. But is it worth making a special effort to enjoy? Probably not unless you really fancy a story that doesn't try to be all things to everyone. It sticks to the script and there's nothing wrong with that.
Wonderful Movie.. Wonderful DVD
luvtom-29 February 2000
I was thrilled to see this great film released on DVD. It's such a shame it wasn't given proper presentation when it was first released theatrically. They have done a fantastic job with the DVD. So many special features. The Director's cut, the featurettes, even a section on the authentic native American costumes, all give a fascinating insight into the difficulties in making a movie like this. My hat's off to Tab Murphy's writing and direction, and of course Tom Berenger (the perfect Lewis Gates)and Barbara Hershey. Thanks too, to HBO for producing a fine DVD.
Pity It Ain't Last Of The Dog Movies
screenman29 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Tom Berenger, Babs Hershey & Kurtwood Smith get wasted in this sub-Dances-With-Wolves flop-out.
Three escaped convicts run off into the wilderness. Berenger's retired tracker (with all the usual bereavement & drink issues) is hired by Smith's sheriff to reluctantly go get 'em. The baddies vanish. But there's enough evidence left to convince our man that they're dead. However, a stray arrow sets him thinking...
He co-opts the assistance of a sassy, archeo-bore played by Hershey. He shows her the arrow, which she dismisses as a cheap souvenir (she, an expert, apparently can't tell the difference!) After some more silly dalliance they head off into the wilderness to search for the 'lost tribe'. They find 'em. And now they must protect 'em, from those bad, bad white people all over again.
There is some excellent location photography of the great outdoors. There's a romantic music score, heavily weighted with strings, that's just a little too over-the-top for the circumstances. And from then on, it's downhill all the way. Script is as daft as a box of brushes. The gender/culture issues between mis-matching Berenger's and Hershey's characters are so banal as to be embarrassing. Most of the conflict/resolution dilemmas are inferior set-piece 'homages' to other, better movies.
This could have been a really great watch. Most of the boobs seem to be script & direction. But they're enough to undermine its worth. If there's a goof-ball calling the shots, no amount of money, scenery, music or right-on message can save it from the bran-tub. Here's the proof.
Unless you're as fond of cheese as Wallace, just about every other movie of the genre will knock this into a ten-gallon hat, even those with Disney's dabs on 'em.
Three escaped convicts run off into the wilderness. Berenger's retired tracker (with all the usual bereavement & drink issues) is hired by Smith's sheriff to reluctantly go get 'em. The baddies vanish. But there's enough evidence left to convince our man that they're dead. However, a stray arrow sets him thinking...
He co-opts the assistance of a sassy, archeo-bore played by Hershey. He shows her the arrow, which she dismisses as a cheap souvenir (she, an expert, apparently can't tell the difference!) After some more silly dalliance they head off into the wilderness to search for the 'lost tribe'. They find 'em. And now they must protect 'em, from those bad, bad white people all over again.
There is some excellent location photography of the great outdoors. There's a romantic music score, heavily weighted with strings, that's just a little too over-the-top for the circumstances. And from then on, it's downhill all the way. Script is as daft as a box of brushes. The gender/culture issues between mis-matching Berenger's and Hershey's characters are so banal as to be embarrassing. Most of the conflict/resolution dilemmas are inferior set-piece 'homages' to other, better movies.
This could have been a really great watch. Most of the boobs seem to be script & direction. But they're enough to undermine its worth. If there's a goof-ball calling the shots, no amount of money, scenery, music or right-on message can save it from the bran-tub. Here's the proof.
Unless you're as fond of cheese as Wallace, just about every other movie of the genre will knock this into a ten-gallon hat, even those with Disney's dabs on 'em.
Excellent scenery
dbarnes-624 July 2004
I have seen this movie several times. It has a plot of what could have been and like the movie says, "What dreams are made of." At least for me that is what this movie is. I thought the narration was okay.
I love the scenery and even though it was not filmed in the USA it could have been. I own horses and ride quite a bit in country similar to this where I live. We even have many waterfalls in the area. Not quite as spectacular as the one in the movie, but..... When I feel the pressures of modern day living closing in on me I can watch this movie and then take off on one of my horses into the wilderness outside my back door and get away from everything except for an occasional, "Silver bird with a long white tail," overhead. When watching the movie I can almost smell the smells and hear the sounds of being in the wilderness. That's when I get the itch to feel my horse moving under me while riding through the thick forest.
I liked the, you know it is going to happen, love story and the idea of a Native American tribe surviving all those years without being found.
The American Paint horses use in the movie for the "Lost Tribe," were a special touch for me, since I own a Paint horse. Very nice choices of horseflesh! This movie was recommended to me by a Native American friend and I have recommended it to many other friends. Not one of them did not enjoy it. They all thought it was an excellent movie in every way.
I love the scenery and even though it was not filmed in the USA it could have been. I own horses and ride quite a bit in country similar to this where I live. We even have many waterfalls in the area. Not quite as spectacular as the one in the movie, but..... When I feel the pressures of modern day living closing in on me I can watch this movie and then take off on one of my horses into the wilderness outside my back door and get away from everything except for an occasional, "Silver bird with a long white tail," overhead. When watching the movie I can almost smell the smells and hear the sounds of being in the wilderness. That's when I get the itch to feel my horse moving under me while riding through the thick forest.
I liked the, you know it is going to happen, love story and the idea of a Native American tribe surviving all those years without being found.
The American Paint horses use in the movie for the "Lost Tribe," were a special touch for me, since I own a Paint horse. Very nice choices of horseflesh! This movie was recommended to me by a Native American friend and I have recommended it to many other friends. Not one of them did not enjoy it. They all thought it was an excellent movie in every way.
Top Drawer Acting Couldn't Save Substandard Writing
meransom10 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing this movie, I keep saying to myself, "You've got to be kidding." Billed as adult fare, this film turns out to have a juvenile level writing and a Disneyesque finish. It was the first feature film written by Tab Murphy, who went on to write Disney films. Despite reasonably decent directing (Murphy was also the director), someone failed to tell him that this was not a Disney cartoon movie. Terrific acting by the entire cast could not save a script that was marginal at best throughout -- and downright unbelievable toward the end. The movie starts with the sheriff needing our hero Gates to track three escaped convicts because the sheriff couldn't do it, despite his radios, off-road vehicles and helicopters. It's bad enough that Gates displays no tracking ability while chasing the convicts; his dog does all the detective work. Worse yet, when the sheriff decides to form a posse and chase Gates into the wilderness (presumably because Gates stole some penicillin form a drug store), he tracks Gates precisely and directly to the gates of an idyllic Cheyenne community that went without detection for 150 years. My wife is Native American and found the idyllic portrayal of Cheyenne life to be no more realistic than the cartoon Pocahontas. And then, after finding his prey (Gates), the sheriff makes an irrational and unwarranted decision to go even deeper into the wilderness, thereby providing an unexplained villain who now threatens the ancient Native American community, even when Murphy failed to include the sheriff on the community's existence in the first place. It all made for a sappy, hyped and juvenile story line lacking any credibility at the end. Mr. Murphy, please stay with the Disney cartoons and not feature films intended for adults.
Berenger is the tired ole Bounty Hunter but -
dtrent-230 August 2000
The scenery steals the show in this film! It is beautiful! Berenger is a treat to watch here, too as a tired old bounty hunter with a faithful dog & a good horse. The ending is worth it, too. Anything with American Indian culture in it hits a warm spot. "The Original Americans" should always come out on top. (Hail Dances With Wolves!)
So go rent or buy this film for a fantastic treat of natural beauty in the woods.
So go rent or buy this film for a fantastic treat of natural beauty in the woods.
Awesome movie
lilliandiane22 April 2011
This movie is in my top 10 movie list. It has a great story of 2 loners who find each other, yet their feelings grow in a slow, natural way, without the gratuitous sex that spoils many love stories. The feminist learns to let the shy guy make a move, and the widowed hero finds another strong, courageous woman he can love. The movie is also a celebration of a people and a way of life, many of us wish we could retreat to. The Indians refuse to be conquered and that in itself feels good. I completely disagree about the voice-over ruining the film, as one reviewer claims. It is extremely important to the story and even if it wasn't central to the plot, it gives the film a mythic quality. The scenery is breath-taking and all of the characters, including Zip and the little Indian girl are memorable and engaging.
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