Rent Dog Soldiers (2002)

Fast, Exhilarating and Fun Horror Film - Dog Soldiers review by GI

Director Neil Marshall's debut feature shows just how much of a horror film fan he is as it has homages and influences galore. They're fun to spot although many are just plain obvious, from Predator (1987) to Alien (1979) and American Werewolf in London (1981) and just about every haunted house and slasher film you can think of. To be honest this all makes the film that more entertaining and what a rollercoaster ride it is, fast paced, bloody, really funny and full of action this is a joy. In the Scottish highlands a small platoon of British soldiers are sent on an exercise where they have to try and evade capture by the SAS. Led by old hand Sgt Wells (Sean Pertwee), who is the father figure, they have to navigate their way through forests and gullies and for the most part they gripe and groan but try their best. But they have been set up as bait and when they're attacked by a bunch of ravenous beasts they have to run for it holing upon an apparently deserted farmhouse. But their troubles are only just beginning. It's a wonderfully fun horror film and one that undermines traditional heroic masculinity and utilises horror tropes in a refreshing way. Best of all it doesn't hang about but rattles along at a fantastic and exciting pace with some bold and gore and a few plot twists. Yes it's a werewolf film with soldiers and as has been quoted in an essay on the film, "they go together like tea and scones." This is pure fun and has Kevin McKidd (from Trainspotting and the TV series Rome) as a soldier who finds his leadership skills and Liam Cunningham (from Game Of Thrones) as a devious SAS Captain. If you haven't seen this then check it out you will not be disappointed.