marygerbersgagen I absolutely loved this movie. It is heartwarming. It leaves a bright feeling afterwards even though the major topic might seem quite upsetting. I think it is a great directorial debut of Jennifer Morrison. Beautiful cinematography, the cast fits perfectly! Melissa Benoist, Michael Angarano, and of course Oscar-winning Allison Janney got my attention from the very beginning. It is a beautiful story about persistence, dedication, and desire to help people. I wish there were more movies like this.

Hellmant 'SUN DOGS': Four Stars (Out of Five)An indie comedy-drama about a young man that's obsessed with becoming a military hero, who thinks that he finds a new way to save lives, with the help of a young woman that he meets. The film was directed by actress turned first time director Jennifer Morrison, and it was scripted by Anthony Tambakis and Raoul McFarland (a first time screenwriter). It stars Michael Angarano, Melissa Benoist, Allison Janney, Ed O'Neill and Xzibit. The movie was featured at multiple prestigious film festivals, before being released by Netflix through it's streaming site. I found it to be pretty moving and effective. Ned Chipley (Angarano) is obsessed with joining the military and becoming a hero. He's mentally unstable though, and this disqualifies him from entering the service (unbeknownst to him). The enlisting officer, Master Sgt. Jenkins (Xzibit), doesn't have the heart to tell him this, so he instead asks Ned to watch out for terrorists in the civilian world (as a secret operative). Ned of course takes this assignment very seriously, and he finds help from a young woman he meets named Tally (Benoist). The movie is ultimately very sweet and inspiring, after a pretty rough and depressing opening third act though. I think it tackles mental illness with a pretty respectful and heartfelt approach, and Angarano is perfect in the lead. What's most impressive about the film though, I think, is Morrison's beautiful direction (it's so well done for a first time director). I really look forward to seeing what she does next.

fanofjesus This movie can be difficult to watch; you are watching a quirky, obviously mentally challenged guy try to find his way in the world. a good-hearted person knows that everyone is different and unique and beautiful in their own way; of course, that was how I saw him! But that doesn't mean that it isn't normal for someone to want to yell at him for pretending to be someone that he is not. The movie shows the messy, chaotic, disheveled way that things evolve in people's lives-how they affect one another and subtly cause change in the other. Probably a lot of the interactions he had with some people were implausible, but that's what movies are for. Slogging through, he eventually makes it to the purpose in life that can work for him. This movie can be seen as how God's grace works in people's lives, and I enjoyed seeing an example here. Anyway, if you are not good-hearted, you will probably just get frustrated by him as well as the other seeming "losers" around him.

Frame-By-Frame Sun Dogs is a quirky Indie film that whilst is above average in terms of acting, direction and production standards, it just isn't very interesting. The story focuses on Ned who since the events of 9/11 has become obsessed with wanting to help In the war on terror. He wants to and tries to join the marines. Ned is mentally challenged which causes him unusual and immature behavior. He is delusional. I suppose this is the heart and soul of the movie. Watching it unfold I hovered between pity for him vs. his immaturity creating amusement. This makes for an awkward watch where to get the most out of the drama you need to admire his drive and persistence despite his disadvantage. I found the whole thing to be preposterous. Worst of all I don't think I could drop in a spoiler on this one as there's nothing to spoil. The story is weak and the movie ends fairly abruptly without a satisfying ending. I was drawn into viewing it by the five positive imdb reviews at the time. Unfortunately I see retrospectively that 2 of those reviewers have only ever written 1 review each which I find suspicious. My rating 4/10 Not recommended. Time is precious and there's far better movies to watch out there.