Good Boy

Screened on Shudder.

I'm finally getting this film off my calendar to-do list, having spent a 4-month residency there following its early October release. I'd heard mixed things across the board, with most of the positivity directed towards the lead, the adorable and brave pooch, Indy. He is what got me through this during its very fair running time of 73 minutes. Besides those two positives, this was mostly a mess.

The director's love for the film's lead and real life "best friend" is apparent here, another positive. Maybe unusual to most for him to be placed in a horror film, for showcasing Indy's talents, but make no doubt he is the star here, bathed in flattering shots by his obvious smitten owner. It's pretty cute and adds some charm. Photogenic? Absolutely. And that's what saves the film overall.

Sadly, the film can't reply on Indy's obvious star power. While not bad per se, it's just a mess, so much so I don't even know where to begin with it and wonder really if its worth it. In general, it's clear what they wanted to accomplish, but the execution of a "haunted house" horror film with a dog as the lead, playing the only character to have any clue they are living in a house possessed, just doesn't work.

I don't want to spend to much time on this. As a horror film, this doesn't work at all. But it started with a good idea, and Indy did a stellar job with good screen presence, so I'd say if you're a dog lover, it's worth the hour and 10 minutes. Otherwise, well, wait for the remake, as this is one of the rare instances where I feel that treatment is nearly a necessity.