'The Dog Stars' Is An OK Movie But Would Have Been A GREAT Miniseries

On today's episode of Project Big Screen we reviewed 'Coyote vs Acme', did a ranking of top-10 most overrated cartoons, had an interview with O'Shea Jackson Jr. + Mason Thames and reviewed Ridley Scott's new movie, 'The Dog Stars'. 

*I'll note that I haven't read the book before, but heard very good things about it*

I think there is plenty that works with this movie and it's all factors you expect to be great in a Ridley Scott movie. The cinematography, action, production, music and basically everything you can see on screen is awesome. And, through the first act, the story is working pretty well too. It reminds me a lot of one of my favorite games, 'Days Gone'. But there are two things that really bring it down to earth. 

1. There is just too much "dipping the toe". Scenes that need a full half hour but are only given 10-15 minutes. Factions, characters and motivations that are only briefly mentioned but not told well. It's very frustrating because it makes the whole movie, especially as you finish the third act, feel incredibly underripe. 

2. Jacob Eloridi was a bad fit. This role needed and older, more weathered actor to deliver the sort of pain you need in a post-apocalyptic world. Josh Brolin, who is the MVP of the movie in a supporting role, coincidentally would have been fantastic in the main role. 

It's a common complaint with Ridley, but this has potential to improve a ton with a directors cut. But I actually think it would be maxed out as a miniseries. Think about how great something similar like 'The Last of Us' season 1 was with a similar world and mechanic. If they took that route and had more time to go into the actual pandemic, factions, characters etc I think it would be way more compelling.