October 23-26 | Friday-Monday | 1 hour, 41 minutes | Rated PG-13 |
Brad Pitt may be the second handsomest guy in this movie after Uber the dog, but that’s okay when they’re both this grizzled and gorgeous. Pitt plays a former special forces operator, and Uber (and three other dogs) plays his combat dog partner. After mustering out of the military, they’re up in Alaska when their plane crashes and they’re forced to walk across rugged and dangerous terrain to get back to civilization. There isn’t much in the world like the love between a dog person and their dog, and this movie captures it beautifully, along with the dedication it takes to survive in a hostile environment. It currently has an 84% Tomatometer (critics think it is a little too predictable) and a 94% Popcornmeter (audiences love it anyhow).
“Ex-soldier Brad Pitt and a combat dog, both with PTSD, star in a survival story filled with fun, ferocity and genuine feeling. And the dog does not die!” -Peter Travers, The Travers Take
“This is a stirring story of canine courage and sacrifice that packs an unexpectedly powerful emotional punch.” -Wendy Ide, Observer (UK)
“Man and dog and their connection are the elements that grip the audience and never let go from beginning to end. Thanks to that, this Beast is singularly moving.” -Soren Andersen, The Seattle Times
“Pitt, carrying his deep wounds like a heavy government-issue backpack, is compelling as he performs he-man things to stay alive, but more than that, he demonstrates love and the will to survive for his best, most trusted companion.” -Thelma Adams, AARP Movies for Grownups
“The film chooses and holds its focus well, and it manages to transcend those painful origins with the loyalty that James and Odin show to each other, again and again.” -Nicolas Rapold, New York Times
“Heart of the Beast features a dashing hunk with a great mane of hair, sparkling eyes full of careworn soul and a winning performance … But enough about Uber, who plays combat service dog Odin.” -Stephen A. Russel, Time Out
“The visible, palpable, real bond between James and Odin (and then, of course, Pitt and Uber) would take a heart of stone not to be touched by.” -Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
“There’s a way to sum up Heart of the Beast, and that’s by saying, ‘This is a terrific performance — and Brad Pitt is extremely good too.'” -Owen Glieberman, Variety
“Don’t be fooled. Heart of the Beast is actually a love story, and one of the most moving to come along in a long time. That it’s a love story between a man and his dog doesn’t at all detract from its emotional impact.” -Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
“You couldn’t want much more from a one-man-and-his-dog survival tale. A very good movie about a very good boy.” -Olly Richards, Empire Magazine
Heart of the Beast opens at The Clyde on Friday, October 23, and plays Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday at 7:30.
