After his work in television, Phillip John makes his feature film debut as director, and not only does he do a solid job with how he keeps things running smoothly and making the story engaging but also the film itself is a road trap well worth being on board for.
'Moon Dogs' is not completely faultless but does a vast majority of things right. It's a very good film that's almost great, it comes that close to being that. The ending agreed is a little too mawkish and in terms of back-story there isn't much. 'Moon Dogs' is also not necessarily a film to be seen for plot logic, but not in a way that's distracting that it gets implausible. There's nothing else to criticise about 'Moon Dogs' otherwise.
For low-budget, 'Moon Dogs' is very pleasing, with slick photography and stunning and evocative landscapes. Anton Newcombe's music score is infectiously memorable and matches the locations and story's tone very well.
The script is acerbically funny, at times suitably dour and at times affecting. The comic set pieces are every bit as enjoyable and deliciously eccentric, particularly with body-piercings, hallucinatory puppets and a toy keyboard.
In terms of the story, it's episodic but never dull and with its fair share of humour and pathos, admittedly succeeding better in the former.
Good performances also helps, and the two leads Jack Parry-Jones and Christy O'Donnell carry the film excellently. Strong support also from particularly a spirited Tara Lee.
Overall, very good and nimbly done. 8/10 Bethany Cox
