Directed by Nicholas Mastandrea
The breed, the breed, the breed
I think I hear ‘em comin’
When you hear the dogs barkin’
You better start runnin’
The breed, the breed, the breed!
-Master P rap song over the opening credits
Ah, the killer dog subgenre. Ever since a couple of satanic Rottweilers stalked Gregory Peck and David Warner in The Omen, killer canines have continually howled on the silver screen. We’ve seen The Pack, Earl Owensby’s Dogs of Hell, Cujo, Man’s Best Friend, and Rottweiler. Joining the hunt is The Breed, a completely serviceable if formulaic genetically mutated killer dog flick.
Five college students head to an isolated island for a weekend of fun. Heading up the group are two conflicting brothers, studious Matt (Eric Lively) and party boy John (Oliver Hudson). Also along for the ride are party girl Sara (Taryn Manning), cut-up Noah (Hill Harper), and outdoorsy Nicki (Michelle Rodriguez), the object of both the brothers’ affections. But our hapless coeds aren’t alone; it appears a pack of wild dogs is roaming the island. And these aren’t just any wild dogs – they are genetically enhanced, smart dogs from that training center located across the island.
In terms of acting, everyone is fine. Michelle Rodriguez actually drops the sneering tough chick persona she utilizes for nearly everything and plays a somewhat vulnerable character. Hill Harper, as the token black guy, might be setting the cinematic record for playing a college guy in his early 20s as he was nearly 40 when this was shot! In all honesty, the best performances come from the dogs. The production has assembled a perfect pack of performers that appear incredibly well trained and hit the vicious mark flawlessly. That says something about the film when the most memorable performances come from the four-legged co-stars.
Given a limited theatrical release by First Look Studios, The Breed is not going to break any new horror or killer dog subgenre standards. As it stands, it is an acceptable time killer that won’t challenge or offend. Nevertheless, if you are looking for an evening of canine carnage, The Breed features more than enough bite behind its bark.
3 out of 5
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