Muzzle is a streaming film about police dogs. It’s just barely ok as a film but it did teach me one wholesome thing I didn’t previously know. Police dogs live with their handlers and their families. Awww. That’s sweet. I guess I assumed there was a doggie equivalent of a motor pool that the officers swing by every morning to check their K9 Units out. Happy to learn I’m wrong.

But Muzzle isn’t about that factoid… it’s a dour cop movie starring Aaron Eckhart as a handler who gets a new furry partner… and then unravels a conspiracy involving drugs… and dogs.

If you are the kind of person who loves dog movies and can’t handle an injured canine, this is not the movie for you. Doesthedogdie.com just gives a series of !!!!!s points when you type in this movie (not really).

The film itself is an ok neo noir cop flick… it’s dour and gloomy and doesn’t feature nearly enough of our hero cop and his canine. It’s at its best when he’s working (or hanging out with) his canine partner. And while the dogs are certainly good (and good at their chompy jobs), he doesn’t spend enough time with them.

The flick’s mystery is kind of interesting… it’s also a little too slow, a little too mopey, and a little too violent (or a lot violent in its final actions set piece). It certainly creates an oppressive air of danger when it wants to… and a whole lot of despair. So it knows how to create and hold a mood.

Muzzle is watchable especially if you like your neo noir films or have an interest in the practical reality of K9 units (as filtered through a bit of cops ‘n robbers pulp). It doesn’t idealize the job and that’ll make it very hard to watch for some.

Score: 72