Dust off that VCR tracking knob in your mind for a moment. Remember those mid-90s video store shelves? Amidst the explosive action flicks and broad comedies, sometimes you'd stumble upon something quieter, something with a sense of wide-open space and a kernel of genuine wonder. That's precisely where Last of the Dogmen (1995) resided – a film that felt like uncovering a secret, both on screen and on the shelf. It wasn’t a thunderous blockbuster, but its blend of modern western, mystery, and heartfelt adventure carved out a special place for those who found it.
The premise alone hooks you with a quiet kind of magic: Lewis Gates (Tom Berenger), a cynical modern-day bounty hunter more comfortable tracking bail jumpers with his trusty Australian Cattle Dog, Zip, stumbles upon evidence suggesting the impossible. While pursuing escaped convicts through the rugged Montana wilderness (beautifully captured, though parts were filmed in Canada and Mexico!), he finds signs not of convicts, but of Cheyenne Dog Soldiers – descendants of a band that vanished over a century ago, living undetected in a hidden valley. It’s a 'lost world' scenario, but refreshingly grounded, trading dinosaurs for a poignant human story.
### Into the Oxbow
What truly elevates Last of the Dogmen beyond a simple adventure yarn is its palpable atmosphere. Writer and first-time director Tab Murphy, previously known for scripting dramas like Gorillas in the Mist (1988) and later Disney hits like Tarzan (1999), clearly poured his heart into this project. You can feel the reverence for the vast, untamed landscapes – the cinematography makes the Rocky Mountain vistas characters in themselves. There's a deliberate pacing here, allowing the mystery to unfold organically, mirroring Gates' own methodical tracking. It’s less about high-octane thrills and more about the steady drumbeat of discovery.
Bringing historical context and empathy is anthropologist Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey), initially skeptical but soon drawn into Gates' incredible discovery. Hershey, who brought such depth to films like Beaches (1988), provides the crucial bridge between the modern world and the Cheyenne sanctuary. Her interactions with Gates are laced with a gentle friction that blossoms into mutual respect, avoiding cliché romance pitfalls. Tom Berenger, fresh off roles ranging from the intense sergeant in Platoon (1986) to the grizzled catcher in Major League (1989), embodies Gates perfectly – a man weary of the modern world, perhaps subconsciously searching for something pure, even if he doesn't know it. And let's not forget Kurtwood Smith (forever etched in our minds from RoboCop (1987) or later as Red Forman) as the pragmatic, increasingly stressed Sheriff Deegan, representing the encroaching outside world.
### A Hidden Gem, Then and Now
It's fascinating looking back at the film's journey. Despite its quality and heartfelt story, Last of the Dogmen didn't exactly set the box office ablaze in 1995. Made for a respectable (for the time) $25 million, it reportedly grossed under $8 million domestically. Perhaps its blend of genres or its more contemplative pace didn't fit the prevailing blockbuster mold of the era. This might explain why, for many of us, discovering it felt like finding a secret treasure on VHS or cable – a film passed around through word-of-mouth rather than massive marketing campaigns (though its tagline, "He followed the trail of three escaped convicts. What he found was a miracle," certainly tried to capture the magic).
The film's respectful portrayal of the Cheyenne culture, while perhaps viewed through a modern lens with some caveats, felt sincere for its time. The production reportedly consulted with Native American advisors, and the depiction aimed for dignity over stereotype. The central theme – the clash between preservation and the relentless march of progress, the tragedy of discovered secrets – resonates with a quiet power. There's an undeniable melancholy woven into the adventure, a sense that this hidden paradise, once found, cannot remain untouched.
One delightful bit of trivia involves Gates' canine companion, Zip. The Australian Cattle Dog who played him wasn't just a background element; Zip is integral to the plot, acting as Gates' partner and early warning system. Finding a dog capable and well-trained for the demanding scenes was crucial, and the bond between Berenger and the dog feels authentic on screen, adding another layer of warmth.
### Why It Still Resonates
Last of the Dogmen isn't without its flaws. Some plot points might feel a touch predictable, and the pacing, while deliberate, might test the patience of those seeking non-stop action. But its strengths far outweigh these minor quibbles. The performances are grounded and believable, the score by David Arnold subtly enhances the mood without overwhelming it, and the core story possesses a timeless quality. It’s a film about discovery, respect, and the bittersweet nature of finding something truly unique in a world that often feels mapped and known.
It captures that specific 90s cinematic feeling – earnest, character-driven, and willing to embrace a sense of wonder without excessive cynicism. It feels like a movie made by people who genuinely loved the story they were telling. Watching it again now evokes that feeling of settling down for a movie night, ready to be transported somewhere beautiful and unexpected. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn't always need laser guns or explosions; sometimes, it's found in the rustle of leaves in an ancient forest or the glimpse of a way of life thought long gone.
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
This score reflects the film's stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and unique, engaging premise. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of 90s adventure cinema that overcomes minor pacing issues with its sheer atmosphere and sincerity. It may have been overlooked on its initial release, but its quality ensured it became a cherished find for many in the VHS era.
Last of the Dogmen remains a testament to the quiet magic the movies can weave, a cinematic journey into a hidden world that feels both grand and intimately personal – a truly underrated gem from the video store racks.