Where to watch Dogs of Hell
1 Star
A pack of Rottweilers, bred and trained by the U.S. military to kill humans, escape to ravage the peaceful mountain resort town of Lake Lure. It is up to the local sheriff to protect his small community.
The same week that I saw Dogs of Hell, I had suffered through the Watchers trilogy and a low-budget Jamaican film about a drug runner. So, when the opening scene of Dogs of Hell played out, I instantly recognized that, although this may be a B-movie, someone had put thought and care into what was appearing on-screen. That notion was severely tested as the film went through its paces and revealed itself to be a Jaws/Halloween clone. In 1993, I rented Man’s Best Friend, starring Lance Hendrickson, and while others always mentioned Cujo as the definitive killer dog movie, I always preferred ‘Friend’. And now, 30 years later, I realize that Dogs of Hell is the precursor to both of the aforementioned titles.
Dogs of Hell was released in some theaters in a 3D-enhanced version, and I’m positive it looked like dogshit. I haven’t seen any 3D movies from that era that didn’t eventually induce a headache. Despite its nationwide theatrical engagements, this movie was really made for the drive-in crowd. Dogs of Hell, aka Rotweiller, is designed to play as the second feature on a double bill with a bigger title. The low-budget production values and low-brow plotting add up to an exploitation picture that doesn’t manage to sustain interest.
Directed by: Worth Keeter
Written by: Thom McIntyre
Starring: Earl Owensby, Bill Gribble, Robert Bloodworth