Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Comedy drama

Sun Dogs (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Sun Dogs (2018) movie poster

Sun Dogs is a 2018 comedy drama starring Allison Janney as Rose Chipley, Ed O'Neill and Xzibit. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes. IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
Echo Score
70
Loading streaming availability…
Sun Dogs (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sun Dogs About?

The premise of Sun Dogs without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A dreamer, struggling after repeated military rejections, takes advice from a Marine officer to heart, leading to unforeseen consequences. He joins forces with a resourceful runaway, and together they embark on a misguided mission to safeguard the homefront. Their unconventional methods and earnest intentions quickly lead to chaotic and humorous situations as they attempt to make a difference.

Sun Dogs Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • animal in title
  • astronomical object in title
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Sun Dogs Cast & Characters

Allison Janney leads the cast as Rose Chipley, with Ed O'Neill as Bob Garrity and Xzibit as Master Sgt. Jenkins.

Ratings

Sun Dogs Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Sun Dogs 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

70 /100

Sun Dogs Echo Score Breakdown

Sun Dogs delivers a confident visual approach and sincere performances but is hindered by uneven pacing and a somewhat thin central narrative. The direction and cinematography are consistently praised for their warmth and cohesive style, and the cast often brings genuine emotional resonance. Yet the slow rhythm and rushed resolution undercut story momentum. Overall, the film offers engaging moments yet falls short of full narrative cohesion.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art & craft, the film shows assured direction and thoughtful visual design. Jennifer Morrison’s directorial choices are consistently noted for their warmth and intimate framing, while the photography conveys a cohesive color palette that suits the indie scale. The production maintains a dignified aesthetic despite budgetary limits. Overall, the visual execution stands out as a principal strength.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character & emotion, the performances deliver genuine warmth and credibility. The cast is frequently praised for creating empathetic portrayals, with particular note of their chemistry and emotional honesty. However, some observers felt the protagonist’s arc stalls partway, diminishing engagement. In sum, the character work remains engaging but uneven in its development.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story & flow, the narrative offers an offbeat premise and heartfelt themes of personal growth. Several viewers appreciate the fresh concept and thematic sincerity, yet others note that pacing issues and a thin central plot lead to a wearisome progression. The resolution also strikes some as rushed. Overall, the storytelling yields mixed engagement due to structural inconsistencies.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s sound design and score provide a warm, unobtrusive backdrop that complements the visual tone. The assured visual style, highlighted by a warm color palette and careful framing, reinforces the indie aesthetic, while the soundtrack underlines key emotional beats. These elements cohere effectively, offering a pleasant sensory environment.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of rewatch factor, Sun Dogs maintains appeal through its authentic characters and heartfelt moments. Its gentle humor and emotional warmth encourage revisiting, yet the uneven pacing and modest narrative depth may limit repeated viewings. While the film’s sincerity invites audience connection initially, the structural shortcomings temper its long-term replay value.

Plot

Sun Dogs Plot Summary

What happens in Sun Dogs from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ned, having experienced mild brain damage during childbirth, lives with his mother, Rose Chipley, and his stepfather, Bob Garrity. Sharing a birthday with the tragic date of September 11, he desperately aspires to join the Marines, although he currently works as a janitor in a casino. Bob is unable to work due to an ongoing lawsuit against his trucking company for back injuries, leaving Rose frustrated yet steadfast in supporting Ned.

Within the context of his latest attempt to enlist, Staff Sergeant Jenkins introduces a newly formed unit known as the Sun Dogs, designed to monitor Al-Qaeda activities on U.S. soil. This prospect resonates deeply with Ned’s urge to be a hero, prompting him to distribute business cards that proclaim him a Marine special operative.

Full summary

The whole story of Sun Dogs, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Sun Dogs Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sun Dogs.

SUN DOGS Official Trailer (2018) Allison Janney, Melissa Benoist Comedy Movie HD
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sun Dogs?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the protagonist of the film?

Cars

Cars in Sun Dogs

21 cars on screen, including the 2008 Dodge Charger and the 2006 Chevrolet Impala.

All 21 cars
  • 2008 Dodge Charger in Sun Dogs 2008 Dodge Charger Important role
  • 2006 Chevrolet Impala in Sun Dogs 2006 Chevrolet Impala Minor role
  • 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe in Sun Dogs 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Minor role
  • 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider in Sun Dogs 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider Minor role
Details

Sun Dogs Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “サン・ドッグス 生きる意味を探して” and “선 도그”.

Also known as
  • サン・ドッグス 生きる意味を探して
  • 선 도그
  • Παρήλια
  • Yalancı Güneşler
  • Солнечные псы
  • כלבי השמש
  • 幻日奇遇
  • Сонячні пси
  • サン・ドッグス -生きる意味を探して-
  • ซันด็อก

Seen Sun Dogs?

FAQ

Sun Dogs FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sun Dogs, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sun Dogs?

Sun Dogs runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Sun Dogs released?

Sun Dogs was released on April 6, 2018.

Who is in the cast of Sun Dogs?

Sun Dogs stars Allison Janney as Rose Chipley, Ed O'Neill as Bob Garrity and Xzibit as Master Sgt. Jenkins, among 12 credited actors.

How is Sun Dogs rated?

Sun Dogs has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 65% on TMDB, 2.8/5 on Letterboxd and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Sun Dogs have a post-credit scene?

No. Sun Dogs has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app