Black Dog (1998)

11% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
61% of users liked it
(20,426 ratings)

Kevin Hooks (Passenger 57) directed this action drama about an ex-convict tricked into trucking illegal weapons across state lines. Truckdriver Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in an accident that brought him a conviction of vehicular manslaughter and a two-year prison… More Kevin Hooks (Passenger 57) directed this action drama about an ex-convict tricked into trucking illegal weapons across state lines. Truckdriver Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in an accident that brought him a conviction of vehicular manslaughter and a two-year prison sentence. Minus a license to drive the big rigs, Jack works for a trucking firm as a mechanic to support his wife (Brenda Strong) and daughter (Erin Broderick). His paycheck doesn't cover his overdue mortgage payments, so Jack reluctantly accepts an offer from his new boss Cutler (Graham Beckel) to make $10,000 "off the books" with a no-questions-asked delivery of toilets from Georgia to New Jersey. Jack has doubts after he goes to Georgia to get his rig; Cutler's associate Red (Meat Loaf) gives Jack a driving partner (Randy Travis) and an armed duo (Gabriel Casseus and Brian Vincent). After the four depart, Red orders others to hijack the cargo. A lengthy chase begins -- with various vehicles from motorcycles to 18-wheelers trying to get Jack off the road. After Jack learns his truck is not flush with toilets but instead is filled with a cargo of AK-47s, he phones Cutler to resign, prompting Cutler to take Jack's wife and child as hostages. Jack then moves from neutral to high gear -- with smash-ups and shootouts just around the next curve. The soundtrack includes Rhett Akins' new interpretation of "Drivin' My Life Away" by Eddie Rabbit (who died at the age of 53 during the week this film was released). ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Kevin Hooks
Written By: William Mickelberry, Dan Vining
Genres: Action & Adventure

In Theaters: May 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Oct 13, 1998
Studio: Universal

Critic Reviews

Elias Savada, Nitrate Online
Hey, you like 18-wheelers (Have you driven a big Ford lately?), country-and-western music, and an All-American meal (as in meat loaf), then here's a film for you.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jason O

I was expecting "Black Dog" to just be an average action movie, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) has an assignment to deliver some illegal goods, but he don't know it at first. He has some riders to keep him company on the way, one… More
I was expecting "Black Dog" to just be an average action movie, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) has an assignment to deliver some illegal goods, but he don't know it at first. He has some riders to keep him company on the way, one of which is Earl (country singer Randy Travis). Meat Loaf also stars in this movie as the villain who tries his best to hijack the truck Patrick Swayze is driving. Things get out of hand when Jack's wife and daughter get kidnapped. Jack must find a way to save his family while also trying to stay away from the FBI who are chasing him. I didn't see anything wrong with "Black Dog." It's one of the best action movies I've seen in awhile and I didn't lose my interest in the film the whole time I was watching it. The explosions and action scenes aren't only awesome, they're realistic. All the actors do a great job, especially Patrick Swayze and Randy Travis. If you like great action movies, I recommend "Black Dog" as one of the best action movies of the year. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000. This is indeed one of the more underrated action movies I've ever seen to this day, much like Breakdown with Kurt Russell. I mean, you never hear anything about them at all!
Dean M

Director Kevin Hooks' movie is a cheesy but sort of fun action flick that could have been better but also could have been worse. Some of the truck crashes are impressive although the actual chase scenes lack a little spark, they are okay but not quite as exciting as I'd have… More
Director Kevin Hooks' movie is a cheesy but sort of fun action flick that could have been better but also could have been worse. Some of the truck crashes are impressive although the actual chase scenes lack a little spark, they are okay but not quite as exciting as I'd have liked. The acting is OK, Patrick Swayze looks bored & embarrassed, Meat Loaf is Meat Loaf while Charles S. Dutton puts in a funny performance as a FBI agent.
Daniel P

With apologies to Andy Micak, I defy all of Flixster to find a Swayzier movie than this: it's worse than road house. How did Swayze EVER get work?? This is arguably the funniest movie ever made, but you're not supposed to be laughing... particularly bad are the bit… More
With apologies to Andy Micak, I defy all of Flixster to find a Swayzier movie than this: it's worse than road house. How did Swayze EVER get work?? This is arguably the funniest movie ever made, but you're not supposed to be laughing... particularly bad are the bit players drudged up from community theatre to play Swayze's wife, the Chief Investigator and loveable loser Wes. While the action sequences were bearable - and thank god this movie was mostly action sequences - it is probably the worst-acted movie ever made... when Meat Loaf turns in a film's strongest performance, you're in serious trouble.
Khris N

Another undderated movie!! Patrick Swayze is alright, but the co-stars are very good - namely Meatloaf as the bible-spouting raving lunatic! Good old truck driving action!!!
Deb S

Patrick Swayze plays the role of the ex-con Jack Crews, forced to do a job against his will in order to save his house and family. Meat Loaf (Red) joins Jack on this trip along with Randy Travis (Earl) in order to make certain the goods are delivered safe and sound at their… More
Patrick Swayze plays the role of the ex-con Jack Crews, forced to do a job against his will in order to save his house and family. Meat Loaf (Red) joins Jack on this trip along with Randy Travis (Earl) in order to make certain the goods are delivered safe and sound at their destination. There are plenty of wild scenes dealing with trucks playing all kinds of stunt tricks on the road.