Odd Couple

By R.S.

A BOY AND HIS DOG

Directed and Written by L.Q.JONES

World War III has happened again, and as usual, the earth has been nuked to dusty desert ruled by violent brigand bands.

The boy and the dog of the ironic title -- though R-rated, the film is definitely not a co-feature for Benjie -- owe allegiance to no one. Vic, the boy (Don Johnson), is strong and a good shot. It is true that he is a little short on smarts, but Blood, his shaggy pal, more than compensates for that. Though he is able to talk only to his master, his brain is as shrewd as his nose.

In its early going, this inexpensive little picture risks being absurd, yet com pels respect for some witty writing and well-paced direction. The film gets better as it goes along, for itliterally has a second level.

Underneath the earth's blasted crust, another group is trying to survive.

Or, more properly, these people are remaking the small-town life-style that American writers since Sinclair Lewis have been excoriating. Prudish and bigoted, they have everything their smug little hearts could desire -- except the power to reproduce themselves (probably because they lack fresh air and real sunshine). They must send sirens up to lure studs down, and that is where the boy -- despite his dog's warning -- goes wrong, precipitating one of the year's better chase adventures.

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