Parents' Guide to

Wolf Hound

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Great cinematography, poor script in violent WWII actioner.

Movie R 2022 130 minutes
Wolf Hound Movie Poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Chuck U.
Chuck U. Adult
March 27, 2023
age 13+
That review is wokie garbage. Nazis are evil-period. Take your moral relativism and shove it.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Inspired by true events, WOLF HOUND follows Jewish American Capt. David Holden (James Maslow) and his squadron of World War II fighter pilots as they're attacked by Nazis flying in Allied B-17 bombers. After Holden's plane is downed, he parachutes into Nazi-occupied France, where he learns the full extent of Hitler's nefarious plan.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

A ridiculous script and improbable action sequences make this historical fiction feel more like fan fiction. Which is too bad, since Wolf Hound's stunning aerial cinematography (featuring vintage WWII planes, including a B-17, P-51 Mustang, and Messerschmitt Bf 109) immerses viewers in the experience of what it might have been like to be an Allied fighter pilot in a dogfight against the Luftwaffe. The camerawork is clear and up close, creating a look and feel that seems like the film could have been made for a science museum theater. But at the same time, it places viewers in the cockpit while the characters endure a relentless attack. And even though they're gorgeous, the constant up-close angles create quite a bit of confusion: Too many characters, too many planes, and too little character development.

Really, there's just no nuance at all to this celebration of American patriotism. World War II is an era that's often seen as purely black and white: Nazis are really bad, Allied forces are really good. But even civilians will question poor strategy and highly unlikely outcomes. And the story seems meant to create an environment in which it's OK to enjoy violence, as the dialogue reinforces that the Nazis deserve it. When they're shot, their bodies fly off their feet and hurl back in eye-popping choreography. Explosions are made into fiery works of art, bodies pirouetting through the air like battle ballet. Think of this like a cinematic version of a video game, in which viewers don't wear headsets but still cheer, comment, and guffaw with each other throughout. Though that does set up a bit of a contradiction to how this feat of aerial photography should be seen: On the biggest screen possible.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Wolf Hound. How did it make you feel? How do you think it was intended to make you feel? Do you think it was authentic or glamorized?

  • How does Wolf Hound compare to other modern movies about World War II? How does it compare to the propaganda films that were made to support the war effort in the 1940s? What happens when you depict an enemy as evil? Is that ever justified?

  • The planes used here are rare, authentic WWII aircraft. Does the experience change for viewers when "the real thing" is used, rather than green screen or CGI?

  • Does the movie make war look heroic? Horrifying? How? Which of the characters are role models? Why? How do they demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?

  • How does Capt. Holden show compassion to Major Roth? Since Roth is less gracious in returning the consideration, is there a message being sent by the filmmaker about misplaced compassion, and should we accept that message?

Movie Details

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