Duke a Hallmark Movie Original DVD Review

        On March 12, 2013 Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment and Crown Media Family Networks released Hallmark Movie Channel original Duke on DVD! "Duke is the second highest-rated Hallmark Movie Channel original film to premiere on Hallmark Movie Channel."

        The synopsis says "'Marine Sergeant Terry Pulaski, a once proud man, is now a broken shell of himself having returned from Iraq with both PTSD and a disabling injury. Terry struggles to be a good father and husband, but his challenges leave him feeling like a burden to his wife and daughter. With his dog, Duke, in tow, he decides to leave his family behind.

Years later, a homeless Terry needs help for an aging and ill Duke, so he reaches out for help at a nearby veterinary clinic. Will Duke be able to help Terry reach out again to try and reconcile with his estranged daughter?"

        After watching this movie I have come to a few conclusions:  You will definitely need a box of tissues for this one (as with most Hallmark movies).  If this is what happens to actual veterans when they return home from active duty,  we as a nation need to be ashamed that we aren't helping them with the transition.

        I think the timing of a film of this subject could not be better.  There are so many families separated because a loved one is in the military.  There are also tons of soldiers returning from over sees that are trying to learn how to readjust and sometimes it almost seems hopeless and easier to give up.  Sometimes even a story of how someone else gets through a similar situation can help motivate a person.

Price: $14.93
Recommendation:  All In all, a really good movie- definitely tugs at your heartstrings. I would however, suggest that this not be for the under 13 crowd, unless you want to explain PTSD to them.
Street Date: March 12, 2013
Language: English
Running time: 86 minutes

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