Based on the true life story of a young Marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with her military combat dog saved many lives during their deployment in Iraq. When she is assigned to clean up the K9 unit after a disciplinary hearing, Leavey identifies with a particularly aggressive dog, Rex, and is given the chance to train him. Over the course of their service, Megan and Rex completed more than 100 missions until an IED explosion injures them, putting their fate in jeopardy. Written by

Plot Synopsis:
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Based on a true story and set in 2003, Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) is an aimless teenager living in upstate New York. After her best friend dies due to a drug overdose, Megan decides the only way to leave behind her small town and difficult mother Jackie (Edie Falco) is to enlist with the US Marines. After barely getting through basic training, she is assigned to Camp Pendleton, where she immediately gets into trouble. As part of her punishment, she is assigned to clean the cages of the K-9 bomb detector dogs. She enjoys her time with the dogs, but she is intimidated by an aggressive German Shepherd named Rex. She approaches the head of the K-9 unit, Gunnery Sergeant Martin (Common), about becoming a dog handler, and he eventually agrees. But since there aren't enough dogs to go around, she has to start practicing her handling with an ammo box in place of a dog.

Several months go by, and Megan is finally assigned a dog, and to her chagrin, it's Rex. He injured his handler, and now she only has a short time to bond with him, since the unit is about to be deployed to Iraq. Rex is a stubborn dog who initially won't listen to her commands, but eventually he begins to do as she says. Things between them get better when she starts to let him sleep in her quarters instead of the kennel (as the only woman in the unit, she has her own room). At this time, Megan also begins a relationship with a fellow handler, Matt Morales (Ramon Rodriguez). Now it's 2005, and the K-9 unit is in Iraq. Megan and Rex are joining in on missions to assist the Marines. Even though at first she makes mistakes that aggravate the Marines, she quickly gets on their good side when she and Rex discover a large cache of weapons. Over the course of several months, Megan and Rex are able to sniff out numerous IED's and other weapons, saving the lives of hundreds of Marines. But while on a mission in Ramadi, Megan and Rex are blown up by an IED buried so deep that Rex couldn't detect it. Both are injured and rushed back to their base, but they recover.

Now back at Camp Pendleton, Megan decides she won't re-enlist. Since Rex is still injured, she believes that he won't be sent back to Iraq, and expresses her desire to adopt him once her time in the Marines is up. Even Sergeant Martin agrees that Rex won't be sent back, and will endorse her adoption. However, she learns that since Rex can still detect bombs despite his injury, he will be going back with a new handler. She goes to Sergeant Martin, who tells her that it was not his decision, and there is nothing he can do about it. This news, combined with the PTSD she is suffering from due to the blast, begins to send Megan into a downward spiral. First, she breaks up with Matt after learning he has decided to re-enlist. Then after returning home, she gets into a fight with her mother and moves out. Now living with her father Bob (Bradley Whitford), she continues to moan and cry about not having Rex with her. Bob tells her that if she wants Rex, she shouldn't moan and cry, but to do something about it. This wakes up her spirit, and she begins a campaign to allow not just her, but all handlers to be able to adopt their dogs once their time in the military is over. She starts a petition, appears on TV talk shows, and even gets a promise from US Senator Chuck Schumer to help.

It's now 2009, and Megan learns that Rex is about to be retired from the Marines due to an illness. She attends the retirement ceremony at Camp Pendleton, where she sees Matt. He's happy to see her, and is glad she appears to be over her PTSD. He also tells her that he volunteered to be the one to tell her that the Marines have agreed to allow her to adopt Rex. Following the ceremony, she and Rex have a tearful reunion. Later, thanks to Senator Schumer, Megan and Rex are honored by her beloved New York Yankees in front of a large crowd at Yankee Stadium, with both of her proud parents in attendance. The movie ends with home movies of the real Megan Leavey and Rex. Title cards state that Rex lived three more years before he passed away. Megan is now a full-time dog handler/trainer, and still does bomb detection at high profile locations like the United Nations.

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rannynm from United States
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I really enjoyed this film. It explores the emotional bond between an animal and a human being.

The film is based on the true story of marine corporal who forms a unique bond with a bomb-sniffing dog. Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) enlists to get away from what seems to be a hopeless civilian life. She is an aimless young woman with a deadbeat mom, Jackie (Edie Falco). Megan struggles to fit in as a Marine and, after a disciplinary hearing due to misappropriate behavior, is caught urinating outside of the Provost office after a night of drinking. She is assigned to clean up the K- 9 unit under the command of Gunny Martin (Common). Gunny Martin is a commander who uses tough love while being a mentor.

My favorite scene in the movie is when Megan finds out that she will get a dog to train and it turns out to be a can. It seems that newbies practice training a dog with a can. It is a bit humorous but shows Megan's determination to get a real dog. Megan bonds with an aggressive German shepherd name Rex and is given the opportunity to train him. Megan and Rex end up completing more than 100 missions, but an IED explosion injures them both and puts their fate in jeopardy.

Megan Leavey has lots of wartime violence, strong language and intense themes including trauma and grief. It also shows the strength of women and their accomplishments while not focusing on the brutality of war. This is an inspiring film that I believe is most suited for ages 13 to 18 as well as some adults. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. It opens nationwide June 9, 2017 so, be sure to go see it and learn what happens to Megan and Rex.

Reviewed by Juanita Seon L. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.

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Dave McClain (dave-mcclain@hotmail.com) from United States
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"Megan Leavey" (PG-13, 1:56) is technically a bio-pic about a U.S. Marine serving as an MP during the Iraq War, but what it's really about is that Marine's relationship with her partner, a military working dog named Rex. Throughout history, militaries, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Britons, Romans and Americans, used canines in a variety of roles, such as in combat as attack dogs, and as hunters, trackers, searchers, scouts, guards, sentries, messengers, mascots and therapy dogs. Military working dogs in K9 units are assigned a specific handler, with whom the dog bonds, trains, serves and, when necessary, protects. The special relationship between such dogs and their handlers has been portrayed in various forms in movies like 2017's "A Dog's Purpose" and 2015's "Max", which mirrors the real-life story of a dog named Lex, who went to live with the family of his handler after the handler was killed in Iraq. An increasing number of military working dogs are adopted by their handlers after the military deems the dogs' military service complete and retires the dog from active duty, but it hasn't always been that way. "Megan Leavey" is the true story of a U.S. Marine's bond with her dog and her long fight to adopt him.

Megan (Kate Mara) was drifting. After high school, she had no purpose in life. She lived with her mother (Edie Falco) and stepfather (Will Patton), but didn't actually do much of anything, especially after her best friend died from a drug overdose. Seemingly on a whim, Megan joins the Marine Corps. After she completes basic training, she is trained as an MP, but her lack of self-discipline is still a problem and she quickly gets in trouble with her commander. Her punishment (or "corrective training", as the military calls it) is to work for a hard-nosed Marine called Gunny Martin (Common), cleaning out the kennels of the military working dogs. Megan develops an interest in the K9 unit, but she has to convince Gunny Martin of her reliability and dedication, so she is given an ammo can attached to a rope which she is forced to pretend is a dog on a leash that she puts through its paces on a K9 training course. When a handler preparing for deployment is bitten by his dog, Private First Class Leavey is ordered to step in.

With little time left before that scheduled deployment to Iraq, Megan works hard to train up, complete Rex's training and bond with her new partner. Rex is known as a very difficult and aggressive dog, but Megan manages to tame the savage beast and they end up making an effective and respected team while serving in combat. Megan and Rex are called upon to patrol ahead of everyone else in an effort to find IEDs before they can harm American troops. After some success, Megan and Rex get separated. She begins to work tirelessly to find Rex and, ultimately, to get permission to adopt and care for him. In the midst of all this, Megan works through challenging relationships with Gunny Martin, a K9 unit mentor (Tom Felton), a flirty fellow dog handler (Ramon Rodriguez), her clueless mother and stepfather and her birth father (Bradley Whitford), but all the while, Megan's biggest concern is her relationship with Rex.

"Megan Leavey" is a solid and touching, but slight movie. The script by Pamela Gray ("A Walk on the Moon"), Oscar nominee Annie Mumolo ("Bridesmaids") and Tim Lovestedt (co-writing his first film), and the direction of Gabriela Cowperthwaite ("Blackfish"), give us a realistic look at military life and combat deployments, while keeping the focus mainly on the affecting relationship between Megan and Rex. The subplots of Megan's human relationships give us a good picture of who she is as a person and are well-balanced from a story-telling perspective. But in the final analysis, this is still "just" a story about one Marine and one dog, presented as if similar situations had not happened before or since (which they have). The writing, acting and directing are all strong and produce a film which many Movie Fans will appreciate, especially those interested in military life and those who love four-footed heroes. "B"

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rgkarim from United States
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This weekend is certainly a mixed bag of movies from adventure/fantasy to horror/mystery. So why not throw in a military/biographical/drama into the fray as well, this time portraying a different, and more realistic, female super hero. If you are reading past my confusing opening, (and the title of this review), you know I'm talking about Megan Leavey. With leash, and gun, in hand, this movie is the chronicle of her walk into the life of a hero and the struggles she had to climb over to succeed. What's the verdict? You'll have to read on to find out!

LIKES:

Acting: Kate Mara was a fantastic pick for the lead of this movie. Based on Leavey's history (from the little research I've done), Mara was able to play the emotional rainbow required of this complicated role. The angst of a rebellious young adult is perfectly portrayed, with enough saucy edge to keep things spicy, while only going over the line occasionally. Yet, the real portrayal of her talents is her acting of honor, valor, and trauma that comes with being a real-life hero. You'll feel all the emotional turmoil, or in some cases lack of emotional turmoil, associated with marine life and the sense of duty before self. Many audience members became entangled in all the feelings of the movie, captivating them in the story.

Good Pace: We know that many military dramas are a little long winded, whether in build up or the tail end of the spectrum. Not the case for Megan Leavey. This movie keeps things moving quite well, blending excitement, suspense, and character development in a decently condensed time. The training portion of the movie is funny and heartwarming as bond between dog and human is formed, adequately building what will be the key foundation for the rest of the movie. Once the exciting deployment begins, the tension only surmounts and keeps one further fastened into the movie, constantly reeled in with each ticking minute as they perform their duty. It's engaging! It's exciting! And it is real!

The Dog: Let's face it though, the best part of this movie for most is going to be getting to see the dog or dogs trained to sniff out bombs. Megan Leavey may be a tale about a woman transforming into a hero, but the director also does extraordinary work with the developing the dog's status as a warrior itself. Watching Rex perform all the duties required of him is awesome, feeling like a human actor himself rather than a four-legged accessory. If you think Mara is the emotional lure in the film, then yes you are correct, but that would make Rex the lighthouse of emotions drawing you more into the flame of this movie. Watching Rex with the consistent worry that something will happen is the true suspense of this movie, I myself silently praying he would make it home alive.

DISLIKES:

Movie magic drama: We know that when it comes to describing drama, many films can exaggerate the truth. While I'm not certain how tough Megan's life was, this movie had many moments and characters that felt a little overdramatic to me. I'm not talking about the war aspect, we know that's hell. No, the real overacted moments come in the form of her family life, primarily the interaction with her mom. Eye-rolling moments aside, fans who like these overzealous characters are in for a treat, but it hit some nerves and took away from the movie.

The Final Act: Megan Leavey's film is split into three parts for me and the first two parts are epically put together to keep the film exciting. The third part however, is more on the slower side and not the area I would have spent a great deal of time on. I can't say much without ruining things, but here it goes. This finale is certainly emotional, well designed, and a fine example of character development. However, the pace changes at this part, doesn't focus on the chemistry I fell in love with. Yes, it's emotional, and the parts are well put together, I just wanted a little more time with the dog and woman.

Theater Worthy?: This is a tough component because there is a lot about this movie I like. However, I can't say the movie was really something that needed to be in theaters. With few special effects and stunts, and a story that, while touching, isn't an epic, adventure/book like drama that Hollywood theaters have captured. Instead, this movie would have been solid on the History Channel or a Netflix original movie where you could enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. So, don't behead me people, I'm just trying to save you some money to maximize the quality of the film.

The VERDICT:

Megan Leavey is one of the better military drams I've seen in a while. A fantastic chemistry between man and dog uniting to portray the honor of military service is a leading factor to see this movie. With emotional sequences captured by beautiful cinematography and epic acting, you'll find this at the top of a lot of drama loving lists. Yet, it still lacks some finesse in terms of perfect pace and even more lacks the theater quality effects that make the expensive ticket worthwhile, unless you get the discount show. Still it is a movie worth checking out when you can, to pay tribute to an honorable woman, her dog, and the heroes that are our military.

Biography/Drama/War: 8.5 Movie Overall: 6.5

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easkeen from Tennessee
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My husband and I were fortunate to attend a premier of this movie last night and we really enjoyed it much more than expected. Although it was meaningful in that my own daughter was a Marine and of course the scenes at graduation ceremony in Parris Island brought back so many memories...but it was her loyalty to this dog and the way they were able to capture it on film that endured me. Despite all the odds against her, she was NOT going to let this dog perish in the system. He deserved better and she fought to make sure he got better. THAT is a beautiful thing! Hellmant from United States
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'MEGAN LEAVY': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A biographical drama based on the true story of a Marine corporal (named Megan Leavy) and the combat dog (named Rex) that she bonded with. It was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite; who also helmed another animal sympathizer film called 'BLACKFISH' (a critically acclaimed documentary about the horribly inhumane treatment of captive killer whales). The script was written by Pamela Gray, Annie Mumolo and Tim Lovestedt. It stars Kate Mara (in the title role), Ramon Rodriguez, Tom Felton, Common, Edie Falco, Bradley Whitford and Will Patton. The movie has received mostly positive reviews from critics, and it's done well at the Box Office so far. Being an animal lover myself, I really enjoyed this movie.

Megan Leavy (Mara) joined the Marines after failing at many other jobs where she had to interact with people. Due to her motivation, and extreme dedication, she exceeded expectations as a Marine corporal, and due to her less than stellar people skills she also became uniquely talented at relating to combat dogs. Especially a really hard to manage military working dog named Rex. They served two deployments together, in Iraq (in 2005 and 2006), and bonded extremely well; which made them both very good at their jobs. The two were also wounded together, on their second deployment, where Rex saved Megan's life.

The movie is of course a sentimental tear-jerker, especially if you're an animal lover (or especially a dog lover), but it's not overly clichéd at all. It's actually really well made and believable. Both Mara and the dog that plays Rex are great in their roles, and I think any compassionate person could really sympathize and relate to their characters (and their characters' relationship). It's not as important a film as 'BLACKFISH', or as educational, but it's just as moving and powerful.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/K3Maw4akm_o

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scatswalsh
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Part way through I began to feel the story was a bit slow moving, maybe a little flat. I realized this is not an indictment of the film, but of Americans' movie going habits. Everything these days is a blockbuster - LOTS of action, tons of special effects, one- dimensional super hero characters. Megan Leavey is a quiet, understated film about real life and real people, and they are not always pleasant, exciting or interesting. If you like your war heroes shiny, perfect and larger than life - this film will not be for you. Megan Leavey is about a flawed, troubled, not very likable young woman who joins the Marines with no heroic idealism - she is just looking for an escape from her miserable life - made so very much by her own doing. And Rex is not Lassie. There is no instant, feel-good bond between a girl and her dog. Rather, the story illustrates the importance of showing up - taking one step at a time, and that with hard work and patience - redemption and second chances are possible. Not an easy feel-good film but worth the effort, as is true of most important things in life.

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avtiger from United States
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Really enjoyed this film! A very well acted and touching Gem of a film. The young lead actress nailed the part and was very convincing and quite good in this movie. I felt the sincerity throughout the film. If your looking for a violent action film from beginning to end I would suggest you pass. But if your looking for a film with lots of heart then i highly recommend this one. Two Thumbs Up....Way Up!

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tabuno from utah
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The problem with this good movie is deciding what movie genre it might fit into. Is this a war movie? An animal movie? A family drama? In some ways this movie is really just a typical, by the expected numbers movie but based on true events. Yet at the same time, it also offers up a validation of true events that present a real life emotional drama, of coming of age, of loyalty and sacrifice, and the benefits as well as the terrible costs of military service. There doesn't seem to be any over the top military stereotypes and in fact there seems to be some genuine elements of camaraderie, more so than in many war movies. The military action when it occurs is very effective, a sort of Golden Globe winner Saving Private Ryan (1998) in miniature. Yet for those men who are salivating for a military action movie, a good number will be disappointed. This movie has a strong military element to it, but the focus is more on the individual human impact of a tour in a war zone, not an epic big screen battle royal. Even the relatively brief boot camp sequence, initially, seemed to be way too short until the movie reveals itself to be more about an unfolding drama between coming of age and the bond that occurs between a young woman who is apparently socially underdeveloped and a German Shepard.

There is more in common with this movie with the more visceral Jarhead (2005) than with the explosive energy of We Were Soldiers (2002). This movie even has more in common with the coming of age animal movie Fly Away Home (1996) than military classic Black Hawk Down (2001) or Whale Rider (2002) over Platoon (1986). As apparently this movie has garnered a significantly higher rating among women than men, this is one of those gender focused movies that targets the relational drama over the military action and it might be more properly critically reviewed as such. In doing so, this movie directed by a female director based on a female lead character and a dog offers up a strong decent, credible, meaningfully, solid movie.

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Alan Harper from Chorley, England
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As promised, I will keep this simple. If you are a dog lover, don't mind shedding a tear (I'm a 38 year old male former enforcement officer, it got me) you will enjoy this movie. Simples.

It has been broken into three parts, first is a build up of character for Leavey, second is the relationship between Leavey and Rex in Iraq, third is the "fight". Some people are saying the third part was a bit of a let down, but, personally, i was happy with it. I did not realise I had been watching the film for its run time thinking it still must have a while to go at the credits. Always a good sign.

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tardis432002 from Burbank
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For some reason, my wife and I had not even heard of this film before watching the trailer here on IMDb yesterday. We went to see it today. One of the best films we've seen this year. Thoroughly believable and engaging. Well-made, well-paced, and well-acted. Not the literally flag-waving war endorsement of its own poster, but a universal story of finding meaning and connection.

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