User Reviews

Tommy Hyde's documentary "Underdog" is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its viewers. From the very beginning, Hyde's directorial finesse combined with a compelling narrative transforms this film into a powerful exploration of the human spirit.

"Underdog" captivates the audience by shedding light on the lives of those who have been marginalized, overlooked, or underestimated in society. It delicately weaves together stories of hope, determination, and resilience, painting a vivid portrait of rural life and defying the odds. The film showcases struggles and triumphs, shining a light on the underrepresented heroes among us.

One of the documentary's greatest strengths is Hyde's ability to establish a deep connection with Doug and the dogs. He demonstrates genuine empathy, ensuring that Doug's story is told with integrity and respect. Through intimate interviews and remarkable storytelling techniques, Hyde presents a raw and unfiltered portrayal of rural hopes and dreams in America, evoking empathy, humor, and understanding from the audience.

The cinematography in "Underdog" is breathtaking. Every shot is carefully composed, capturing both the mundane and extraordinary moments with equal beauty. Whether it's the gritty farm life or the lush rural backdrops, each frame is a visual feast that immerses viewers in the world of the film. The remarkable attention to detail is a testament to Hyde's talent as a director, elevating the documentary to a whole new level.

Furthermore, "Underdog" stands out for its thought-provoking themes and social commentary. It challenges the audience to confront preconceived notions and biases, urging us to reconsider our own judgments about others. Through the lens of the underdog, Hyde reveals the hidden potential in every individual and the profound impact that can result when we provide them with opportunities and support.

Tommy Hyde's "Underdog" is a groundbreaking documentary that transcends boundaries. Its poignant storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful message make it a must-see for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience. It leaves a lasting impression that inspires change and ignites a desire to uplift the underdogs in our own lives. This is a documentary that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of filmmaking, and it deserves every bit of praise it receives.

Underdog is a heartwarming, heart-wrenching, hopeful, and hilarious vérité film. It shares Doug Butler's rollercoaster of a journey on his farm in Vermont and finding his way to Alaska. I found myself with tears in my eyes one moment, and then cackling alongside Doug the next.

The filmmaker beautifully captured the passage of time, and vulnerable moments with Doug, someone who clearly doesn't open up too often. Those glimpses into the hardships of Doug's life added a layer of complexity that make the high-points that much higher, and left me cheering Doug along at every turn.

Loved this film.

The film elegantly captures the textures, sights and sounds of rural Vermont, from the pineappleweed in the driveway to the woodcock's song beckoning spring, and the omnipresence of manure. It was powerful and surreal to see home on the big screen, and left me feeling immense gratitude for life's little details. Doug's fiercely jovial and dedicated personality was on full display, his character ringing true to the man himself. His love for land and animal is a theme throughout. By the end of the film you will want to be Doug's friend, his biggest fan, and most certainly his sled racing partner.

Underdog is a wonderful celebration of Doug Butler, a Vermont dairy farmer with a very big personality huge dreams of racing his dogs in Alaska's famed Iditarod. The low budget documentary is heartfelt, heartbreaking and heart melting all at once. This independent film shows the daily struggles of farming and how truly hard it is to keep a farm alive in this modern economy; the audience experiences birth, the sad death of farm animals, and the joy of the palpable love between Butler and his dogs. I will forever hold the images of Doug kissing his dogs, and them loving him back. His exuberance for life is infectious and spills over the hardships he faces daily.

This film really sits you down next to Doug with a serious glimpse into his life both in dairy farming and dogsled racing. These to livelihoods don't usually go together but in this films organization and direction they seem like a perfect fit. So many different emotions are felt throughout.

This film is so creatively and beautifully done with a consistent flare of humor and emotional moments. You are really along for the ride with Doug and the ride is an unexpected adventure to say the least. I am excited to see this film again! Thank you Tommy Hyde for introducing us to the legend that is Doug Butler.

Doug Butler is captured in all his energy, humor, optimism and grace in the face of daunting challenges. Butler's comfort with the director allowed us astonishing access to the highs and lows of a dairy farmer's precarious existence. Like the best documentaries, the film often feels like a scripted narrative - a testament to the 300 hours of filming time and the filmmakers' skillful storytelling and editing.

Most importantly, Doug's story couldn't arrive at a better time in American life - we all could use some of his relentlessly big heart and good cheer. Share this film with others - it will stick with every person who watches.

You will find yourself immersed in Doug's life. His dairy farm and all the struggles of running a family business, his passion for dog racing, the seasons changing in Middlebury, Vermont.

It chronicles his struggles, but also his joys. You will be rooting for Doug in no time.

It is a window into rural America, the plights of small farms, and dogsled racing.

I enjoyed this film very much, it was, as another reviewer said it, "heartwarming and heart-wrenching" but definitely worth seeing.

Another important theme that comes up in the film is the higher suicide rate among farmers. I believe this film is relevant both for city dwellers and people that live in rural areas. The film maker and the subject of this documentary hope to help bring this film to rural places to start a conversation around this pressing topic.

Go see this film, it's the sweetest, most authentic movie I've seen so far this year.

Highly highly recommend!!! Very thoughtfully made film that gripped my attention and my heart from start to finish. Doug is a mesmerizing character and you can't help but cheer him on. Plenty of micro and macro themes to chew on after the credits roll too, so it makes for a good post-movie conversation. There's the inspiring storyline of Doug's indomitable optimism and sportsmanship. There's also a sober portrayal of the predicaments facing family farmers in Vermont and elsewhere in the U. S. Hyde doesn't shy away from these themes, but wisely let's the film do the talking so you can reach your own conclusions. I look forward to more stuff from Hyde! And best wishes to Doug, if you happen to read this!

Doug Butler is a force of nature with a good heart and an indefatigable positive attitude. "Underdog" follows Doug on his long path attempting to make it to a dog sledding race in Alaska as he faces the daily challenges of running a family farm in Vermont, without any sugar coating.

You'll learn as much about the rigors of running a small family farm as you will about developing a dog sled team - on a shoestring budget.

Doug seems to be constantly in motion, so much so that I doubt that Tommy Hyde, who made the film, could keep up with him or get him to sit down long enough to talk about his situation, which works to our advantage, I think, as we see Doug being Doug which tells us what we need to know.

Very interesting and heart warming with a sharp edge of reality. Well worth watching.

I really enjoyed seeing this movie. It is about real life, real passion, life of a dairy farmer, life of a sprint dog sled driver, a man fulfilling his dream, something many people think about but do not do. The director obviously has a great sense of "down to earthiness" which is so needed on the film these days.

I have a cousin who is a cow farmer, some friends who are cow farmers so I know the dedication it takes to own a farm like this. The work is never ending.

I am a dog musher and often say we are like cow farmers in that it is very difficult to ever leave the farm. Well this film gives you an idea of what this lifestyle is like and to see a man fulfilling his dreams even among real life challenges.