Had this script for a while but didn't want to talk about it until after the movie came out. Screenwriter Cameron Alexander's script is an interesting read.

I love several things about it. First, it's one of the best examples of writing vertically. His exposition is powerful, visual, and pithy. Lots of white space, hence vertical, and just a clean fast read. Second, it's pacing is excellent.  Because of his writing style you don't want to put the script down.  I read it the first time in less than an hour.  The version I have is 100 pages, and just invites the reader in and captures your attention.  A fairly unique story in a way, and the relationship between a dog and its owner set in the world of special forces and the military as retired soldiers together trying to live out the rest of their lives in peace.  

Only it wasn't meant to be.  They face challenge after harrowing challenge as they try to get to safety. The action is excellent and again the writing engaging, the pace helps to keep you inside the story. His word usuage took me back to Shane Black's LETHAL WEAPON screenplay.  (You either know what I am talking about or don't... cuz I'm old.)

But I didn't like everything, no that's the wrong statement, I did have a couple of reactions to two things that Cameron does but am only going to discuss one.  As screenwriters we are told to write only what can be "seen or heard," nothing else you can't go into the mind and what someone is thinking.  And this script does this a lot, which at first I considered a cheat.  But as I read it I totally understood why that was done, and accepted it.  I think this script might change, even if just a little, how screen stories are written. 

The action sequences are excellent, again well-paced, and exciting.  When presented on screen you can feel it. The ending is powerful, not going to say anything else. David Ayer the direct does an excellent job as he usually does.  Brad Pitt is amazing, but as has already been said, Uber (real life name) steals the show... fascinating performance and it’s a no-brainer he will be seen at the Oscars as there's no way this movie doesn't get some nominations.

Final thing I noticed which isn't a surprise, is the pre-release publicity tour you never see (at least talking) Cameron Alexander mentioned or on stage; at least I never did.  But that's par for the course for a screenwriter.  We create the world, and then once it sold, we are pushed to the background.  Not that I know at all if Alexander felt that way.  He might have been perfectly happy with how he was included in pre-release screenings and whatnot.