|
| • Advanced Search • Help |
Dog Park | Year: 1999 Classification: Comedy Directed: - Bruce McCulloch Actors/Actresses: - Janeane Garofalo - Natasha Henstridge - Kathleen Robertson - Harland Williams - Luke Wilson Love in the Off Leash Area An amiable, if hit-and-miss treatise on modern dating angst from the same off-kilter Canucks who gave us "Brain Candy". "Kids In The Hall" alumnus Bruce McColloch directs this romantic comedy about dogs and (mostly) the silly creatures who own them. Luke Wilson (who co-starred with brother Owen in "Bottle Rocket") is appealing as the central character and Natasha Henstridge is charming as his love interest. One major disappointment-the usually dependable Janeanne Garafalo puzzlingly seems to be acting in a different movie than her co-stars, although that could be due to McCulloch's tendency toward uneven directing. While the dog psychiatrist is somewhat amusing (Paul Mazursky thought of it first), the character that almost steals the movie is the "Eye Contact" guy, an overly-sensitive New Age-type goofball who is screamingly funny in every scene he's in. Certainly not groundbreaking, yet, as with all McCulloch's films, one senses a possible "cult" film in the making. Seinfeld with a heart Sometimes movies just work better on television then on the big screen. Bruce McCulloch's Dog Park is one of those instances where without the expectations that paying 10 bucks brings to a movie, a small film's charm can come through. The story here is really not much of one. Guy gets dumped, girl takes dog, guy walks around complaining about girl who gets dog, and guy then starts falling for another girl with other dog. Yet without an over-bearing plot, the fun of Dog Park comes through, as the characters are given the leverage to express whatever feelings they have about their dating lives. Luke Wilson brings a down to earth quality to his role as Andy, the down-on-his-luck romantic. Wilson gives his character a believable bewilderment about his continuing troubles with the opposite sex. The big surprise here is Natasha Henstridge, making her character Lorna someone who you could actually meet in a bar. Even though she's a knockout, the leggy blond is actually able to fit in nicely to the day-to-day quality of the film. The dialogue is very sitcom like, but on the boob tube that's not a problem. Wilson's and Janeane Garofalo's characters, chat about relationships in almost the same way that Jerry and Elaine talked about dating on Seinfeld. The only difference is the characters are far more endearing. Garofalo's natural likeability for example, is able to shine through in her small, yet very key role. Dog Park has more sweet then funny moments, there isn't per say a laugh-out-loud instance in the movie. But Dog Park does have a brisk lightness to it with characters who you don't mind spending 90 minutes with. Think of it as a nice sit down with friends movie, that is much better than what is normally on TV. subtle and clever spin on love stories for those who need explosions, julia roberts, or buses that can't slow down in order to enjoy a film, this one is not for you. Dog Park is a smart romantic comedy, brilliantly directed and with a great soundtrack to boot (esp. rox sexsmith). the viewer is treated to the added bonus of the chemistry between bruce mccolluch and mark mckinney and between the brothers wilson. not a character is wasted in this film-- rare for a genre that thrives off superfluous "best friend" roles. there are no mere "best friends" in this romantic comedy that not only amuses, but makes subtle assertions about the the human heart. mccolluch's visionary direction makes great use of his talented, all-star cast. mccolluch won't spoonfeed the viewer. if you're not willing to think while viewing, you best watch buy yourself a mainstream american comedy, perhaps something starring david spade. Buy Dog Park at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Dog Park Search with the Priority Search Engine on Dog Park This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
|
