Customer Reviews

Dog Park

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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 shes 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. Garofalos 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.

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.

Dog park is one of those romantic comedies that make you feel better after you watch it. The plot focus on relationships and shows how hard it is to find the ONE in your life. Andy (Luke Wilson) is a guy who has just broke with his girlfriend (Kathleen Roberson), and who misses the dog they have, who now lives with her. Kind of depressed, he tries to find comfort in a single's bar, where he meets Lorna (Natasha Henstridge) who is also feeling lonely. After a disastrous first date, they stop seeing each other, trying to meet new and interesting people, which may seems hard. This film proves that whenever you want to find someone to love, you just have to be opened to the least expected possibilities.

This movie has very inteligent dialogues, and weird theories about relationships, like the "dating chain"(watch to find out what it is!). It is also a very creative movie, with memorable scenes, such as the bachelor auction, when Andy is "bought" by a girl crazy for sex.

This is the perfect film to rent/buy and watch several times!

To fully understand the nature of this film, you would truly have to identify yourself with the comedic artistry of Bruce Mcculloch. This film is brilliant and unlike the common everyday "Hollywood" romantic comedy, it is original and almost anyone can relate to it. Bruce Mcculloch is truly one of the best writer/comedic talent of this generation. If you had seen it once and as closed minded as you are, didn't like, I strongly recommend that you watch some episodes from "The Kids in the Hall", then watch this film for the second time. You will notice that your mind is much more open and broader than the first time. You will then know that not only was I right, but the other reviewers as well...Believe me, you will truly enjoy this masterpiece! Brucio, you are a genius!

I love this movie! And I agree with a lot of people on here if you aren't a Bruce fan or Kids in the hall fan, you might not like it. But there are some really funny parts/lines. There is one I use often...but it's too naughty to print here=) I give it 2 thumbs up!

Well, it wasn't a horrible movie, it just seemed to fall flat. The acting was alright, but it wasn't enough. The humorous parts weren't funny. The characters didn't have much depth. It failed to do what a decent chick flick is supposed to do, which is tug on your emotional strings. I'd have to say pass on this one, unless your a really big fan of one of the actors.

Wow, after reading the other reviews for this movie, I have to wonder if we saw the same movie. This movie has simply the funniest love scene I have ever seen. This movie was absolutely hysterical (in parts). It dragged in a few places, but the interesting characters and truly bizarre situations were very funny. The humour in this movie is not your standard slapstick or sitcom faux wit, but is more comedy of the absurd. But as you can tell from other reviews, this type of comedy is not for everybody. Anyway, interesting story, interesting characters, but most of all, ridiculous scenes that will make you howl. As the writer is from the Kids in the Hall, several of the actors are from that show. If you liked Kids in the Hall, you'll love this movie.

First of all I have to say that "dog park" is one of a kind when it comes to brig cute dogs to the screen, but on the other hand, the film has nothing new about relationships and love affairs.

"Dog..." is about a man (Luke Wilson), whose beloved ex-girlfriend has given him over and taken the dog as souvenir. He meets a woman (Natasha Henstrige), and falls for her, but she is not very interested in having a love affair right now -- at least with him. And this is the way the movies goes... Nothing new or exciting -- apart from the dogs that could have had a much bigger part in this misguided flick.

They are the stars and steal any scene they are in (Not that would have been a very difficult task due to the cast they acted with, but anyway they do steal). The pets are treatead as it they were a kid, so they go to 'school', go to a shrink and family sessions... and get graduated. But the human beings also wanted to have a part in the story and this is when the movie becomes a whole mess.

Luke Wilson plays his usual role: the nice, a bit silly and single guy. Natasha Henstrige tries hard but can't avoid her femme fatale look. She palys a Mrs booksworm in a TV show, but she does not look like the kind of girl we expect to be reading for our children. Plus, they have no chermistry together, you don't give a damn if they'll get married or kill each other.

Many directors have tried to copycat Altman, putting some characters together in a web that is revealed little by little. Some have succed, but many have failed. This film belongs to the second option. If this strategy is not well done, it looks like the characters of the movie are the only human beings on earth, and not that casuallity put them together.

To sum up, if you really really really like dogs, watch this film but fastfoward the scenes which they are not in. And my two stars go, of course, to the canines!

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.

Here's the first thing you have to understand. This movie was not funny. But it was a good movie. It's not for everyone. As far as dating and relationships go, I identify with this movie very strongly. There's also some very well writen back and forth dialog. It does get overly sappy at time, though. In closing, don't rent this movie to laugh. Rent this movie for the enjoyment of relating to the characters. And just be happy that Bruce McCulloch is working again.