Customer Reviews

A Dog's Breakfast

5 star:		(143)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

You will be giggling through this whole movie.

David Hewlett has managed to create a film that evokes all the fun about the "old-fashioned" dark comedy. Think "Arsenic and Old Lace" or "A Fish Called Wanda" with a little Peter Sellers and some Fawlty Towers thrown in.

It's a wonderful, family-friendly film about a rather dysfunctional guy who can't even manage to do murder correctly. (The "violence" is all implied, in case you're squeamish like I am.) It not only features a great performance from David himself, but you also throw in his real-life sister Kate Hewlett and his friend Paul McGillion and you get a whole lot of fun. (Look for David's dog Mars to steal several scenes while in the foreground and background.)

You might recognize all of these actors (and much of the listed crew) from the TV shows Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1. If you're a fan of these shows, you'll really enjoy seeing everyone in a very different role. If you're not a Stargate fan or even a sci-fi geek, no worries. This won't really take you there, except for poking a little fun at their other jobs.

"A Dog's Breakfast" is well worth watching as David Hewlett is sure to be a name to watch in the future.

Being one of the lucky few to see this film at the time of writing, I am excited for everyone who hasn't seen this. I'm happy that at last that you will be able to see this at home soon.

I can safely say that this film surpassed even my expectations (unsurprisingly high) and it did not disappoint. Given that this is David Hewlett's directing debut (no doubt under the watchful gaze of long time Yoda and chum, Vincenzo Natali among others)Hewlett exhibits a creative flair that marks this film out as distinctively his own. Natali et al were not the crutch for this project that I had feared. Newbie Hewlett seems to have successfully navigated what was probably a mêlée of creative advice well.

David himself does not hide the fact that he has had to beg, borrow and steal resources to get this film made and producer (fiancée) Jane Loughman has done a remarkable job bringing this film to fruition on such a tiny budget. What this man could do given bigger budget doesn't bare thinking about . He does seem to have wet the appetite of (DVD only) distributor MGM who have commissioned a pilot of 'starcrossed' (the spoof sci-fi featured in the film). Lets hope that this relationship continues.

Hewlett demonstrates a witty, style of expression and originality unusual for a first time director. An entertainment focused screenplay, it has no pretensions and does not take itself too seriously. It doesn't make too many demands on the audience but it doesn't require you to leave your brain at the door either, a perfect balance. The film is a real testament to the director's ingenuity and understanding of his medium. I would like to see him in the future try out some different genres. A Horror does seem to be in the pre-production stages (working title Design of the Dead).

I personally love extremity of character, and Hewlett's performance as the endearing Patrick demonstrated well paced comic timing and relished in the sort of classy but not too crude slapstick that Peter Sellers would have been proud of. Similarly Paul McGillion as Ryan plays well off of Hewlett. Cynics (who have not seen the movie!) may say that their on screen chemistry is already well known and pre-established outside of the film's parameters and that this assumption is a requirement to fully enjoy the film. I would answer by saying that this film dispells the myth that you would to have seen Stargate Atlantis to appreciate 'in jokes'. There simply aren't any. Where would we be if that same argument were levied at anyone 'writing and influenced by what they know'?. Many who have never heard the word Stargate have absolutely loved it.

I also wondered whether one of the more memorable scenes involving THAT dressing gown and McGillion, had been at all influenced by Cary Grant in 'Bringing up Baby';-)?

I hope this is the first rung on the long ladder of Hewlett's directing career with preferably Jane supporting the ladder;-)

yup, the boy done good!

Many more reviews can be found when you look at the DVD version of this film.
A Dog's Breakfast
Basically, it's a hysterical comedy with lots of Python-esque humor. Paul McGillion really shows his range in this one, and of course the Hewlett 'team' (brother David and sister Kate) play well off each other. Looking forward to sharing this one with both friends and kids in my family!

I've been lucky enough to see a number of screening of this movie, and am really looking forward to it coming out on DVD. I can honestly say that it is one the funniest movies I've ever seen. The main cast is brilliant, and Kate Hewlett is not only a wonderful actress, she's wickedly funny in her role as Marilyn. This movie is pretty family safe, and we took our children, ages 8 and 13, to see it as well. Both of them laughed through the entire thing, though of course some of the humour went over their heads. For a movie made on a very small, very tight budget, I found it more appealing them some of the resent Hollywood mega-films. This is a movie I will most certainly buy, and one that I have been recommending to friends and family. If you like your comedy with a dark bite to it, then this is the film for you.

I bought this movie because it sounded funny and because I found several reviews that said it was "family friendly." Amazon says (at this time) that it is not rated, but when I received the DVD, it is actually rated PG-13, for "some nudity, sexual references, and thematic elements." There is one use of the "b" word; brief rear nudity (male); almost full-frontal male nudity (the ah, pertinent parts are just barely covered); several references to sex and body parts which may go over younger kids' heads, but there is one reference/visual involving a "sex doll" that is impossible to miss, and for that reason I would have to say - not family friendly, and not really something you're going to want to watch with your mother, for instance. Also a particular scene involving meat may make some viewers uncomfortable.

I actually liked the movie - it was funny and the acting was good. The one-liners are hysterical. Although I could have done without the above references/scenes, the movie was MUCH tamer (and more intelligent) than what the typical teen is watching these days; I am just a little more old-fashioned than most. If you liked Napoleon Dynamite (I did), you'll probably like this one.

If you like British style comedies, such as a Fish Called Wanda, you will probably enjoy this movie. It is dark, disturbing and extremely funny.

It's hard to review a movie like this without giving anything away, and I don't want to write any spoilers. So to start, I recommend everyone tries to see it.

One can already see how hilarious it is by the trailer and the few clips on the show, but let me tell you... it gets even BETTER!!

The acting is great, but if you're a fan of the Stargates, then you already know that. And Kate Hewlett, the female star, has theatrical experience, and I guess good acting is genetic in the Hewlett family. Along with the sense of humor. The sibling rivalry in the movie is great to see, and even funnier knowing that David and Kate actually are brother and sister. I can't even comment on Paul McGillion, 'cause I'd be giving away stuff, but let me pause for a second and giggle madly!! *ROFLMAO* OK, back. The other roles were fairly short, all the actors were great, and I personally hope that we'll get to see "Starcrossed" - the space opera in the movie that is to become a real TV-show soon, so we can see what Paul and Rachel can do in a comedic role (and even if that's not the direction it will take, and even if Paul and Rachel weren't in it, I'd still want to see it. It was so cheesy it was hilarious!!). A special mention goes to Mars, the poster-dog for the movie. Handsome, very natural, and apparently all he asked to do his job was a little doggie biscuit from his friends!

Again, it's hard to say more without giving bits away, and every little clip from the movie is worth watching without knowing what will happen... even though the second time you watch the movie (personal experience), you'll enjoy it even more. For one, you'll be able to hear all the lines you've missed from laughing to hard the first time around, and you'll be able to see things without the blur of tears (again from laughter). And you'll notice all the funny details that you couldn't focus the first time, when you were focused on the main story.

It is a low-budget movie, but you'd never know if they didn't tell you. The way it's shot, everything makes perfect sense, and I really don't see how a lot more money could have made any difference (expect, of course, in making people happier!).

And I wish I could say more, but again I'd go into spoiler-area.

So from giggling, to laughing out loud, from going "ewww", to seeing a lot more David Hewlett than you've ever wanted to see (or finally enough!, depending on your point of view!), you'll want to watch this movie again and again, ask for a REAL theatrical release by MGM, or at least that the DVDs come out soon!! OK, I just re-ran a little clip in my head, laughed, and the people around me looked at me as if I were nuts. Hope that if you've seen the movie you aren't reading about it in a public place!

I had the pleasure of catching a UK screening of this film and I have not laughed so hard in ages, and not just the occasional laugh but almost throughout the film. The pace was good, the visual jokes alternating between sudden and between that slow build up when you know what is going to happen and it feels like you are watching a train wreck in the making, and you laugh all the harder for it. All the cast were in top form, including the dog.
I was tempted to drop one star rating (from 5 to 4) because there was one small segment near the middle that seemed a slower pace but then I compared the film to other comedies I had seen in the past few years and realized that those comedies were dull in comparison, generating far fewer laughs for my money!
So, my recommendation is, if you like black comedy with a slightly British feel to it then you will love this.

This is a silly, engaging & hilarious black comedy that had me laughing out loud.
It has a wonderfully talented cast that completely do justice to the funny yet charming storyline.

I was lucky enough to see ADB several times at screenings, and I'm *eagerly* awaiting the DVD release, now. Mr. Hewlett, Ms. Loughman, Mr. Lenic and their fantastic and amazing cast have put together a hilarious story with hilarious characters, a hilarious premise, a hilariously adorable canine star... yeah, it's a *funny* movie. We took our two kids, ages 7 and 13, to a couple of screenings and they laughed right along with us. Fun for the whole family! Do yourself a favour and watch this gem. And then watch for anything else Mr. Hewlett decides to make.