Dog Park (1998)

User Rating:

4.9/10   

Director:

Bruce McCulloch

Writer:

Bruce McCulloch (writer)

Release Date:

24 September 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

down boy

Plot:

Sex comedy takes a look at contemporary dating mores and hypothesizes that the new dating location may be the dog walk in the park...

Plot Keywords:

Dog | Dinner Scene | Rejection | Jealousy | Loud Sex

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

Natasha Henstridge	...	Lorna
Luke Wilson	...	Andy
Kathleen Robertson	...	Cheryl
Janeane Garofalo	...	Jeri
Bruce McCulloch	...	Jeff
Kristin Lehman	...	Keiran
Amie Carey	...	Rachel
Gordon Currie	...	Trevor
Harland Williams	...	Callum
Mark McKinney	...	Dr. Cavan, Dog Psychologist
Peter MacNeill	...	Neighbor
Albert Schultz	...	Male Dog Owner #2
Jerry Schaefer	...	Norm
Zachary Bennett	...	Dougie
Ron James	...	Male Dog Owner #1

Also Known As:

Réservé aux chiens (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality and language.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Singapore:M18 | Germany:12 | USA:R | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Accent Entertainment Corporation

Trivia:

In the scene where the personal ads are being read, they refer to the 5'1" man as having the saddest name in the world. The man's name is Owen, which is Luke Wilson's brother's name.

Quotes:

Andy: You know what, Jeff? You're wrong! 'Cause it's not about the other flesh. It's about being with the same woman night after night, and cuddling with her until you wear a spot on her back. Getting to know her, watching her change and watching how it changes you.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in WildCat (2007) (V)

Soundtrack:

The Only One I Know

Unusual and charming. Explores the heart truthfully

I liked it a lot. It's about people, not things or action or plot. That's uncommon these days, and should be applauded and supported by movie goers. People complain about f/x flicks, big cash blockbusters, and formulaic "lowest common denominator" pop-trash movies. That's a noble sentiment, but why not walk that talk? Why not get out to the theaters and pay to SEE movies that attempt to break out of the pop-culture molds? One of the reasons f/x (etc.) movies are almost all Hollywood makes anymore is because that's mostly all you and I pay to see anymore. Well, here's your chance to put your money where your mouth is and support something a little bit different.

"Dog Park" had a few annoying "snotty chick" cliches, but not too many, nor too bad. Whether or not this movie represents real life or not, I cannot say. Whether or not a movie, any movie, even SHOULD represent real life--who knows that, either? But, if art, good or bad, is designed to evoke a certain feeling, and certain vibes, then this movie does that very well. The specific events may or may not be "accurate," but the vibe and the results are.

Minor flaws aside-- and they are mostly mere quibbles-- this is a bright, charming, thoughtful movie about contemporary people. I think everyone could relate to, and benefit from, "Dog Park"'s exploration of the heart: its fear, courage, deadness, commitment and connection. I gave this movie an 8 out of 10.

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