I liked this movie - for a change we have here an intelligent comedy, smart dialogs, a conventional story that succeeds to almost never fall in the romantic routine. The story is set in Los Angeles. A British-American play-writer goes through a mid-life, mid-career, mid-relationship crisis. He is happily married, but the couple is childless, mostly probably because he is a champion of egocentrism and does not seem to like children very much. All this changes when a neighbor with an eight-year old daughter moves in. You have indeed seen the story in many other movies, but the masterful acting of Branagh with good support from the rest of the team, the sarcastic description of the content-empty life in the artistic circles in Los Angeles, and the witty relationship between the European roots of the character and his Americanized life make the film both interesting to watch, as well as true in message. 8 out of 10 on my personal scale.
48 Reviews
There are Rewards to be Found Beyond the Title
jhclues8 September 2002
First of all, the biggest obstacle to enjoying and appreciating this movie is the fact that the title alone is going to keep it out of most people's hands. Let's face it, when the average, discerning viewer browsing the local video store shelves comes across one called `How To Kill Your Neighbor's Dog,' it immediately gets mentally shuffled into the mindbox right alongside such obtuse fare as the consummately repugnant and forgettable `Surf Nazis Must Die,' (which, by the way, is a title I never thought would issue forth from my fingertips for any reason whatsoever, but it happens to work here) or the likes. I mean, slapping on such a designation is like insisting on a strike three call with the first pitch when you're the batter. Then again, there's that old saying about judging a film by it's cover. Take `Office Space,' for example; who in a million years would have expected something as entertaining and insightful from Mike Judge, the guy who gave the world Beavis and Butthead, for crying out loud? (Still, in retrospect, Beavis and Butthead wasn't half bad...). The point is, writer/director Michael Kalesniko did himself a major disservice with his title, which may have been a shock value attempt to grab some attention that didn't really work out. But if you can overcome what for most will surely be an entirely understandable prejudice against this one, you'll be in for a treat. And in the final analysis, it points up the wisdom of not dismissing any movie out-of-hand.
Hollywood denizen Peter McGowan (Kenneth Branagh) is a successful playwright, but in the show biz tradition of `what have you done for me lately?' he is having trouble getting his latest play off to a running start. Rehearsals have begun, but even director Brian Sellars (David Krumholtz) can't seem to find the magic. And poor Peter is experiencing a heavy hit of writer's block that is preventing him from fixing it, and working out of his home doesn't seem to be the answer. Wife Melanie (Robin Wright Penn) is supportive, but they have no children of their own, and pursuant of her natural motherly instincts, she has taken on eight-year-old Amy Walsh (Suzi Hofrichter), daughter of new neighbor and single mom Trina (Lucinda Jenney), to babysit. In addition to which there is a `False Peter' (Jared Harris) roaming about the neighborhood, a fan, apparently, who has taken on Peter's identity, and to top it all off, the neighbor's dog just will not quit barking. Suffice to say Peter is not seeing the world through rose colored glasses these days, but there has to be an answer to his many and myriad dilemmas; now all he has to do is find it.
Perhaps sabotaging his own film with a title that instantly relegated it to `cult' status was Kalesniko's way of getting into his alter-ego's skin and exploring Peter's conundrum and his possible reactions. And if such was the case, it worked. Because once you give this film a chance, you'll find that it's funny, poignant and actually filled with some pretty astute insights into and observations of the human condition. This is a black comedy/drama, to be sure, but at the heart of the film there is a dramatic story that will evoke no small amount of empathy and compassion from the audience. Which is to say, with this film you get so much more than what you bargained for; it is decidedly NOT what you're expecting based on the title alone. There are a couple of instances in which Kalesniko succumbs to a bit of unnecessary low-brow humor, but it's not enough to detract from the whole. In the end, this film dips deeply into the pockets of human nature to extract the kind of sentiments (without being sentimental) rarely found in a film of this genre, and it makes a positive and lasting impression.
The role of a transplanted Brit insomniac playwright with writer's block must have seemed like a character out of a dream for Kenneth Branagh, who totally immerses himself in Peter and comes up with a winning and memorable portrayal. The character was obviously well written to begin with, but Branagh takes hold of the part and runs with it, making it entirely his own by lending the kind of depth and nuance to it that really brings Peter to life. The development of the character is effected extremely well, too, as initially, Peter is a guy who is not necessarily likable, with quirks and peccadilloes aplenty. But as the story progresses, so does Peter, and there's some tender moments along the way that are quite unexpected, given the attitude and bearing Peter starts out with. And it's the way Branagh brings his character around that makes it work; it evolves rather than coming from a sudden left turn out of nowhere. Peter finally has a `breakthrough,' and it comes from a place that is completely unanticipated. It's a solid performance, and one of the rewards that comes from successfully navigating past Kalesniko's questionable title.
Robin Wright Penn is also impressive in her role as Melanie, though it's not too much of a stretch for her artistically. But it's one of those straightforward `normal' characters that seem so easy to play they are often taken for granted (Easy? Let he among you who has acted in front of a camera without once looking at it cast the first stone). The real find here, however, is the young Hofrichter, who is endearing and totally effective as Amy, a young girl with her own challenges to overcome.
The supporting cast includes Lynn Redgrave (Edna), Peter Riegert (Larry), Johnathon Schaech (Adam), Derek Kellock (Amy's Father) and Peri Gilpin (Debra). Happening upon this film is like ordering a hamburger and being served filet mignon for the same price; and it makes `How To Kill Your Neighbor's Dog' a thoroughly satisfying and fulfilling cinematic experience. Give it a try. 8/10.
Hollywood denizen Peter McGowan (Kenneth Branagh) is a successful playwright, but in the show biz tradition of `what have you done for me lately?' he is having trouble getting his latest play off to a running start. Rehearsals have begun, but even director Brian Sellars (David Krumholtz) can't seem to find the magic. And poor Peter is experiencing a heavy hit of writer's block that is preventing him from fixing it, and working out of his home doesn't seem to be the answer. Wife Melanie (Robin Wright Penn) is supportive, but they have no children of their own, and pursuant of her natural motherly instincts, she has taken on eight-year-old Amy Walsh (Suzi Hofrichter), daughter of new neighbor and single mom Trina (Lucinda Jenney), to babysit. In addition to which there is a `False Peter' (Jared Harris) roaming about the neighborhood, a fan, apparently, who has taken on Peter's identity, and to top it all off, the neighbor's dog just will not quit barking. Suffice to say Peter is not seeing the world through rose colored glasses these days, but there has to be an answer to his many and myriad dilemmas; now all he has to do is find it.
Perhaps sabotaging his own film with a title that instantly relegated it to `cult' status was Kalesniko's way of getting into his alter-ego's skin and exploring Peter's conundrum and his possible reactions. And if such was the case, it worked. Because once you give this film a chance, you'll find that it's funny, poignant and actually filled with some pretty astute insights into and observations of the human condition. This is a black comedy/drama, to be sure, but at the heart of the film there is a dramatic story that will evoke no small amount of empathy and compassion from the audience. Which is to say, with this film you get so much more than what you bargained for; it is decidedly NOT what you're expecting based on the title alone. There are a couple of instances in which Kalesniko succumbs to a bit of unnecessary low-brow humor, but it's not enough to detract from the whole. In the end, this film dips deeply into the pockets of human nature to extract the kind of sentiments (without being sentimental) rarely found in a film of this genre, and it makes a positive and lasting impression.
The role of a transplanted Brit insomniac playwright with writer's block must have seemed like a character out of a dream for Kenneth Branagh, who totally immerses himself in Peter and comes up with a winning and memorable portrayal. The character was obviously well written to begin with, but Branagh takes hold of the part and runs with it, making it entirely his own by lending the kind of depth and nuance to it that really brings Peter to life. The development of the character is effected extremely well, too, as initially, Peter is a guy who is not necessarily likable, with quirks and peccadilloes aplenty. But as the story progresses, so does Peter, and there's some tender moments along the way that are quite unexpected, given the attitude and bearing Peter starts out with. And it's the way Branagh brings his character around that makes it work; it evolves rather than coming from a sudden left turn out of nowhere. Peter finally has a `breakthrough,' and it comes from a place that is completely unanticipated. It's a solid performance, and one of the rewards that comes from successfully navigating past Kalesniko's questionable title.
Robin Wright Penn is also impressive in her role as Melanie, though it's not too much of a stretch for her artistically. But it's one of those straightforward `normal' characters that seem so easy to play they are often taken for granted (Easy? Let he among you who has acted in front of a camera without once looking at it cast the first stone). The real find here, however, is the young Hofrichter, who is endearing and totally effective as Amy, a young girl with her own challenges to overcome.
The supporting cast includes Lynn Redgrave (Edna), Peter Riegert (Larry), Johnathon Schaech (Adam), Derek Kellock (Amy's Father) and Peri Gilpin (Debra). Happening upon this film is like ordering a hamburger and being served filet mignon for the same price; and it makes `How To Kill Your Neighbor's Dog' a thoroughly satisfying and fulfilling cinematic experience. Give it a try. 8/10.
Normally, I just watch a movie once. I watched this one twice.
opulentus723 April 2002
I rented it as a 5 day rental, not expecting much from a store that normally rents movies for 2 days. It exceeded my expectations. This comedy/drama shows a grouch of a man who actually brings sunshine to his own darkness. The co-stars do a great job and compliment this movie. Watch it and judge for yourself. This one I'd like to own.
We have all faced some of the same problems.
HapRay29 October 2001
I really had little idea as to what this was going to be, but being a fan of Kenneth Branagh's work, and hearing that is was a bit comedic, I gave it a shot. From the very first minutes of the movie, you know that you are in for "something special". As always, his timing when delivering a humorous line and his adroit methods of playing off a co-star, are in full force here. Robin Wright does an excellent job as his usually ignored wife, and the remainder of the cast, as you will see, was well directed.
The "real" standout in this film is the dialogue. The writing is superb...so much so, that I am going to watch it again, to pick up the lines I missed while I was either laughing or savoring an exquisite film moment.
He is totally in charge of the role given him here and really does hate the neighbor's dog ( as you would too), but the dog is only a segment of what is a bigger picture of a man fighting his personal torments, and all the while, doing it with a smile.
Why there wasn't more publicity about this film is beyond me. If it is to become a "cult" classic, then so be it, but it will definitely become some kind of classic. I have written other comments on this site for movies, and consider myself an "excellent" judge of what entertains and what does not, no matter who is in it, and I heartily recommend that you get a glass of your favorite whatever, and sit back and watch a great movie unfold. I would suggest that you are older than thirty to REALLY have fun with this vehicle.
Oh yes, let the credits role after the movie ends....in a few moments there is a scene that you WILL need to see. It's just one...but it's important. Get the popcorn and turn it on. You can thank me later.
The "real" standout in this film is the dialogue. The writing is superb...so much so, that I am going to watch it again, to pick up the lines I missed while I was either laughing or savoring an exquisite film moment.
He is totally in charge of the role given him here and really does hate the neighbor's dog ( as you would too), but the dog is only a segment of what is a bigger picture of a man fighting his personal torments, and all the while, doing it with a smile.
Why there wasn't more publicity about this film is beyond me. If it is to become a "cult" classic, then so be it, but it will definitely become some kind of classic. I have written other comments on this site for movies, and consider myself an "excellent" judge of what entertains and what does not, no matter who is in it, and I heartily recommend that you get a glass of your favorite whatever, and sit back and watch a great movie unfold. I would suggest that you are older than thirty to REALLY have fun with this vehicle.
Oh yes, let the credits role after the movie ends....in a few moments there is a scene that you WILL need to see. It's just one...but it's important. Get the popcorn and turn it on. You can thank me later.
A smart comedy with a heart
lingmeister21 December 2002
How to kill your neighbor's dog is a comedy that is about a character that is not ready to move onto the next step in life, but upon meeting a new neighbor's kid, befriends her. Their mutual relationship somehow inspires one other to reach beyond what each think is their boundary, and ultimately, allows them to grow up and out of their shells.
The movie is moving without getting all sentimental, and its humor is deft and quirky.
Branagh is great in this role, taking a break from the usual serious role and immersing himself into this character totally, truly allowing us to believe his transformation from a total jerk to a person who became enlightened.
The movie is moving without getting all sentimental, and its humor is deft and quirky.
Branagh is great in this role, taking a break from the usual serious role and immersing himself into this character totally, truly allowing us to believe his transformation from a total jerk to a person who became enlightened.
Jon Monsarrat review: charming & funny
johnnymonsarrat3 April 2002
I'm an action movie guy -- I get bored in the melodramatic scenes in dramas or romantic comedies. "How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog", however, is a straight comedy, and it's laugh-out-loud funny and intellectual without being too arty.
Kenneth Branagh is great as usual, but the film isn't of the powerful and elite theatrical stuff he normally does. It's rather like "Dead Again", in being typical Hollywood with a few interesting twists and some very clever lines and interactions. There film has something to say, sort-of, but it's not especially deep, and I'm sure I totally missed lots of in-jokes for theater performers.
The only negative comments I'd make: (a) the film involves a disease, whose symptoms I entirely failed to pick up on (b) was it just a bad videocassette I rented, or is the sound quality awful?
Who should see this film:
-- theater actors, writers, stagehands
-- comedy lovers who aren't expecting any action or romance
-- action buffs: when your spouse tries to get you to
watch a romantic comedy, make an attempt to switch to this one
I rate "How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog" a 7 out of 10.
Kenneth Branagh is great as usual, but the film isn't of the powerful and elite theatrical stuff he normally does. It's rather like "Dead Again", in being typical Hollywood with a few interesting twists and some very clever lines and interactions. There film has something to say, sort-of, but it's not especially deep, and I'm sure I totally missed lots of in-jokes for theater performers.
The only negative comments I'd make: (a) the film involves a disease, whose symptoms I entirely failed to pick up on (b) was it just a bad videocassette I rented, or is the sound quality awful?
Who should see this film:
-- theater actors, writers, stagehands
-- comedy lovers who aren't expecting any action or romance
-- action buffs: when your spouse tries to get you to
watch a romantic comedy, make an attempt to switch to this one
I rate "How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog" a 7 out of 10.
Our kind of movie - funny!
bold12 January 2003
We caught this film on cable last week and were shocked. No, not by the title - but how did we not hear about this movie? I'll say upfront, I'm not a Branagh fan, but I do love Robin Wright Penn. But Branagh blew me away with this performance - he's finally been given a great script by someone other than Shakespeare and run with it. The writing is smart and funny, the supporting cast is just terrific, especially the girl playing Amy. When I checked here, I saw the writer/director is the same guy who wrote Private Parts, one of my favorite films.
If I try and put my finger on what touched me the most in this movie, I guess it's that the people were all so "real" and so I ended up caring very much what happened to them all. I'd love a sequel to see what happens to them after this episode in their lives!
Who should see this film: Everyone who likes smart, funny writing and acting told in an adult way; and anyone who likes something other than the typical Hollywood blockbuster.
If I try and put my finger on what touched me the most in this movie, I guess it's that the people were all so "real" and so I ended up caring very much what happened to them all. I'd love a sequel to see what happens to them after this episode in their lives!
Who should see this film: Everyone who likes smart, funny writing and acting told in an adult way; and anyone who likes something other than the typical Hollywood blockbuster.
a writer's life
ksf-223 April 2024
Imdb has this as released 2000, but roku has it released 2002. Ken branagh, robin wright, lynn redgrave. When new neighbors move into the hood, playwrite peter mcgowen and his wife welcome them, for completely different reasons! Melanie wants to convince peter to help her conceive a child. Peter thinks talking to the daughter might help him in his latest play. Meanwhile, there is some guy walking around the hood, also claiming to be peter mcgowen, the playwrite. How bizarre. That, and the dog that never stops barking are really annoying peter. The real one. Some clever bits in here. Including an enflamed prostate procedure. A slow boil, but it's good! Keep an eye out for debra, the talk show host... peri gilpin was also roz on frasier! Pretty big blowup by mcgowen when he blows his top. Credit to petula clark for the theme song "couldn't live without your love". Executive producer is robert redford; in spite of that, and the good-ish rating, this was released straight to cable, via starz. Written and directed by michael kalesniko.
Deserves a general release
craigjclark30 April 2001
I saw this film over the weekend in the Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema and thought it was terrific. Intelligently-written, staggeringly well-directed for someone making his feature film debut, with a game cast of name actors and impressive new faces -- too bad it can't find a proper distributor. It deserves to find a bigger audience (and if given the chance, it would).
Film goes nowhere
rosscinema28 July 2003
This film starts out as a dark comedy but about halfway through it turns on the sentimentality. Story is about a Los Angeles playwright that is in production with his new play and is having a terrible time with re-writes. Kenneth Branagh plays Peter McGowan and along with his play he and his wife Melanie (Robin Wright Penn) are trying to conceive a child and he is having difficulty with that also. Peter chain smokes and is not to crazy about kids but he is introduced to his new neighbors daughter Amy (Suzi Hofrichter) who has cerebral palsy. Melanie's mother Edna (Lynn Redgrave) is suffering from advanced senility and lives with them and Peter is having a difficult time concentrating on his play. And he also has a difficult time sleeping at night because his neighbors dog keeps barking so Peter goes for midnight walks and meets a man from England (Jared Harris) that has been telling everyone that he is Peter McGowan when in fact he's just an obsessed fan. This film is directed by Michael Kalesniko who wrote the screenplay for "Private Parts" and he displays a knack for showing the struggles of a writer but aside from that this is a film that meanders until it eventually wears itself out. Redgrave seems completely wasted as the senile mother of Penn. She has one effective scene with Branagh as she lies in bed but other than that her role is relegated to wandering about their home in a trance. Penn plays her role rather straight forward but she displays real charm that I think she's never really shown before on screen. Not a complicated part but she gives it her all. The film starts out with showing all of Peters quirks and difficulties but once that is done the film wanders and meanders until its reduced to Peter getting very sentimental over his neighbor Amy. Branagh is believable as a writer but all the events that go on around him are not.
Hilarious!
Purity_of_Essence8712 October 2006
This overlooked gem is everything you want from a movie. It's funny, has great acting, and better yet - a plausible and well laid out plot! Kenneth Branagh shines as Peter, the writer with writer's block, and Robin Wright Penn is perfect as his child-hopeful wife.
The dynamics presented are new and unique, as is the humor. You'll find no tired jokes in this flick! However, I did find myself laughing heartily out loud on more than one or two occasions.
This is a great drama about middle age life, perceptions, and relationships. My advice? See this movie! It's truly great! Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors, and that is how I stumbled across this film - I suggest you do the same.
The dynamics presented are new and unique, as is the humor. You'll find no tired jokes in this flick! However, I did find myself laughing heartily out loud on more than one or two occasions.
This is a great drama about middle age life, perceptions, and relationships. My advice? See this movie! It's truly great! Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors, and that is how I stumbled across this film - I suggest you do the same.
Acting great Film not comedy
iwatcheverything22 September 2003
This film was supposed to be played off as a comedy. The only thing I found remotely funny was the interview that is going on the whole time. The acting was wonderful. Branagh was excellent and I can't wait for him to do another Shakespearian play. Also Robin Wright Penn did a great job with her part.
I thought the movie moved a little slow. The way the mother of the child acted is probably the way most parents of children with disabilities act. I still believe the mother got what she deserved.
This was a film that could have done so much better. If I was wanting to watch a drama at the time I probably would have liked this film more.
I thought the movie moved a little slow. The way the mother of the child acted is probably the way most parents of children with disabilities act. I still believe the mother got what she deserved.
This was a film that could have done so much better. If I was wanting to watch a drama at the time I probably would have liked this film more.
Personality disorder comedy
bman119 April 2000
The film is about a writer struggling with his block, his wife struggling to have children and the sweet girl next door who brings life to the writer and his wife. The film is not necessarily blockbuster quality and will do better on video rentals and sales. I saw a rough cut, so I cannot comment on the sound or editing. There are funny moments, and you will love the relationship between Kenneth Brannagh's character and the little girl. Can't give away any more!
Smart, funny and original
janedl23 February 2002
How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog is a smart, funny, original comedy for grownups - a rare pleasure these days. The witticisms fly fast and furious, but Kenneth Branagh, as playwright Peter McGowan, has the verbal dexterity to toss them off naturally. It's a pleasure to be reminded of what a versatile and accomplished actor he is in non-Shakespearean roles. The main plot of the movie, which involves Peter's reluctance to have children, and his growing relationship with a neighbor child, flirts with sentimentality, but avoids it thanks to the sharp writing and performances. The style of the movie and its original, quirky subplots lift it well above the ordinary.
Good "coming around" story: don't let the title or first part mislead you
rossaw21 February 2002
A little slow getting started in my opinion because the self-absorbed, cynical British writer/protagonist (Kenneth Branagh) did not initially make me think, this is someone I want to see a story about. Nor did he make me think, this is going to be a funny movie. I assumed it would be a story about something he did, rather than a story about what happened to him, and hence I wasn't much interested. His glib remarks about this and that I found only mildly amusing, and no signals were being sent about say murder, a terrorist bomb, a sexual conflict, or anything else that spoke PLOT. I was thinking, this is some indie drivel where we're supposed to be amused by this guy's sour view of life -- and that's it. (Speaking of which, at one point the protagonist's wife compares him to Andy Rooney.) Unfortunately the title contributes to this misunderstanding by suggesting a cynical comedy about how this guy overcomes the people (or animals) around him. HOWEVER ... about 30 minutes in I began to realize that what I disliked about the main character *is* the plot, the story problem, and at that point I started to get it.
Why isn't this film more popular? It's not so much a problem with the film, which is true to itself, but with audience expectations. Those of us who feed regularly at the mainstream trough don't necessarily expect such subtle (though universal) issues are going to be the point. It's like Charlie Rose when you're used to Crossfire. And of course there's no sex, or violence, or special effects -- with one exception (see title) -- anyway nothing that would catch your eye on a movie poster. Spielberg's "AI" makes a good contrast; on a similar topic, it has all the eye-popping glitz possible (if you have $100 million or so), but storywize it's simplistic and unfocused. This has a great story and nothing more -- but guess what, that's enough.
Why isn't this film more popular? It's not so much a problem with the film, which is true to itself, but with audience expectations. Those of us who feed regularly at the mainstream trough don't necessarily expect such subtle (though universal) issues are going to be the point. It's like Charlie Rose when you're used to Crossfire. And of course there's no sex, or violence, or special effects -- with one exception (see title) -- anyway nothing that would catch your eye on a movie poster. Spielberg's "AI" makes a good contrast; on a similar topic, it has all the eye-popping glitz possible (if you have $100 million or so), but storywize it's simplistic and unfocused. This has a great story and nothing more -- but guess what, that's enough.
waist of time
qlangiul11 August 2007
If this should have been a comedy, it has been the worst one I've ever seen. I tried to think what genre it was, I couldn't even do that. I tried to look at it as a comedy, I tried it as a drama, but nothing. The entire movie I tried to figure out what does the title have to do with the actual movie. The neighbor's dog appears late in the movie and the worst part about it is that the main character isn't even trying to kill the dog, the movie's plot has absolutely nothing to do with the killing of that dog. The movie is about the way some guy feels about how he's life would be if he had a child. It was a total waist of my time.
A genuinely witty comedy that delivers nonstop enjoyment
cognizance6 June 2003
In my DVD collection, this film has become a staple movie to watch alone or with any visitors - heck, I think I'll start screening who I could have relationships with by whether or not she loves this movie. How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog keeps you laughing through it's entire course, with both subtle and direct wit in the dialogue, a stab at the world of theatre and LA, and to be quite honest a pretty good soundtrack of Petula Clark (Downtown!)
Kenneth Branagh acts perfectly in the role of Peter McGowan, along with a cast that works realistically and well together. The only possible remedies to bad acting would be the actors in the play McGowan's creating - let's hope they were meant to BE bad, since "a burrito with method actor filling" would not be my method of choice to describe them... All in all, this film is one of my favorite movies, ranking right up there with films like The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, Igby Goes Down, and other dark comedies... WATCH THIS FILM - LOVE IT TOO.
Kenneth Branagh acts perfectly in the role of Peter McGowan, along with a cast that works realistically and well together. The only possible remedies to bad acting would be the actors in the play McGowan's creating - let's hope they were meant to BE bad, since "a burrito with method actor filling" would not be my method of choice to describe them... All in all, this film is one of my favorite movies, ranking right up there with films like The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, Igby Goes Down, and other dark comedies... WATCH THIS FILM - LOVE IT TOO.
A promising debut
tord-13 December 2003
How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog is the directing debut of screenwriter Michael Kalesniko, and it shows. An excellent cast, intelligent dialogue, nice ending and all over well-made doesn't help, as Mr Kalesniko have had editing problems with his own script - he has forgotten the golden writing rule of killing your own darlings.
Evidently the director/writer Kalesniko feels that writing is hard, and frustrating, therefore a large part of the film is about the lead character (well played by Branagh) having problems writing his latest play, which maybe could be interesting for his (Kalesniko's) friends and family, but certainly of little importance to the general public. It is old ground which has been covered before, numerous times, and better, to boot.
If the film was re-edited I think it could be a smashing hit, if it concentrated on the lead character's family life, and his neighbours (including the excellent dog), and not so much on this stage production that never really takes off. It is neither funny enough, nor moving enough, even if the role of the theater's janitor (played with such bravado by Brett Rickaby) is a premium class gem. That the play's director flips every other scene and starts to sing instead of directing is weird, that's all!
Other first class acts are Suzy Hofrichter as the young Amy, and Lynn Redgrave as the demented mother, and Jared Harris as Branagh's doppelganger. Robin Wright Penn plays the role of Branagh's wife with confidence, while I have seen better performance from Branagh.
So I'm looking forward to Michael Kalesniko's next film, and hope he re-releases this one, in a shorter, better, version.
I'll give it a 9 for the acting, 9 for the dialogue, but 3 for the editing (tempo, majestro, tempo!) and a 4 for the over-all impression!
So, in conclusion a 5/10, so not good, but promising!
Evidently the director/writer Kalesniko feels that writing is hard, and frustrating, therefore a large part of the film is about the lead character (well played by Branagh) having problems writing his latest play, which maybe could be interesting for his (Kalesniko's) friends and family, but certainly of little importance to the general public. It is old ground which has been covered before, numerous times, and better, to boot.
If the film was re-edited I think it could be a smashing hit, if it concentrated on the lead character's family life, and his neighbours (including the excellent dog), and not so much on this stage production that never really takes off. It is neither funny enough, nor moving enough, even if the role of the theater's janitor (played with such bravado by Brett Rickaby) is a premium class gem. That the play's director flips every other scene and starts to sing instead of directing is weird, that's all!
Other first class acts are Suzy Hofrichter as the young Amy, and Lynn Redgrave as the demented mother, and Jared Harris as Branagh's doppelganger. Robin Wright Penn plays the role of Branagh's wife with confidence, while I have seen better performance from Branagh.
So I'm looking forward to Michael Kalesniko's next film, and hope he re-releases this one, in a shorter, better, version.
I'll give it a 9 for the acting, 9 for the dialogue, but 3 for the editing (tempo, majestro, tempo!) and a 4 for the over-all impression!
So, in conclusion a 5/10, so not good, but promising!
Laugh out loud funny!!
psuag8818 September 2000
I saw this movie at the Toronto International Film Festival and it was the funniest movie I had seen in years. The writing was fantastic and the performances were excellent. Kenneth Branagh's timing of his lines were perfect and the audience (of 2000) were literally laughing so hard we were crying. Definitely thumbs up!!!!A Must see!!
A man learns to reconnect with life and his art is better for it
kporter-35 June 2000
I saw this film in Cannes and agree with bman1 except that I think it could do really well in the theaters if marketed right. It's a film that will appeal to everyone. It's a terrific script with a lot of funny scenes and the relationship between Kenneth Branagh's character and the little girl is very special. I also think it's one of Branagh's best performances - he handles both the one-liners and the dramatic scenes with ease. Robin Wright Penn is beautiful and funny and their husband/wife relationship is very realistic. I also liked the characters played by Lynn Redgrave and Johnathon Schaech.
A Hidden Gem
gordonpete24612 July 2004
I discovered this movie while browsing through Netflix. How I never heard about it before I don't know. But this is an excellent movie. Great cast, great writing. I liked all the story lines, which at first seemed disparate but neatly tied together by the end. Suzi Hofrichter as Amy is particularly good, but the whole cast is just wonderful. Even the uncredited Daniel Stern in a small but hilarious role. Robin Wright Penn is, as always, beautiful. And the scenes between Branagh and Peri Gilpin (of Frasier) are absolutely brilliant.
I'm now the proud owner of a copy and plan to make sure all my dates, friends and relatives see it. If you haven't yet - do. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
I'm now the proud owner of a copy and plan to make sure all my dates, friends and relatives see it. If you haven't yet - do. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
If you like Tennenbaums...
burgerific12 December 2002
...you'll love this movie. It too uses a lot of big words and high concepts. It too has too many storylines that don't connect (ever). It too features a bunch of rich people feeling sorry for themselves for no apparent reason (maybe pondering the meaninglessness of their meaninglessness?). It too has a bunch of too-cool-for-the-room humor that you will only get if you are very smart and very clever.
Don't get me wrong, there are good things about this movie, but they barely make it watchable start-to-finish. Branaugh, Hofrichter, and Harris all deliver spectacular performances and there scenes together prove to be the glue that holds this thing together.
Of all the things in this film I didn't enjoy I will focus solely of the putrid performance of David Krumholtz, as the flamboyantly gay director, Brian Sellars. It is, simply put, the most two-dimentional, stereotypical, and offensively poor depiction of a homosexual I have ever seen on film. Seriously folks, it is painful to watch, and Krumholtz ought to be blacklisted for it.
Don't get me wrong, there are good things about this movie, but they barely make it watchable start-to-finish. Branaugh, Hofrichter, and Harris all deliver spectacular performances and there scenes together prove to be the glue that holds this thing together.
Of all the things in this film I didn't enjoy I will focus solely of the putrid performance of David Krumholtz, as the flamboyantly gay director, Brian Sellars. It is, simply put, the most two-dimentional, stereotypical, and offensively poor depiction of a homosexual I have ever seen on film. Seriously folks, it is painful to watch, and Krumholtz ought to be blacklisted for it.
i LOVE this movie!
paulie_ed10 October 2003
I have now watched this movie about 5 times and each time I only like it more. I didn't know it had so many fans until I came on here. I thought I was the only one who knew about it and have to convince my friends (and strangers, too) to give it a look.
Though I think all the actors are very good and the movie is beautifully shot, what I love most of all is just how smart and funny it is. And the more times you see (listen to) it, you realize how every little thing pays off. What can seem like a random string of events, isn't. And all of this is done with a story that is both real and not so real at all (it is his book, after all). It also takes a lot of jabs at political correctness, which is okay by me any time.
See this movie!
Though I think all the actors are very good and the movie is beautifully shot, what I love most of all is just how smart and funny it is. And the more times you see (listen to) it, you realize how every little thing pays off. What can seem like a random string of events, isn't. And all of this is done with a story that is both real and not so real at all (it is his book, after all). It also takes a lot of jabs at political correctness, which is okay by me any time.
See this movie!
Looking for a wonderful, under-the-radar movie? This is it.
tkines4 March 2002
Wow, what a great movie. I had to talk a friend into seeing it, and we knew nothing about it. We were not disappointed at all. It takes a little while to get rolling, but once it does, the dialogue is wittier than anything Hollywood will ever churn out. It is refreshing to see a movie that doesn't play to the lowest common denominator. The acting was perfectly executed, and the writing was some of the best this year. Robin Wright-Penn was at her best, especially in an emotionally intense argument between her and Brannagh over remarks he made to the neighbor. And Brannagh was definitely in his element here, with some wonderfully razor-sharp dialogue that he executed perfectly. There was a handicapped child that was a bit contrived and predictable, but she was a wonderful actor and her role in the plot kept it from being trite. You just don't see writing this good in Hollywood. That fact would just boil inside you as you watch this and realize that it will never get a wide theatrical release. That is until an hysterical interview of the author (Brannagh) unfolds throughout the film. The comments he makes to the interviewer (Ros from Frasier) make light of Hollywood's blindness to anything that is not ignorant drivel and send you from the theater with a great feeling that all hope is not lost. You may have to look around, but you can still find an intelligent movie. And this is one of them.
Branagh is brilliant
bardlover15 November 2007
Kenneth Branagh is excellent in this film. He plays a character a bit like Mike Church in Dead Again, a bit of a jerk who believing becomes a good guy. I found the comedy amazing, and the relationship with the little girl was heart wrenching. The scene where she falls when dancing and embarrasses her mother... The other "Peter" could easily be a two dimensional character, but through his conversations with Pete we see into his psyche. Even I was shocked by his behavior in the end. David Krumholz who is known for playing math genius Charlie in Numbers is hilarious as a flaming gay stage director. Robin Wright Penn is also good, although I think the hair color choice lacking. A fantastic movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
