Rating: PG-13
Starring:
Molly Shannon as Peggy
Laura Dern as Bret
Regina King as Layla
Thomas McCarthy as Pier
Josh Pais as Robin
John C. Reilly as Al
Peter Sarsgaard as Newt
Amy Schlagel as Lissie
Zoe Schlagel as Lissie
Dale Godboldo as Don
Inara George as Holly
Liza Weil as Trishelle
Christy Moore as Al’s Girlfriend
Audrey Wasilewski as Audrey
Special Features:
Commentary by Mike White and Molly Shannon
The Making of Year of the Dog
3 Featurettes
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
And More!
Other Info:
Widescreen
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Spanish Languages
Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 96 Minute
Synopsis:
The following is from the DVD cover:
“Molly Shannon gives “a career-transforming performance” in this charming and quirky comedy about the search for love. Peggy (Shannon) is a happy-go-lucky secretary who is a great friend, co-worker, and sister living alone with her beloved dog, Pencil. But a sudden turn of events sends Peggy into a dog-eat-dog world looking for the perfect companion.
From the writer of ‘The Good Girl’ and ‘School of Rock,’ ‘Year of the Dog’ is “A deeply heartfelt film. Profound, moving and very funny!” Co-starring John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard, Laura Dern and Regina King.”
“Year of the Dog” is rated PG-13 for some suggestive references.
Mini-Review:
I was prepared to thoroughly enjoy “Year of the Dog.” I like Molly Shannon, John C. Reilly, Laura Dern, Regina King, and writer/director Mike White. And or the first ¾ of this movie, I did enjoy it. Molly Shannon is a sympathetic, likable character. Regina King is really, really funny. Reilly has great comedic chemistry with Shannon. Laura Dern is hilarious as an overprotective mom.
Unfortunately, the conclusion of this movie is not at all satisfying. We follow Shannon’s character as she falls deeper and deeper into depression. But as we wait for her to hit rock bottom and rebound, it never really happens. She takes a rather psychotic turn that doesn’t seem altogether believable and it certainly doesn’t say much for the sanity of PETA protesters. (Not that they needed any help looking bad.)
“Year of the Dog” has some fun moments, good acting, and an interesting story, but the weak ending pretty much ruins the rest of the film.
You’ll find a solid offering of bonus features on this DVD. It has your standard fare like an audio commentary by Mike White and Molly Shannon, a gag reel, and a making of’ featurette. You’ll also find special featurettes on Molly Shannon, Mike White, and the animal trainers. Also included are seven deleted scenes. While most of the scenes seem pretty minor, a couple of them fill in plot holes that I noticed in the film. You might find them worth checking out. Rounding things out is an “insert reel” and “Moviefone Unscripted with Molly Shannon and Mike White”.
