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Sleeping Dogs (2006)
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
Synopsis
Amy’s life is turned upside down when she tells her fiancé her darkest secret.
Movie review
From Time Out London
You’d expect a rom-com written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait – the crude ‘National Lampoon’-style character of ‘Police Academy 2, 3 & 4’ fame – to be avoided at all costs. But you’d be so very wrong. Playing on the mostly unchartered subject of personal secrets, ‘Sleeping Dogs’ turns out to be one of the most controlled and sensitive romantic comedies in ages. There’s something Bridget Jones-y about Melinda Page Hamilton’s pretty teacher, Amy. Unlike Bridget, though, she doesn’t have any hang-ups about her weight or looks. Rather, it’s the beastly – indeed gross – secret she’s been harbouring since her eighteenth year, when she found herself home alone with only her dog Rufus for company; the premise here being that some secrets are best kept undivulged. And Amy surely wishes she’d stuck to that maxim when, during a romantic interlude, her fiancé John (Bryce Johnson) jokingly asks her whether she had any secrets she hadn’t told anyone about. She initally holds back but, when they both pay an embarrassing visit to her parents, hers and several more skeletons are unearthed, resulting in Amy’s life turning turtle.Goldthwait cleverly leaves the vulgarities to the imagination and instead concentrates on the bizarre but engaging character-driven storyline. The result is a warm, mature, thought-provoking film that is, at times, surreal, often hilarious and ultimately very touching. Nice one, Bobcat.
Author: Derek Adams
Time Out London Issue 1908: March 14-20 2007
User reviews of this film
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- Joe Hues said...
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Posted on Feb 09 2008 05:09
I found this movie to be quite interesting and thought provoking. I can understand that a person with a weak understanding of human behavior could simply find this movie disgusting, but I found it to be fascinating. The idea is basic, people have secrets and make mistakes, something I can personally understand, and many people should be able to relate to this movie some way or another.
I thought the reactions of the characters were overly harsh, but on the other hand, being a dark taboo that is somewhat vivid throughout human existence; this might be how some people would react to such an unusual situation. That in itself is thought provoking; as it makes you question how people may react to any secrets you may want to confess, because you simply don't know until you actually confess.
As this movie is a romantic comedy, you'd expect it to be funny, and at times it is, but this comes in spurts throughout the film, and fits into the plot well, I had a few laughs, but I found this movie to be far more thought provoking. Of course a few laughs throughout the movie helps lighten the atmosphere up a bit.
The two main short comings of this film is that at times the plot seems somewhat segmental, not a fully complete story, and that the fact this was a low budget film shows through at times. Just watching it, you can tell it is a low budget movie, but that may also be better, because adds to the reality of it all.
An all together good movie that might just make you question the secrets you hold, and those of the people around you. But as previously stated, if the idea of bestiality is too much for you to handle, then maybe its best to avoid it.
(Note: 1 out of every 15 people engage in intentional sexual interactions with an animal at least once in their lifetime) - Report as inappropriate
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- Warren said...
- Posted on Dec 30 2007 11:17 As above this film is terrible and disgusting, rented it from Blockbuster under Comedy, didn`t laugh once. If you feel that you could laugh about a girl who blew a DOG?? then watch it?! Leave it alone, unless you are in to Beastlitiy( spelling sorry, not that I spell that word very often)
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- Simon said...
- Posted on Dec 06 2007 03:56 I thought the film was very good, covering an interesting subject in a thoughtful way. The acting is good throughout and the characters are engaging. Most of the obvious jokes and cliches are avoided and it left me thinking about some of my own beliefs about taboos and the importance of honesty.
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- Andy said...
- Posted on Nov 21 2007 05:00 This fim is hurrendous with diabolical filming and absolutley no plot. For the entire two hours of the film it went absolutely nowhere and should in no way be likened to a Bridget Jones film. It just made absolutely no sense and seemed to have been directed by a five year old. Do not watch this film it is quite honestly unwatchable.
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- mark said...
- Posted on Nov 01 2007 11:30 The worst film I have ever seen. I've never left a review before but felt compelled to do so. Disgust, clumsy, unfunny and wierd. A ridiculous premise and a waste of 2hrs. Forget Sleeping Dogs, watch this and you won't be sleeping at all. Nearly ruined my sex life for the evening.
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- Kate said...
- Posted on Aug 14 2007 11:19 This film is truly appauling. I rented it with a friend, believing it to be a pleasant rom com. It turned out to be very badly filmed and terribly acted with the most dire plot you could possibly imagine. I am considering suing Blockbuster for misleading advertising. Avoid at all costs.
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Cast & crew
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
Cast: Melinda Page Hamilton, Bryce Johnson, Bonita Friedericy, Colby French full cast
Duration: 88 mins
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