Big Helium Dog

This is one of the strangest movies I have ever seen... but that is not always a bad thing. One thing can definitely be said about this movie and that is originality, you've never seen, and never will see, anything else quite like it. If you go into this movie with an open mind and a light heart you will love it, as I did. It is very funny and there are scenes from it that will stick with you for awhile ("Bang, got you!"). I definitely recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind, you will love it. But if you are the kind of movie-goer who enjoys movies that stay within the set patterns of modern film-making (even those as major as not "cutting" scenes out that hold information that you seemingly need to know to "understand" the movie). This is brilliantly written (I have no idea how someone can write something this odd) and directed, and Michael Black's portrayal as the narrator is excellent.

This film is great. It's like a long sketch comedy. The humor pushes the limits, but is very clever and funny. I can't wait to see this film again. There were some very original ideas. The writer of this film should have a bright future in film or as a sketch comedy writer.

Remember KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE or AMAZON WOMEN FROM THE MOON? Huh? You don't? You best be playin'! For real? Well go out and rent em, homes! BIG HELIUM DOG follows a similar formula which is a loosely connected narrative that gives birth to hilarious non sequitur sketches filled with absolutely bizarre characters. Think MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL for the 90's indie film scene. Or don't, but rest assured, it's just as chaotic and random.

Granted, it's been too long of a time for me to give BIG HELIUM DOG a thorough review, but I still feel as though I can give it my highest recommendation. Rarely these days do you see comedies that don't play to a certain, bankable sensibility or that are tailored to a particular demographic. That's really the charm of films like this or AIRPLANE- it's broad absurdist nature make it enjoyable to anyone with a sense of humor, and not just a specific age group. Now, I can't remember if this would be cool to show your mom, but if she's cool like the mom on "Family Ties" then you should be all set.

As of this writing, BHD isn't available on any format. If it ever does, however, I strongly encourage you to check it out. (cue "Reading Rainbow" book review bumper music)

I thought it was very funny, and (Hollywood) Brian Lynch is definitely a rising star in the film community. I can't wait to see what he has to offer for the Scary Movie series, and any other writing/directing ventures he may be involved in.

I also love his work with angrynakedpat.com (notably Patchouli), which always keeps me laughing (well, if not laughing, grinning heavily)

That's not a bad thing, but I kept missing so many lines cause I was laughing. Remember in that movie, Airplane, when there was a joke like every minute? Yea, it's like that, but not on an airplane. I loved this movie. I wish I could see it again, hopefully I will one day. I've heard rumors of a dvd release. Ok, so plot. This film has it. Charlie lost his friend Ray and is struggling to get over it. And there's Satan, making himself a media star. And there's Martin Huber, played by the rocking Michael Ian Black, in a field of cows... Can't fully explain that. There's so much great material in this movie, it's hard to really describe it without ruining some of the jokes. The opening, without any details, is by far one of the funniest openings to a film I have ever seen. Within five minutes, if you're not in pain from laughing, well then, you have no comedy heart. Matt K, the lead, turned in a wonderful performance. The guy is just plain lovable. I smell the next Robert Hayes, but with less made-for-tv credits to his name. The film also managed to have a killer soundtracks, with songs from bands such as The Vandals. This energetic music fit the frantic and fun tone of the movie. With the release of the film not set in stone, I doubt a soundtrack will ever see the light of day. But if I ever get a complete track listing, I'll be as sure as heck making my own copy and possibly a few more to sell on ebay. I haven't seen a movie quite like this one before, and I doubt I will again, unless writer/director Brian Lynch decides to film a Big Helium Dog 2. One can only hope. In the meantime, I suggest taking any chance you have to see this flick. You'll be missing out on a great one. Do it for Timmy Jax (that's a movie reference, you'd get it if you've seen Big Helium Dog, so try to and we'll all be able to laugh together).