The Road Dog

I'm a Stanhope fanatic; I've got the specials, bootlegs, audiobooks etc. That being said, this movie is not good. It's competently shot and edited which keeps it from being a bad movie like most amateur trash; but beyond that there's not a lot to see here. Another review put it perfectly, 'it feels like a hallmark movie without the cheesy cliches', but at least hallmark movies have decent acting most of the time. Which leads me to the next issue, the acting in this isn't even terrible enough to make fun of, it's just phoned in and uninteresting. I can't recall a single line of dialogue from Stanhope or any other character that felt the slightest bit genuine. I expect as much from Stanhope because he's not an actor, he's a comedian; but if everyone else is an actor by trade, they need take a few more classes. Doug has a bit on one of his specials where he talks about hating doing old material because he has to remember the setup and build up the fake anger and frustration to sell the punchline; some of which he uses in the film. But there was no anger or frustration here; only visible awkwardness and flat delivery in the shape of a Stanhope joke. The only funny thing about this movie was the cheesy piano music that played during 'emotional' scenes when it's void of a soundtrack otherwise.

I'll continue to support Stanhope in his other endeavors, but I'm not gonna sit here and pretend that this was a must see for anyone that knows who Doug is.

Well, Doug Stanhope is without doubt a stand up comic of absolutely unparalleled ... what?..... well he's the best stand up comedian bar none of the last 2 or 3 decades. Hes mostly terrible in this though. Occasionally, against all the odds, he's really good . It's not his fault, because the direction is appalling as is absolutely everything else. Stanhope is very very good in that episode of Louis C K's 'Louis' for example but The Road Dog is a disaster. I hope they paid him well and I love the irony in which he must surely have swam before taking on this gig - supremely cynical as always - he deserves good pay. But whatever you do don't watch this film. It wallows about in lazy American therapyland cliche and sentimentality and most of the acting is dire. Unless, of course you already know, like me that Stanhope is a true great and will just buy the film anyway. But for feks sake don't watch it.

The Road Dog has so much to offer. Humor, depth, soul-searching, complex characters and incredible acting. This film made me think. The need to be true to oneself and the desire to achieve artistic success on your own terms. The need to belong, to be loved, even in the face of adversity.

I really enjoyed the story line between the father and son. It was hard to watch sometimes. But they managed to find a common ground, sense of awe, love and admiration.

I will probably never look at comedy the same. It is not for the weak. It's certainly not for the feint of Heart. It's an art that takes fearlessness and genius. Well done!!!

Doug Stanhope was great in an inside view of the life of traveling standup comedians in a world where youtube is hitting the comedy club circuit. Stanhope plays an old school comedian with a drinking problem but sticking to the convictions of his act while trying to connect to a son he abandoned early on. There are some Chicago connections with some comedians from my area.

Stanhope should definitely be nominated for an award for his acting performance. The actor that played his son did a very good job as well.

If you're a fan of standup comedy or not this heavy drama with some funny moments is highly recommended. Worth a view or three!

I rented "The Road Dog" on Apple TV+. I loved this superb film! The story is compelling. Lead actor Doug Stanhope is marvelous. He fully inhabits the role. He is onscreen for virtually the entire film. The supporting cast is wonderful. Director Greg Glienna also co-wrote the screenplay, as well as writing and singing his original song over the closing credits. The screenplay, direction, acting, production design, cinematography, and music are all excellent. It's impressive how real and true-to-life this film is. The very last few scenes are not what I was expecting, but they enhanced the realness of the film. I highly recommend this very fine film.