My Dog Vincent

"My Dog Vincent" is a movie that is somewhat different from the usual coming of age movie. The opening scene had me screaming with laughter. (Not even going to try to explain). There is a lot of humor if you are open for the way it is presented (a mother suggesting to her son that his friend should try drugs!).

It is nice to see a movie so un-Hollywood-like that is still attractive for a large group of people!

the movie is quite good. low budget but very realistic. it's low budget in fact, gives it a realistic atmosphere & feel. Nothing feels contrived. There are no moving cameras, no clever camera angles or shots, no special effects. very unHollywoodlike.

An "okay" addition to other good coming-of-age movies like stand by me, summer of 42, class of 44, American graffiti, peggy sue got married.

the characters were not made to be flamboyant, unlike in most films. they're very ordinary people. they may appear boring, but they in fact, have some interesting, unconventional and even strange, ideas.

there is also no attempt to put them in strange, unusual or contrived situations. what happens to them is what happens to ordinary people living day-to-day existence.

the movie is not for all tastes. some people who like slambang action, may find this boring. but it's for people who like realistic films with ordinary characters with interesting ideas.

My Dog Vincent - the title makes it sound like it's all about a dog, but it's actually far from that. The story of course takes place in Canada. It's about 3 guys that sit around playing scrabble, trying to think of any dirty word they can spell out. The plot is a lot more then that though... don't read anymore if you don't want to know anything more about the movie (just in case this review will spoil). O'Brien (Chuck Campbell) is not the average 21 year old, still living at home with both parents and his little brother Nathan. As well as his friends, Harper and Wiley, that also live with their parents. The 3 friends go to bars, sit around, and play games while talking about everything that's revolves around them and try to make up ways to meet girls. O'Brien is a photographer and has a loosing streak and never wins on anything. He's the cute one of the group, really nice yet smart. Wiley is the funny one and is probably the most mature. And Harper is a Vincent Price freak who is a bit geeky. O'Brien is out one night taking pictures and he spots a woman, who is Sue (Zehra Leverman) spray painting on the towns city hall. He quick snaps pictures of her and she looks at the camera and she walks off as if nothing had happened. Later, O'Brien meets her again at a bar and gets the courage to talk to her. They end up meeting and he photographs her art which is her spray paint work and she takes off her clothes to prove her point. While this is going on, Wiley and Harper take a cooking class to try to meet women, and there ends up being nothing but old ladies. I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't seen this movie since it's really good... so don't read on if you don't want to know about any more. What I found the best part about this movie is, they all mature together... the 3 guys all get relationships one by one and find out what it's like to be in love. O'Brien and Sue also set up a plan to gamble at a casino. They go in separately and stick to the plan and O'Brien actually wins. Sue was his good luck, and that was an amazing part of this movie. He has no life and he never own a bet in his life and then when he meets Sue, he wins because she was his luck. They all see what it's like to grow up and mature, and it's probably one of the realest coming of age movie ever. It makes you feel like you know each character personally and you feel overwhelmed that their all grown up at the end. There's such a great ending to it! Most movies can't capture that feeling... it's not fake at all because the story built on each character and you can feel for them. I find this film to be very rare, you won't come across many like this. The camera work in this movie is just amazing! It's really low budget, but that is what makes it even better! Micheal McGowan knew what he was doing making this movie, it's well directed and has a greatly written story. I am shocked this movie hasn't made a bigger buzz, but if more people see it, I am sure it would be more popular. So, if anyone gets a chance to rent it or buy it, go for it. It's a beautiful film. Chuck Campbell is one of my favorite actors, I hope he gets more roles because he is one of the best through my eyes. I forgot to mention, this movie is hilarious too. See this film, it's one of my all time favorites.

Perhaps the most refreshing coming-of-age movie ever! Great casting, beautiful camera-work and a riveting plot full of memorable characters... the librarian is a hoot!... make this a very fine Canadian movie.