Big Helium Dog

I will admit this comedy isn't for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but based on some of the reactions already posted here, there are those who just didn't get it. If you enjoyed any of Brian Lynch's comics, you'll definitely enjoy this film, the comedy is in the same vein. So if you want to know what kind of randomness you're getting yourself into, read some of his other stuff.

Of everything that I saw at Vulgarthon, this and the ANP cartoon were the best by far, just by the sheer fact that I couldn't stop laughing. That's all you need in a comedy.

That and an audience with a sense of humor.

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.

Truly the greatest story ever told.

The performances were all great, but a few stood out, like Kevin Smith and Michael Ian Black. Every time Smith came on screen, I busted at least three guts. The camera really does love him. Black was great too, I cannot see anyone else being Huber, I do not think it would work as well as it did for him. Also, the chick who played Chastity [Natalia Cigliuti?], it was great to see at least one good thing come from Saved By The Bell: The New Class. Besides providing a continuing career for Dustin Diamond.

I loved the way it was set up structurally. Being raised on Sesame Street, my attention span only lasts about, wait, what was I talking about? But, it was truly a film for those of us with 20-second attention spans. And the method worked well. Hell, the whole damn movie worked well.

The self-awareness of the movie played perfect. Most of the time when a flick tries to talk about it self, or has a character addressing the audience, it falls flat on its face.

I loved the ending; it just kept going and going. Just when you thought it was over another scene would pop up. Some will say it is stupid, but I am one of the minority that thinks if something like that is funny the first time, it will be funny the next thousand times. Like on Letterman, some of the gags we does night after night after night, but I laughed harder each successive time.

And since everything above this probably makes little to no sense, I will give Big Helium Dog the highest praise I can give anything. I wanted to own a copy right after seeing it. So I can watch it over and over.

Keep an eye on the is Lynch fellow, his day of fame is coming.

I saw this movie at Vulgarthon 2002.

I have to say I can't agree with any of the negative reviews. It's too damn funny. It's a fun sketch comedy film about... well basically not much. The story goes off in to so many sketches it would be hard to describe all of them. Brian Lynch

should write for Saturday Night Live and bring the show back to being funny.

The movie's main star Matt Kawczynski is hilarious as Charlie. He does a great job! He has some of my favorite lines in the movie. Especially his pick up lines for women. Haha. It's great. I thought everybody deserves some kind of award

for their performances. Top Notch! I still quote that movie to this day. Hope one day Brian releases a DVD... it deserves one. If you get a chance somehow to

see this movie DON'T PASS IT UP! And don't listen to the stupid whiney dumb

reviews for it, its great!

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)