Night of the Dog

Just got back from the Palm Beach International Film Festival where it was too windy...and there was too much catfish on the menu. Anyway, as there is at every fest I attend, there was one film that snunk out of the bushes and blew this old man away. I'm no prude, but NIGHT OF THE DOG made me blush for laughing at extreme violence, perversity (especially one character's "f**k banter") and character's so stupid and lovable...well shoot, I wished I was back in my old days on the college campus. This is one wild, hysterical ride...and I have no doubt you'll be hearing all the unforgettable line whisper beyond the herb-smelling doors of dorm rooms before too long. It's funny...most indie films and filmmakers worry so much about the "look" and "message" of indie and art films, they produce lifeless, yet polished, garbage. NIGHT OF THE DOG makes the story and energy their first priority, like "Clerks," "Slacker" and "Stranger than Paradise" before them. It was the toast of Palm Beach and I was happy to join in on the fun.

I had a chance to catch a screening of Night of the Dog at the Palm Beach Film Festival - and I am glad I did. This movie is hilarious! I laughed through the entire thing! I would tell you what my favorite part is, but there are just too many to choose from. Hopefully I will have a chance to see it again so I can show it to all of my friends! Thank you, NOTD, for a truly wonderful evening at the cinema. I am sure it will be in many festivals to come - please let me know when it will be playing in Los Angeles. Also let me know where I can score one of those sharp Night of the Dog t-shirts, Christmas is only seven months away!

Night of the Dog is a night that almost makes me want to get a dog. The writing is such that you almost think it wasn't written, it all flows so smoothly. You think the camera just followed these guys around for the night. The acting substantiates this illusion. Peter Michael Donovan is brilliant as the guy helping out his friend (even if it's not by sleeping with the guy's girlfriend), & Jeremy Catalino brings the terror of a man on the run right up to your face & wags its briefs-clad fear inches from your nose. Eshom Nelms is very believable as the frustrated antenna-ball artist who finds a new career thanks to the next-door neighbors. The drama & surprises keep it exciting while the comedy keeps the surprises pleasant. Not one for the kiddies. Oh, & the original music by Peter Donovan is as catchy as anything you'd hear on The O.C. Look for the alternate ending on the DVD.

Night of the Dog is seriously funny. The irony of the situations and the predicaments these men get into is absolutely hilarious. I'd recommend seeing it to anyone with an appreciation for dark comedy; not to mention a crave for a little mischief. Oh, and if you think your life sucks, I bet money it won't/can't get any worse than the crazy "Emily" situation, The woman and her phone books, or the absolute insane "detective" work done by a man who is determined to discover the truth. There's an array of jealousy, animosity, love, friendship, lust, will, and hot dogs. If that's not enough to make you want to see it, I don't what is!

not only is this film funny, but the young cast and film makers prove to be talented and endearing. there are 3 segments to the film written by 3 different people, and while this can usually lead to total chaos it manages to flow well in the film. the directors/writers are able to mix dirty humor with genuine emotion and have created an American pie-esquire movie that can have you both laughing and cheering for characters. i highly recommend this film to anyone looking to watch a sweet/entertaining movie that has more heart than most of the crap the big studios have come up with. you wont be sorry you viewed it and if nothing else you'll have "one hell of a night."