moodyrudy

I had the pleasure of catching Gone Doggy Gone at the Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles. This is a 'feel good' comedy that really delivers some good punchlines and a few belly- laughs along the way. Unlike a lot of modern American comedy the film never stoops to gross out or toilet humor but rather relies on a really solid premise, daftly delivered. A couple treats their pooch like a baby, with ensuing hilarity, certainly not just an LA phenomena, but one that a lot of other pet lovers will relate to. The one man one woman team of Kasi Brown and Brandon Walter not only took writing and directing duties but are excellent as the molly cuddling couple. There is also an excellent cameo from character actor Richard Riehle as a P.I. Parts of the plot may feel a little bit like it depends too much on improv, but the film makes up for it in sheer likability and there is also a wonderful nod or two to some film classics that are pastiched with brilliant wit. This is definitely one for the instant watch queue.

If you come to this just to see 'all them pretty little horses' gallivanting about, you won't be disappointed, but you'd also be missing the bigger picture. This is a film about a dying breed and I think that breed is man as much as Sitting Bull's favorite horse from days gone by. Leo Kuntz, the awkward yet uber cool Vietnam Vet and subject of the film comes across as part Sam Shepard, part Dos Equis commercial. For the duration of the film he very well might be the most interesting man in the world. Much more than just a nostalgic glance at a way of life that's getting harder and harder to sustain, Garland's extraordinary eye for composition and the wry character driven observations makes this unmissable. Oozing atmosphere and with an almost noir documentary style this leaves me hungry for this filmmaker's next endeavor.