The Dog Problem (2006)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Scott Caan

Writer:

Scott Caan (writer)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

In L.A., Solo has writer's block after a successful first book he's ashamed of. He's broke, thanks to a year in analysis; in their final session...

Plot Keywords:

Psychiatrist | Dog | Female Nudity | Beautiful Woman | Stripper

Cast

Lynn Collins	...	Lola
Scott Caan	...	Casper
Kevin Corrigan	...	Benny
Sarah Shahi	...	Candy
Tito Ortiz	...	Frank
Kimo Leopoldo	...	Ted
Brian Goodman	...	Joe the Guard
Jennifer Carpenter	...	Redheaded Waitress
Laura Katz	...	Late Night Waitress
Joanna Krupa	...	Taffy
Crispian Belfrage	...	Jeffrey the Butler
Med Abrous	...	Brad
Melissa Keller	...	Escalator Girl
Elizabeth Carey	...	Angry Ketchup Waitress (as Liz Carey)
Jimmy the Dog	...	Spot

MPAA:

Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity.

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Dog Problem LLC

Quotes:

Solo: Life is a delicate negotiation.

Romantic? Hardly. Comedy? If you say so.

Let me start by saying I don't recall laughing once during this comedy. From the opening scene, our protagonist Solo (Giovanni Ribisi) shows himself to be a self-absorbed, feeble, and neurotic loser completely unable to cope with the smallest responsibilities such as balancing a checkbook, keeping his word, or forming a coherent thought. I guess we're supposed to be drawn to his fragile vulnerability and cheer him on through the process of clawing his way out of a deep depression. I guess we're supposed to sympathize as he stumbles through a series of misadventures seemingly triggered by his purchase of a dog, but in reality brought on by his own contemptible nature. I didn't get the slightest hint at any point that Solo ever possessed any redeeming character, which became disturbingly apparent when he failed to feed his dog for a few days. No spark of humanity or glimmer of conscience gave me hope that he would ever realize his life is so utterly miserable because he's a self- absorbed, self-pitying lowlife. I didn't develop any connection with this character. He didn't seem to care, and so neither did I. I actually wanted him to get his kneecaps busted at one point.

The dog was not a character in the film. It was simply a prop to be used, neglected, scorned, abused, coveted and disposed of on a whim. So be warned. Even though "dog" is in the title, this film is not a romantic comedy for dog lovers.

Scott Caan's role is amusing and believable as the oversexed best friend/cad. Don Cheadle is sincere and magnetic - I always want to see more of him on screen. Mena Suvari was delightfully repellent. Lynn Collins role of a "stripper with a heart" was well acted, but the character was simultaneously absurd and clichéd, not to mention there was zero chemistry between her and Ribisi.

Romantic? Hardly. Comedy? If you say so.