Peggy, having lost her dog Pencil in a terrible accident, becomes an increasingly militant animal-rights activist—baking vegan cupcakes, writing fraudulent checks, driving her niece and nephew to a slaughterhouse—cresting with her decision to take vengeance on a neighbor she deems responsible. A perfect film for Molly Shannon, who mixes sarcastic innocence and dark brooding anger with such apparent ease, Year of the Dog is a welcomed relief for an actress whose last few films were undeniably awful. The overextended opening smiles, the half-hearted sympathies expressed in conversation, the delirious “joy” she feels after an eventful visit to the local pound—this character belongs to her. And while my thoughts on the film as a whole are a bit muddled—I’ll need a second or third viewing to sort out my feelings on director Mike White’s intentions—Year of the Dog contains great performances, some rather intelligent writing, and one of the best posters in years.
by Adam Balz | Source: Paramount 35MM Theatrical Print
13 May 2007 3:44 PM | Submit Comment
