Year of the Dog (2007)

Reviewed: 10.10.2007

This canine-themed PETA propaganda film stars SNL-alum Molly Shannon as Peggy, a homely secretary who's life centers around her dog Pencil. Pencil's death becomes the catalyst for her radical transformation into animal-rights activist.

Year of the Dog is a train wreck. Glum and quirky-- everything about this movie is ill fitting. Striking me as a Stranger Than Fiction knock-off, Shannon is hardly Will Ferrell. The story isn't there and Molly Shannon doesn't help. She does nothing but emphasis her horrible posture and that painful, gummy half-smirk. Peter Sarsgaard is the consumate supporting actor; he's always fascinating to watch, but even he can't take the pain away. Regina King and John C. Reilly also make painful appearances.

Movies are the perfect medium for opinions. This viewer doesn't mind being preached to, but I do mind being knocked over the head with it. Animal activism becomes the central theme instead of developing the precious storyline the movie begins with-- that bond between people and their pets. Year of the Dog is a pitiful bit of celluloid that should be avoided at all costs.