Stars: Molly Shannon, Peter Sarsgaard, Regina King, John C. Reilly, Laura Dern, Steve Berg, Craig Cackowski, Brenda Canela, Chuck Duffy, Sonya Eddy, Nicholas Garren, Inara George, Dale Godboldo, Dan Kapelovitz, Josh Pais, Tom McCarthy

Director: Mike White

Summary: Any dog-lover would be a fool to pass up this charming dark comedy from director-screenwriter-actor Mike White (THE GOOD GIRL, SCHOOL OF ROCK, CHUCK AND BUCK). Famous for her iconic portrayal of Mary Katherine Gallagher, SNL alum Molly Shannon shows new range here as Peggy, a timid secretary whose whole life revolves happily around her adorable beagle, Pencil. When unspeakable tragedy strikes, Peggy is naturally overcome with grief. But at the same time, the loss of Pencil forces Peggy out of her shell and into the world of people. As a heartbroken Peggy faces pressure to cheer up from her friends and family, she is taken by the genuine empathy of her next door neighbour (John C. Reilly), even if she is appalled by his love of hunting. And just when Peggy thinks she's found a kindred spirit in a sexually ambiguous pet trainer (Peter Sarsgaard), the mixed signals and complexity that make up human nature get in the way. The more she observes her brother, her controlling sister-in-law (Laura Dern), and the supposedly normal but actually twisted life they lead, the more attractive the simpler, purer world of animals appears. Peggy soon realizes that she must follow her true passion and pave her own path, even if it involves a lie here or there in pursuit of a good cause.

Any dog-lover would be a fool to pass up this charming dark comedy from director-screenwriter-actor Mike White (THE GOOD GIRL, SCHOOL OF ROCK, CHUCK AND BUCK). Famous for her iconic portrayal of Mary Katherine Gallagher, SNL alum Molly Shannon shows new range here as Peggy, a timid secretary whose whole life revolves happily around her adorable beagle, Pencil. When unspeakable tragedy strikes, Peggy is naturally overcome with grief. But at the same time, the loss of Pencil forces Peggy out of her shell and into the world of people. As a heartbroken Peggy faces pressure to cheer up from her friends and family, she is taken by the genuine empathy of her next door neighbour (John C. Reilly), even if she is appalled by his love of hunting. And just when Peggy thinks she's found a kindred spirit in a sexually ambiguous pet trainer (Peter Sarsgaard), the mixed signals and complexity that make up human nature get in the way. The more she observes her brother, her controlling sister-in-law (Laura Dern), and the supposedly normal but actually twisted life they lead, the more attractive the simpler, purer world of animals appears. Peggy soon realizes that she must follow her true passion and pave her own path, even if it involves a lie here or there in pursuit of a good cause.
While White's offbeat sense of humour can be felt in every moment of the film, the story is also surprisingly sad and touching. Pencil's passing is up there with many of cinema's most heart-wrenching scenes, and Shannon's vulnerability as Peggy is quite moving. YEAR OF THE DOG should appeal to non-pet owners as well, as it boasts wonderful performances by Regina King as Peggy's well-meaning but sometimes clueless friend and co-worker, along with Sarsgaard, Reilly, Dern, and Josh Pais as Peggy's testy boss. The film never ridicules Peggy or her love for animals, but defends it as valid, and just as true as any relationship between people.

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Molly Shannon gives a strange and strangely touching performance in Year of the Dog. A quiet secretary named Peggy (Shannon, Superstar, Good Boy!) goes into a tailspin when her beloved dog Pencil dies, leading her to flirt with dating, veganism, animal rights activism, and violence. But though the plot may sound shapeless, the movie is sharp and focused, cutting to the bone of every character's obsessions and neuroses. Yet, though extremely funny, Year of the Dog isn't strictly satirical--writer/director Mike White (writer of The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck) doesn't pass judgment on his characters, no matter how irrational or appalling their behaviour may be. The movie has a cool empathy, a wistful yet unsparing glance at human weakness. The entire cast--which includes Laura Dern (We Don't Live Here Anymore), John C. Reilly (Boogie Nights), Regina King (Ray), and Peter Sarsgaard (Boys Don't Cry)--walk a fine line between painfully real and comically absurd. Fans of distinctive directors like Don Roos (The Opposite of Sex, Happy Endings) and Todd Solondz (Happiness, Storytelling) will enjoy Year of the Dog. --Bret Fetzer

Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Interactive menu
Year:	2007
Release Date:	February 25, 2008
Runtime:	97 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	P H E 9299
Keywords:	Year, Dog, English, Comedy, General
Genre:	Comedy