A cute little Dramady that balances it's opposite emotions quite effectively. Molly Shannon is the real surprise here, showcasing a wider range for more subtle humor and emotional depth then anything she has previously worked on. Writer and Director Mike White starts to come into his own in this minor enjoyable work, stepping out of the shadows of his collaborative work and proving himself a sensitive and perceptive filmmaker.
The movie works best in it's quieter moments, White and Shannon are able to combine their efforts into articulating awkward silences at an impressive rate. The gentle affair starts with a fun pace but seems to loose what little steam it carries around halfway through as we delve into Shannon's deeper issues of fulfillment. Still, Year of the Dog remains a pleasant enough diversion to recommend as noteworthy distraction.
The movie works best in it's quieter moments, White and Shannon are able to combine their efforts into articulating awkward silences at an impressive rate. The gentle affair starts with a fun pace but seems to loose what little steam it carries around halfway through as we delve into Shannon's deeper issues of fulfillment. Still, Year of the Dog remains a pleasant enough diversion to recommend as noteworthy distraction.