THE DVDS AND BLU RAYS FOR 4/10/2012

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS & DOGS

** (out of ****)

I have fond memories of my movie watching experiences with my family as a child growing up. You know, like the first time your parents let you watch a rated R movie? For me I was nine walking through the video store with my dad when he suddenly picked up the VHS box for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Commando. From that night forward my life changed. Other experiences include the seemingly random choices they make when setting rules and guidelines for what I could and could not watch growing up. For example when I was in ninth grade my mother specifically said I was not to watch any of the American Pies. However, in eighth grade I have distinct memories of watching Taxi Driver with my parents, as suggested by my parents.

Just what I think of when I think Family Friendly

I guess what I’m getting at is, without my parents, I would not be such the avid film watcher and enthusiast I am today. So, when my parents suggest a movie to me, I try to go out of my way to see it. Even if it seems like it might not be the best film of all time, they usually don’t steer me wrong. Although, back in high school when my mother suggested I watch The Truth About Cats and Dogs (1996), I was skeptical at best. I spent the next half a decade plus conveniently forgetting to watch the film every time my mother asked me to. Eventually, her requests stopped and I completely forgot about it, until I came across the April 10th new to Blu Ray movies. One of these films happened to be The Truth About Cats and Dogs. So, I had to jump on the opportunity to finally watch this film and complete the 6 year plus avoidance, just so I can finally make my mother happy.

And after all of this time, all of this waiting and anticipation, my review for this film is… It wasn’t bad. 

Yeah, I know, I know, not the most electrifying review of all time, but what more do you expect from a romantic comedy about a love triangle with a backdrop of animal care. The truth is, The Truth About Cats and Dogs isn’t bad.

The film is the story of a lonely cat lady, Abby, played Janeane Garofalo (not much of a stretch). Abby is a veterinarian and radio show host who has low self-esteem, because she’s kind of not the best looking, or something, actually I never fully understood the source of her low self-esteem. One day Abby befriends her neighbor Noelle, played by Uma Thurman, a low smarts LA model type. They both meet a man named Brian who ends up falling in love with Abby’s smarts and lusting over Noelle’s beauty. However, starting with a mix up from the radio station, Brian believes Abby’s smarts are actually from Noelle and so he believes Noelle is the voice he originally fell for. Thus the triangle begins.

Yeah, I’m thinking definitely a cat lady

Their, now I have told you the plot of the film, and you know if this is the movie for you. Before that even, you should have known if this was the movie for you, because I said it was a romantic comedy with a love triangle. You know if this is the movie for you, and if it’s not, then trust me it’s not. The Truth About Cats and Dogs is no break through in the genre. However, as far as romcom’s go, it’s entertaining.

The humor is chuckle inducing at best, but also never too horrible. Some of the radio call in’s are over the top, but in a good way. The animals scenes are pretty funny. Although, the movie does use the hacky “look at something and say it” formula. At one point abby is asked what she does for a living and she sees a plate of cheese and says she’s a cheese maker. Come on, I would like to see a little more effort then that.

Also, this is a somewhat dated film, because in this present day of the internet the film would have been over in the first ten minutes when he would have started stalking her facebook page and saw a real picture of her.

Over all I give the film ** out of **** stars.

I was so excited to report to my mother how I had finally saw the film. I called her and told her the great news. Upon hearing what I had to say, she told me she barely remembered the movie and didn’t ever remember me telling me to watch it. Sometimes getting excited about the little things only leads to being crushed overall.

 

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