This indie movie, about as deep as a puddle, is quite entertaining. Good dialog by Scott Cann and a "spot-on" cast led by Giovanni Ribisi carry the weight. Credit Ribisi with a deft comedic characterization of a mentally brittle writer, named Solo, on the brink of a meltdown.
Solo has spent the last year in therapy five days a week with his doctor (played by Don Cheadle). He informs the doctor that since he is totally broke he is ready to face the world again. Since the doctor knows that isn't possible he decides to force him to face up to a measure of responsibility, albeit on a smaller scale: He suggests that Solo should get a pet.
Solo and his skirt chasing photographer friend, Casper played by director/writer Scott Cann, go shopping for a dog. Just as they approach the pet store Casper has to chase a young woman that smiles his way...Leaving Solo to choose his pet, well solo. The "mutt" he chooses is the type no self respecting male would ever be seen with, let alone purchase. Since Solo is basking in his own mental pathos, unable to take charge of himself, the addition of this totally dependent dog is about to make things much worse.
Fun, though unlikely characters intersect through the mess that Solo and "dog" create. Strangely, when he thinks his dog has been kidnapped Solo quits being passive. He becomes decisive and is able to shed his "victim mentality". Throughout the movie he has always been co-dependent on something...his doctor at first and then the dog last. Near the end, after he's found the lost dog, he knows what he now has to do in order to be heal. He has to get back to his love which is writing. Though he wants a relationship with Lola, a stripper he finds to be anything but the stereotypical whore he imagines a stripper must be, he knows that like a recovering addict he's not ready. This is another sign that he's finished with co-dependency. When he stops to tell Lola he is leaving for Mexico he offers her "Spot" which is the name he finally gave the dog. Bittersweet, she accepts the dog and they part. A final shot shows Solo, seemingly happy living in a cheap Mexican motel because he's found his muse once more. He is just outside the doorway because he heard something. As he looks down he sees "Spot" who like his master has found his way home. Great ending to a silly shallow entertaining movie. My only question is did Spot get there on his own or is Lola there too?!
Solo has spent the last year in therapy five days a week with his doctor (played by Don Cheadle). He informs the doctor that since he is totally broke he is ready to face the world again. Since the doctor knows that isn't possible he decides to force him to face up to a measure of responsibility, albeit on a smaller scale: He suggests that Solo should get a pet.
Solo and his skirt chasing photographer friend, Casper played by director/writer Scott Cann, go shopping for a dog. Just as they approach the pet store Casper has to chase a young woman that smiles his way...Leaving Solo to choose his pet, well solo. The "mutt" he chooses is the type no self respecting male would ever be seen with, let alone purchase. Since Solo is basking in his own mental pathos, unable to take charge of himself, the addition of this totally dependent dog is about to make things much worse.
Fun, though unlikely characters intersect through the mess that Solo and "dog" create. Strangely, when he thinks his dog has been kidnapped Solo quits being passive. He becomes decisive and is able to shed his "victim mentality". Throughout the movie he has always been co-dependent on something...his doctor at first and then the dog last. Near the end, after he's found the lost dog, he knows what he now has to do in order to be heal. He has to get back to his love which is writing. Though he wants a relationship with Lola, a stripper he finds to be anything but the stereotypical whore he imagines a stripper must be, he knows that like a recovering addict he's not ready. This is another sign that he's finished with co-dependency. When he stops to tell Lola he is leaving for Mexico he offers her "Spot" which is the name he finally gave the dog. Bittersweet, she accepts the dog and they part. A final shot shows Solo, seemingly happy living in a cheap Mexican motel because he's found his muse once more. He is just outside the doorway because he heard something. As he looks down he sees "Spot" who like his master has found his way home. Great ending to a silly shallow entertaining movie. My only question is did Spot get there on his own or is Lola there too?!
