OK for kids 13+
SNL alum shines as grieving, lonely animal lover.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this dramedy chronicles a pet lover's transformation into a hardcore animal-rights activist. The film portrays veganism and animal adoption positively and casts a negative light on game hunting, wearing fur, and eating meat. Molly Shannon's character is socially awkward and incredibly lonely, so there are some tear-jerking scenes of her after her beloved dog's accidental death. Children who have pets and/or love animals may be disturbed by photographic images of animal cruelty, a wall of mounted stuffed animals, and three instances of pets dying.
- Families can talk about how Peggy's character is portrayed. Does the movie link her depression with "craziness"? Is that accurate? What do you think about her belief that humans disappoint but animals always have love to give. Is it healthy for someone to love their pet(s) more than other humans? Families can also discuss how the media deals with social issues like animal rights. Are movies and TV shows an appropriate forum to deal with those issues? Why or why not? Was Peggy justified in taking her niece to the animal sanctuary? What about when she ruins her sister-in-law's fur coats? Kids: What do you think about animal rights?
What to watch for
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Violence: Images of animals used in lab tests are shown on a computer. Disturbing scenes of a dog near death and its owner's overwhelming grief. Off-screen, an aggressive dog kills a much smaller one, and viewers see another crying pet owner. A small child is told that pigs and chickens are murdered to be her food.
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Sex: A couple makes out loudly in front of Peggy. Layla wears low-cut tops. Peggy and Newt share an awkward kiss. Al's girlfriend does a sexy dance.
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Language: Sparingly used: "bitch" (in the "dog way"), "piss," "cripple," "hell." Peggy compares a slaughterhouse to the Holocaust.
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Consumerism: Several brands are occasionally featured: Mercedes, Oompa Toys, Gymboree, and Victoria's Secret,
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Peggy gets drunk on New Year's Eve (while babysitting) and has wine on a date. Layla suggests getting "wasted" and offers Peggy the anti-anxiety drug Xanax before taking it herself.
Fan Reviews provided by
2
Roll Over and Play Dead by Halvafilm
Molly Shannon's performance is good but her character is just so not loveable. All the good will that she builds up in the beginning of the film quickly vanishes during the rest of the movie. The movie drones on and overall I left not wanting a dog of my own.
3
Weird Tone by beckyd
Year of the Dog is all about loving the animals. But you can't tell whether the filmmaker Mike White really loves the animals, or is making fun of the people who love the animals. Molly Shannon and Peter Saarsgard are amazing, though.
5
MUST SEE>>>if you are an animal lover. by phoboy
This movie was the best I had seen in a long time. I am vegan and I proudly support this movie. This is a very thought provoking movie spiced with some excellent comedic talent. It will make you realize the value of all life.
5
original by xtian2007
just because a movie doesn't have the usual formula of guns and *** doesn't mean it isn't bad. on the contrary, this is a movie with an original story and a well-developed protagonist, and it also doesn't follow the usual hollywood cliches whereby a female lead must ultimately fall in love in order to find happiness. a great movie, with great performances!
3
A bit unpleasant, but well-acted by keolliff
I disagree with some of the other reviewers that the movie was preachy. Yes, the lead character in the movie becomes a vegan and her reasons why are delved into briefly. However, the movie was actually quite enjoyable through this process, with interesting charcters and a developing plot. At some point, perhaps halfway through, the movie simply becomes strange (and not in a unique and quirky way) and somewhat unpleasant. The acting does remain good throughout, but it is disappointing that what starts out as quirky and interesting in the plot becomes tedious and odd. Definitely worth seeing, though, if you're interested in something besides a mainstream flick.
5
Fantastic by Amysmiller
Humorous, great acting all-around, with an ending that is heart-warming. I am inviting all of my friends and family to see it, so as to illustrate to them my passion for animal-rights.
5
Wonderful by Hindy
This is a wonderfully real, unpredictable, and bittersweet movie with an exceptional performance by Molly Shannon!