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
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!
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.
1
Year of the Dog by cmtice
This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I am a frequent movie goer, and often enjoy smaller, indie films. However, I found that this had none of the charm, humor, or surprise I was expecting. While the actihg is very good, and Molly Shannon proves she can do more then comedy, that was simply not enough. The storyline was dull and depressing, in fact so boring that I actually fell asleep twice during the movie.
4
Very Touching by smcthatsme
The end of the movie is what I really loved best about this movie. Being apart of something you love and following your heart is not something that every one in life gets to experience. Some are too frightened and some think they are too busy and some just haven't found it. But when you do it's a very liberating and life altering experience. Watching the main character find her way is both touching and funny. I loved it.
1
Worst Movie Ever!!! by akababe
I kept waiting for it to get better and it didn't. I love Molly! She's great and funny! I couldn't bellieve that she would do such a stupid movie. There is no point to this movie at all. I wasted my money seeing this one. Don't waste you time or money on this one!!!
4
"Dog" Rates Thre Barks by gasparm
This is a difficult film to both critique or recommend. It really is a human drama, cloaked as "dramady". You must give it a chance for it to sink in, before you can realize that writer/director Mike White is showing you that animals can sometimes be kinder to humans than humans can be to humans. In the case of Peggy , as portrayed by Molly Shannon(excellently) she learns this lesson the hardest way possible. Regina King as her co-worker also turns in an excellent performance. This is a quirky and heartfelt little film, that really unravels after you leve the theatre-provoking the viewer to think about its varied themes.