Review of Lawn Dogs (1997) by Critic M — 15 Feb 2014

"Lawn Dogs" was very unusual, which is generally refreshing. This film was uncomfortable, original and weird. I watched it solely because Sam Rockwell acts in it. As usual, he did not disappoint. I'd like to point out that the cover is misleading and isn't really a good representation of what the film is about. I suppose it is more appealing than a ten year old girl and cookie cutter homes.

"Lawn dogs" is dramatic, happy, sad and dark. If you look at the genres below it really is all over the place. The film is about a young girl (Mischa Barton) who befriends the neighborhood landscaping guy (Rockwell) who is not from the same neighborhood or social class. There really are a lot of social statements made in this film that are still quite relevant. This film is hard to categorize and it really has a unique cast. The first half of the film is very art house and in my opinion a bit too slow and strange. The second half of the film has a lot more going on and re-captured my interest. The feelings of tension and inferiority the main characters experience is captured successfully and translates well on screen. There is a heaviness to this film and underlying feeling of dread that is sprinkled with lighthearted independent film spirit.

"Lawn Dogs" target audience is next to impossible to identify, but it is a very unique and multi-layered film.