Review of The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996) by Barnaby E — 09 Mar 2009

An unconventionally conventional romantic comedy, that really tries to be different and ends up following the same conventions and traits as the more mundane feel-good romcoms. However, what sets it above other such similar films is the chemistry and likeability of the three leads (Chaplin, Garofalo and Thurman).

The phone sex scene is strangely odd for the tone of the film, although it is in context, but I've never been able to get by the fact that I actually fancied the supposedly frumpy character (Janeane Garofalo) anyway and wasn't too keen on the blonde bombshell (Uma Thurman).

Oops. But, this is an off-beat romance, with a lot of heart, and it's easy to forget how simple, enjoyable films like this can be cliched, irritating and annoying with the wrong actors and directors.

This film manages an effortless mix of romance, wit, slapstick and pathos, without smearing itself in the sticky mess of sentimentality.