Release Date: August 28th, 2007

The Film

It has to be tough being an aspiring director. Countless independent films are made every years, most of them not worth the film stock they are shot on. Worse still, most directors are forced to tell simple, character-driven stories that they may not be suited to because of budget reasons. Let’s face it, not everyone has the skill set to make witty comedies. The Dog Proglem is a wholly average film that has its fun moments but fails to make itself memorable.

Written and Directed by Scott Caan (Ocean’s 13), the film stars Giovanni Ribisi as Solo, a down-on-his-luck novelist in a year-long slump. His therapist suggests he get a dog to turn around his mood. Solo complies but soon finds out how much territory comes with owning a dog. He turns to his best friend Casper (Caan) for help, but that only makes things worse. Oddly enough the dog soon becomes the desire of many people, including a loan shark and an obsessive dog collector. Yet after the dog helps him meet a woman in the park, Solo realizes he cannot part with it. With so many people wanting this one little dog, only chaos can ensue once it disappears.

The Dog Problem tries to be a comedy of errors. The problem with that sub-genre is that if your script isn’t very tight, they ultimately feel disjointed and repetitive. I have a feeling that this concept began as a short film and was expanded into a feature because there does not seem to be enough material to drive a full-length film. It’s not an awful affair, it’s simply forgettable, which may be an even worse fate.

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic full frame. The transfer is above average with a clean print, bright colors, and good detail. Grain does show up now and again, but overall the transfer gets the job done.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1/2.0 Surround Sound with English/Spanish subtitles. The film is dialogue driven so almost everything is front-loaded. The rear speakers do kick in with music and the occasional ambient sound, but nothing spectacular. The dialogue is clear and balanced, however, which is far more important for a film of this type.

The Extras

Commentary is offered with Giovanni Ribisi and Scott Caan. The track is surprisingly active with both Ribisi and Caan providing energetic, amusing comments. It won’t redefine how you think about filmmaking, but it is certainly entertaining.

Previews are available as well.

Final Thoughts

The Dog Problem may, and I stress may, make a good random rental if you are in the mood for something quirky, but imagine there would always be something better to choose in the video store. – Jeff Ritchie