Hangdog

What a great movie - such excellent casting, acting, writing, directing, cinematography - all of it. Heart-felt, funny and a great dog, to boot. I immediately recognized Desmon Borges - he is always great, as is Catherine Curtin. All in all, a total pleasure. And more movies need to be made in Maine, Portland especially - it is such an idyllic setting. I streamed it on Prime and it's available on Apple, too.

Independent movies are always worth a try, in my opinion, and I'm always willing to give one a try. I think I've always heard that actors try to avoid working with children and animals as they steal the show. The little pooch in this one, Tony, did a good job.

This caught me by surprise - "Hangdog," directed by Matt Cascella, is a delightful cinematic experience that captivated me with its unique blend of humor, heart, and authenticity. Set against a backdrop that beautifully captures the essence of its characters, the film tells an unusual but compelling story that resonates on multiple levels.

The performances in "Hangdog" are nothing short of stellar. The cast brings a remarkable depth to their roles , making each character relatable and memorable but I have to say that Wendy (Kerry O'Sullivan) really looked creepy. The chemistry among the actors is palpable especially between Walt, played by Desmin Borges and Barbara Rosenblat as Marianne, enhancing the film's emotional impact and drawing us into their journey.

Cascella's direction shines through in the film's pacing and visual storytelling. The cinematography is realistic, with each frame thoughtfully composed to enhance the narrative.

The screenplay is well-crafted, balancing moments of levity with poignant themes that encourage reflection. The dialogue is sharp and witty, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments while also addressing deeper issues without extra sensitivity or grace.

Overall, "Hangdog" is a triumph that showcases Matt Cascella's talent as a director and storyteller. It isn't a particularly weighty or deep film and doesn't have aspirations in that direction but it is a film that entertains while leaving a lasting impression, making it a must-see for anyone looking for a heartfelt and engaging cinematic experience. Highly recommended!

There's one sequence in particular where I couldn't stop laughing for over a minute straight. The story is wildly original. It keeps you guessing, with endearing characters and beautiful filming locations in Portland, Maine. Each of the actors make a strong impression. Desmin Borges carries the movie, in what feels like a very natural, effortless performance. The soundtrack is memorable, with a very funny (and tragic?) backstory for one of the songs. It was a great experience to watch Hangdog at the theater, with an in depth Q&A afterwards. I highly recommend Hangdog to pet owners and non-pet owners alike.

This film does a great job of meshing comedy with drama, anxiety with relief. Even when you think everything's going to be okay, it isn't. It's a film that isn't afraid to live in the nebulous gray areas of life, while reminding us that we can and should laugh when things are looking bleak. The highlights for me were each of the exciting characters that Walt meets along the way as he unravels a mystery that could destroy his relationship. Desmin Borges is spot on as the anxiety-ridden lead who's struggling as a Portland, Maine fish-out-of-water New Yorker. Special shout-outs to Barbara Rosenblat's laugh-out-loud one liners and Steve Coulter's rambunctious and emotionally moving performance. It's an equally touching and hilarious small-scale odyssey that we just don't see enough of these days. Really excited to see what husband/wife team Matt Cascella and Jen Cordery cook up for us next.

Man... this film is so beautifully made, from the writing, to its direction, editing and performance. The whole package. It was a breath of fresh air, alternating between laughter and tears on the exhales. The cast (both human and canine) delivers with authenticity and heart. It's hard not to relate to the story, whether it's your dog you've lost, someone you love... or yourself. We've all needed that catalyst at one time or another to reconnect with ourselves and the people that mean everything to us. In Hangdog, Tony is the pup who takes us there. Easily one of my favorite films of the year. I so hope it reaches the broader audience it deserves. Bravo.