Big Helium Dog

I will admit this comedy isn't for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but based on some of the reactions already posted here, there are those who just didn't get it. If you enjoyed any of Brian Lynch's comics, you'll definitely enjoy this film, the comedy is in the same vein. So if you want to know what kind of randomness you're getting yourself into, read some of his other stuff.

Of everything that I saw at Vulgarthon, this and the ANP cartoon were the best by far, just by the sheer fact that I couldn't stop laughing. That's all you need in a comedy.

That and an audience with a sense of humor.

Remember KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE or AMAZON WOMEN FROM THE MOON? Huh? You don't? You best be playin'! For real? Well go out and rent em, homes! BIG HELIUM DOG follows a similar formula which is a loosely connected narrative that gives birth to hilarious non sequitur sketches filled with absolutely bizarre characters. Think MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL for the 90's indie film scene. Or don't, but rest assured, it's just as chaotic and random.

Granted, it's been too long of a time for me to give BIG HELIUM DOG a thorough review, but I still feel as though I can give it my highest recommendation. Rarely these days do you see comedies that don't play to a certain, bankable sensibility or that are tailored to a particular demographic. That's really the charm of films like this or AIRPLANE- it's broad absurdist nature make it enjoyable to anyone with a sense of humor, and not just a specific age group. Now, I can't remember if this would be cool to show your mom, but if she's cool like the mom on "Family Ties" then you should be all set.

As of this writing, BHD isn't available on any format. If it ever does, however, I strongly encourage you to check it out. (cue "Reading Rainbow" book review bumper music)

I thought it was very funny, and (Hollywood) Brian Lynch is definitely a rising star in the film community. I can't wait to see what he has to offer for the Scary Movie series, and any other writing/directing ventures he may be involved in.

I also love his work with angrynakedpat.com (notably Patchouli), which always keeps me laughing (well, if not laughing, grinning heavily)

This film is great. It's like a long sketch comedy. The humor pushes the limits, but is very clever and funny. I can't wait to see this film again. There were some very original ideas. The writer of this film should have a bright future in film or as a sketch comedy writer.

This is one of the strangest movies I have ever seen... but that is not always a bad thing. One thing can definitely be said about this movie and that is originality, you've never seen, and never will see, anything else quite like it. If you go into this movie with an open mind and a light heart you will love it, as I did. It is very funny and there are scenes from it that will stick with you for awhile ("Bang, got you!"). I definitely recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind, you will love it. But if you are the kind of movie-goer who enjoys movies that stay within the set patterns of modern film-making (even those as major as not "cutting" scenes out that hold information that you seemingly need to know to "understand" the movie). This is brilliantly written (I have no idea how someone can write something this odd) and directed, and Michael Black's portrayal as the narrator is excellent.