Dish Dogs

I chose this movie by the cover which was a bad move. It wasn't funny at all and the main characters were obnoxious. The girl was beautiful but the story and the acting were terrible. It had absolutely nothing to do with surfing. It had a few scenes with no waves- oh it did have the 2 main characters who obviously can't surf try to take off on a closeout. Then it showed Brian Dennehy who I liked in Cocoon but I lost all respect for him in this movie. It was obvious no one in the movie surfs, which is a good thing because they act like losers anyway. I'm amazed they wasted time and money producing this film. I'm even more amazed people bought it.

Overall I have to give this movie a good rating. I started watching while flipping channels and Shannon Elizabeth caught my eye. The movie itself is about Morgan (Sean Astin) trying to define himself as a philosopher. To do this Morgan and his best friend Jason (Matthew Lillard) travel the country washing dishes and exchanging philosophical ideas. Jason eventually falls in love with a girl who he then wants to stay with and stop travelling around. Morgan finds this to go against his beliefs and tries to leave but also ends up falling in love with different girl played by Shannon Elizabeth. The rest of the movie is basically Morgan trying to convince himself that this girl will not corrupt his beliefs. Not for people who don't want to think about a movie but also a good movie for a couple to watch. Enjoy

I saw this movie today, and it's one of the few movies that I can sit down and enjoy while actually think about. This is not a big budget movie although there are some big names in it.

One warning -- Sean Astin is really annoying in this. Which proves to me he played his part well. But I think the writers did too good of a job making him annoying. Matt Lillard is great in this movie, I really feel he will break out soon. You can tell a lot of his humor in this film is improv, it's great. Shannon Elizabeth is hot in this movie, but there is a seen where she takes it all off, which I really feel took away from the whole movie.

The story line is that Sean Astin and Matt Lillard are best friends who have philosophies on everything and vow to each other not to let love stand in the way of life. The only problem is that that their lives are standing in their way of finding love.

This is a movie I recommend to anybody who doesn't need a lot of action, or doesn't need humor to be spelled out to them.

Overall I rate this movie very high, it was enjoyable, but Astin analyzing everything to death made this movie good and not great.

Sean Astin delivers a standout performance as Morgan, a character attempting to define himself as a philosopher amidst the soapy bubbles of dishwater. Astin infuses the role with depth and sincerity, bringing to life the philosophical musings that permeate the narrative. His portrayal adds a layer of authenticity to the film, making Morgan a relatable and endearing protagonist.

Matthew Lillard, in a departure from his typical roles, breathes life into the character of Jason. Lillard's performance is a delightful surprise, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The chemistry between Astin and Lillard is palpable, providing the film with a solid emotional foundation. As the two friends traverse the country, washing dishes and exchanging philosophical ideas, their camaraderie becomes the heart of the story.

The narrative unfolds as a journey of self-discovery, with Morgan grappling with the conflict between his philosophical ideals and the unpredictability of love. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Jason falls for a girl, sparking a dilemma that challenges the very core of Morgan's beliefs. The film delicately explores the complexities of friendship and the evolution of personal convictions in the face of love.

Shannon Elizabeth's presence adds a layer of charm to the film, catching the eye of viewers much like she did for the reviewer. As Morgan finds himself entangled in a romance with Elizabeth's character, the storyline takes a poignant turn. The film skillfully navigates the intricacies of love and conviction, keeping the audience engaged with the characters' emotional dilemmas.

"Dish Dogs" is not your run-of-the-mill movie; it requires viewers willing to engage in thoughtful contemplation. The philosophical exchanges between Morgan and Jason elevate the film beyond a mere buddy comedy, offering viewers a chance to reflect on life's meaning and the pursuit of happiness. The movie strikes a delicate balance between intellectual dialogue and lighthearted banter, creating a unique viewing experience.

While the film may not be suitable for those seeking a mindless escape, it proves to be an excellent choice for individuals and couples looking for a thought-provoking cinematic journey. The plot, peppered with unexpected twists and turns, keeps viewers invested, and the resolution of Morgan's internal struggle adds a satisfying touch to the narrative. In essence, "Dish Dogs" is a film that resonates with those willing to delve into the complexities of friendship, love, and the pursuit of one's true self.

I'm a fan of Sean Astin's, which was a major reason why I saw this movie. I agree with many of the comments - the movie seemed unbalanced -some scenes were good, some were quite bad, and one was boring (some scenes of Sean Astin's character and his friend, Jason, working, which did not add much to the movie. I thought it had the potential to be a much better movie. The movie seems like it is searching for a plot, but does not quite get there. I liked the bits of philosophy, although they seemed kind of out of place at some times (it was overused in the dialogue at some points) I liked some of the quotes in the movie, and the theme of experiencing something rather than just thinking about it. The scene on the beach with Morgan and his teacher encapsulated this theme of the movie, and which I thought was the best scene in the movie.

What disappointed me is the story had potential. There were some likable characters, and there were some humorous lines and moments in the movie.

I am so used to seeing Sean Astin play nice guys that the Morgan character was a bit jarring. He is so insensitive to his friend Jason, especially at a scene near the end. Jason is clearly the more mature of the two.

Matthew Lillard's character is the most likable and believable character in the movie. He is good - natured and an easygoing guy. In contrast, Sean Astin's character Morgan does show potential of being a nice guy, but he's a very cynical guy who distances himself from women, and doesn't believe in marriage. (a good portion of the movie seems anti - marriage, despite the two marriages in the movie) Some characters (like Mr. Dewitt, Anne's boss) seemed stereotypical and therefore not completely believable.

Since Sean Astin and Shannon Elizabeth's character really didn't have enough screen time, there wasn't enough time to develop chemistry. Plus, her character completely disappears for awhile - she is neither seen nor mentioned. The relationship didn't develop enough to be completely believable.

I thought Sean Astin did a great job as usual. I wish he was given more to work with.