Unleashed

Greetings again from the darkness. Quirky is an overused word to describe far too many offbeat independent movies and unconventional actors. However, sometimes no better word exists, and that's exactly the situation with writer/director Finn Taylor's latest. A full moon cosmic event results in a collision between astronomy and astrology, and just like that … Emma's faithful pet dog and cat are transformed into hunky human boyfriend material.

Adding to the high level of quirk (in the role of Emma) is the extraordinarily multi-talented Kate Micucci ("Garfunkel and Oates") – an actress, comedian, writer, musician and artist. Plus, she is just so darn likable and nice! In fact, "nice" may be the only challenger to quirky in how best to describe this film. Sure it's cute and sweet and delightful, but above all, it's a nice movie whose nice characters will leave you with a nice feeling.

Steve Howey and Justin Chatwin (both from "Shameless") are spot on in their portrayals of Sam and Diego - the humanized dog and cat, respectively. Howey and his bleach blonde hair and boundless energy capture the devoted pooch, while Chatwin is downright hilarious with his feline tendencies that attract a public following. Given much leeway with the roles, we never lose sight of their original connection to love-lost Emma.

While the premise may offend some (though nothing else in the film will), the humor stems from this being a woman's fantasy. Her beloved pets, with full knowledge of her likes and dislikes, and with blind commitment, take on beautiful male human form without losing the lovable pet traits. What more could a women-done-wrong desire? It's also quite a scathing commentary on modern day dating, with the ne'er-do-well Luke (Josh Brener, "Silicon Valley") contrasted to the too-nice Carl (Sean Astin). Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect) is Emma's spunky best bud and co-worker, and Illeana Douglas plays their boss.

There are some terrific Bay Area film locations utilized, and the music is so perfectly matched that we find ourselves saying "of course" as each new song pops up. Filmmaker Taylor certainly could have gone a bit harsher with the commentary and humor, but let's enjoy this quirk for what it is … a really nice time.

It is fair to say than I love it. In fact, I adore it. For the simple motif than it is more than charming. It represents the best choice for the cat - dog owners and for the fans of romance in different form. The performances are great and the story - one of lovely crafted. Sure, it is an easy film but it has the rare gift to be, for its genre, a real gem. After so many dramas and pink romance, blockbusters and thrillers, horrors so far by originals and the army of remakes, "Unleashed" represents fresh air. For the levels of humor, for the great job of actors, for the flavor of old fashion comedy and for something who only the smile after its end could translate it. So, delightful.

This movie was really lighthearted and cute! There were many LOL moments as I imagined how my own pets would act in this "situation." Love all the actors and done very well. Good movie for a rainy weekend!

I saw this film at the Sonoma Film Festival. It was even better than I expected. Both Justin and Steve nailed their roles as cat/man and dog/man. It was laugh out loud funny to see the two of them inhabiting those roles. If a lab came to life, he would be Steve. And Justin's portrayal of the cat just underscored why I love dogs more. :) The entire cast was well chosen, and the locations were nice, not in every single movie, spots. They added to the movie but weren't a distraction.

The premise is cute, the plot holds together, and the ending is heartwarming.

I rarely laugh out loud at a movie, but there were a couple of scenes where I heard everyone laughing along with me. It was funny but not stupid.

It's the best romantic comedy I've seen in a very long time, and I can't wait to see it again!

This film tells the story of a woman whose pet cat and dog disappear one day. However, two super hot and strangely familiar guys enters her life at the same time.

I am so happy and glad to have watched "Unleashed" because it is surprisingly and unexpectedly good. It is really sweet and romantic because the two guys fight her her attention with no ulterior motives. The woman is pretty, her best friend had got a great personality, and even the boss is sympathetic. Everything about this film oozes sweetness and love. And it's really funny and heart warming! I really enjoyed it.