Bark! (2002)

Touches You

Good movie but grossly overrated

Better than most people think

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

I really enjoyed this film on several levels. I work in the mental health field, I love dogs (had them all my life) and I was a one time roommate of the creator (20 years ago). Although I'm a little bias, I thought this was a great first effort. I'm very proud of Heather and to know her a little makes this flick that much more enjoyable. The content and writing was very enlightening. I especially like the acting. Vince and Hank had their usual flairs of brilliance and Lisa was very charming. I thought Lee and Heather stole the movie. I was a little sad to read some reviews, but to hell w/ critics. She deserves better. Heather's humor and wit is evident throughout the whole film as well. I hope she keeps up the excellent work and look forward to her next venture.

I'm amazed this little gem flew under my radar. NEVER HEARD OF IT. And I can't believe the bad review grade Encore gave it (1 1/2stars). I had to come on IMDb (first time) and give my two cents worth. Amazing indy cast. Well shot. Nice rhythm. Sad, poignant scenes followed by laugh-out-loud ones. Very smart film. And I guess IMDb doesn't believe in brief reviews so now I must write more (no wonder I didn't want to finish reading all of the previous reviews -- too long). But this film deserves any kudos it receives. I suggest watching it with a loved one (if you have a sense of humor about the craziness in all of us). Good date movie. It'll have you both howling --

I saw this in a hotel on Showtime around 4am. Despite it being listed as a comedy, I didn't think it was all that funny and the lighter moments came at awkward times, as if the serious parts of the movie were jutted up against the "comedic" parts, which ended up feeling very awkward. It should be listed as a drama, in my opinion, because if it was supposed to be a comedy, it failed to make me laugh. One thing that was awkward was that the afflicted character seemed to serve as both comic relief and the main point of pity at the same time, and it didn't work. I couldn't take the serious parts seriously, and the funny parts didn't make me laugh. However, the storyline was original enough, and the cast decent enough (despite Lisa Kudrow's terrible job playing, well, Lisa Kudrow) to keep my attention and cause me to actually browse for it a month later on IMDb.

I like comedy. And this is a very funny film. But it is much more than just a funny film: it wraps into humor much deeper problems and situations. The characters face choices which will define their humanity, or lack there of. It deals with shame of mental ilness and remorse and love and how we can even survive all this in our crazy and lonely little word. Watch out for Vincent D'Onofrio's and Liza Kudrow's hilarious wacko perfomances. And for a very touching Lee Tergesen. Watch it.