Movies-TV

Soppy

I liked it but then I think I might have been ironing at the same time. This reworking of Cyrano de Bergerac/Roxanne is an utterly undemanding, formulaic romcom rescued from straight-to-video ignominy on its release by the sharp turn of Janeane Garofalo. Playing the Frasier of Pets, she finds herself caught in a love trap when insecurity leads her to pass her best friend (Uma Thurman) off as herself when a caller comes a-courtin'.This is an interesting film in the fascinating career of Ben Chaplin. An average British actor, he gave the Hollywood treadmill a shot with this film. He is unremarkable and his anonymity in studio productions is unsurprising on the basis of it, although he has appeared in substantial cameos in both the later Terence Malick films. Uma Thurman does a ditzy turn on autopilot and Michael Lehmann packages it all together competently. Icky phone sex though. 4/10

Amazing, incredible, must see movie!

It's just amazing! I wanted to see this movie in theatres when it came out, but unfortunately I didn't have time because of my exams. When I saw it a few days ago on TV I was completely baffled. The movie is really fun and I laughed the whole way through it. If you're feeling kind of depressed or down, I really advise you to see it. You'll love it! :)

The dog should have received top billing!

And no, I don't mean Garofalo! Although I wouldn't object to her sniffing my crotch any day! But that dog, he's brilliant. He steals every scene he's in. You could say that he literally 'chews' the scenery. This would have been just another blah romantic comedy along the lines of "You Got Mail" and "While I Was Snoozing", but the animales bring this one up a notch! Congrats to them, our furry lovably companions.

the truth about this movie

This would have been a good film with much to say about appearances, had the two lead actresses actually looked as their characters were supposed to look.Thurman was supposed to be a gorgeous supermodel, yet she looked awful and almost ugly in almost every scene, which is strange because Uma is
beautiful, while all Garofalo had to do to become pretty was wash her hair.It is a shame because this film had a lot going for it, but the believability factor was shot because of the way both stars appeared.

I love Janeane Garofalo. I love this movie.

As a usual horror movie buff, I was surprised to see how much I loved "The Truth About Cats and Dogs." This movie is so charming I couldn't help but love it. I laughed and laughed all the way through, and when I wasn't laughing, I was smiling. Janeane Garofalo makes a terrific starring role debut as Abby Barnes, a talk radio host who feels that she is punished for how she looks. In fact, she is so convinced that no man would ever give her a chance, that when Brian (Ben Chaplin) asks her out for a drink, she gives him a description of her model neighbor, Noelle (Uma Thurman), and doesn't show up. When Brian shows up at the radio station, Noelle is there, and he automatically assumes that she is Abby. The movie is a hilarious romantic love triangle from then on. All the lead performances, not to mention a good supporting comedic role from Jamie Foxx, are terrific. The movie ends with one of the funniest one-liners in film history.

Cute movie, implausible premise

This is a charming and romantic comedy that has some very funny moments, but one big flaw: It requires you to believe that Abby, a successful veterinarian and radio talk show host, is so insecure about her presumably lackluster looks that she passes off leggy model/neighbor, Noelle, as herself in order to impress handsome photographer Brian. Sound familiar? Well, you've seen a somewhat similar premise before in Cyrano. The truth about this movie is that there are no dogs in it, other than the 4-legged variety, and it's a bit catty of Hollywood to expect us to accept adorable, witty Janeane Garofolo as the "homely" one. Uma Thurman and Ben Chaplin also star.

I'm impressed by the comments here.

This is a lovely, funny and well done romantic comedy. I have to admit I am impressed by the folks who continue to say they felt JG was too pretty to be Abby and that it just didn't ring true to them because of that fact. Well I'm here to tell you folks that this movie is closer to the truth than you realize. One of the things that DOES make this film soo good is that Abby is truly a lovely woman but is surrounded by main stream media and what it says beauty is, namely, Noelle, played admirably by Uma Thurman. Yes Abby is a beautiful woman, but as a woman who looks nothing like all the adds on TV or magazines like JG it is easy to see why she would think she isn't. And honestly I know way too many men who would pass her by in favor of the Noelles of this world. I have a beautiful friend who is very similar to JG and she has had the same problems Abby has in this movie because of perceived images of beauty. THAT is the message this film is trying to make that Abby is beautiful and the media has put too much emphasis on stereotypes. No I don't think they should have hired an UGLIER actress that is simply ridiculous, the film was not about an ugly woman but a beautiful woman who has fallen into the trap of "THINKING" she is unattractive! Watch the movie again folks, you'll see what I mean.

Deceiving title but a Darling movie!

The title had me expecting some sort of a sexually oriented theme, but this is a movie you can let your children watch. Although adults will appreciate a lot more of it than they might.

Not only that, it's plain FUNNY at the same time it keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering just when the real truth will finally get spilt!

I was also amazed to see actual "phone sex" that was very cleanly done without a bit of nudity or X rated words getting involved at all. This scene would likely go over most kid's heads, but the adults sure won't miss it!

This movie is a MUST HAVE addition to any collection!

Great Romantic Comedy

It's a rare event to find a movie that combines comedy, a look inside the human condition, and bittersweet romance all in one, but this movie does just that. Although the plot may be somewhat hackneyed, the actors do a superb job in carrying it off. Kudos as well to the writers and director - the ending had me getting maudlin, something which I try and avoid if possible... By all means buy this video for your home collection!

A heart-warming, lovely movie

Ever dreamt of meeting your prince charming? I'm sure that you've done it at least once. But what happens if you're not Cinderella? That is, you have everything OK about you except your looks...

Well, this movie gives hope to those of us who are like that. Of course, it's still a romantic comedy, but somehow it's more than that.

Smart, funny, talented Abby 'meets' Brian, the man of her dreams, during a radio-show. He's a photographer making a commercial who during shooting has put roller blades on a very large and agressive-looking dog (who afterwards becomes just as affectionate as any puppy) and now cannot approach him to take them off. Abby is a vet and she helps him do this. And now he wants to meet her... she almost accepts but then he asks what she looks like and she, being rather short and chubby, gives in to her insecurities and describes herself as tall, blond and slim... the exact picture of her nextdoor neighbour.

It's kind of like Cyrano de Bergerac on the reverse. Brian loves Abby's spirit but Noelle's looks... and he is confused all the time as to why the woman he speaks on the phone with is never the same as the one he sees.

The quasi love-scenes are great... Brian has one with Noelle when he convinces her to eat some sweets (she is always on a diet to keep her figure) and for her it is almost an erotic experience. The music during this scene is beautiful. Then there is one when he talks with Abby on the phone for over 7 hours and they... well, kind of make love.

But what is great is that in the end Brian chooses the right answer to Abby's question: "If you were stranded on an island, whom would you choose to spend the time with: Playboy's playmate of the year or Time's magazine woman of the year?"

If you feel like an ugly duckling down and out of luck, go watch this movie. Then you will trust yourself and what you have to offer to others.

The Animal Kingdom

The Truth About Cats and Dogs is a thoroughly enjoyable, refreshing movie. Janeane Garofalo uses her bread and butter acting technique of playing a cynical, depressed, miserable, pessimistic character who sees herself as an ugly duckling who no man could want.


Of course, she's not really acting. That's really her: lock, stock, and barrel. The miserable, pessimistic, vicious act isn't an act at all.

The fly in the ointment to this movie is that Uma Thurman is not a knockout. Of course, some men would prefer the tall, thin blonde over the short brunette, but the basis of the movie hinges on Uma being the gorgeous woman and Janeane being average. But it doesn't work when you believe it's the other way around. Uma Thurman has certainly looked good in some movies, but she looks haggard here.

Bottom Line: A good film about the "ugly duckling" getting the guy. Based on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, just like Roxanne starring Steve Martin.

My favorite

The truth about Cats and Dogs is one of my all time favorite movies. It is surly life-relating. This comedy/romance has caught my eye and as well as my heart. This movie demonstrates the great joys of friendship and love. It is very well constructed together, this movie touches me each and every time I watch. My favorite scene in the movie is where Brian has made the list that "Abby" Nowell has asked for and goes to "Donna's" Abby's apartment to read it to her. I too have low self esteem like many do when it comes to men, but Brian just loved Abby for her. The scene makes me cry every time, " you didn't say I love her because she is so beautiful, that is not why I love her, I mean yes she is beautiful." AHHHHH I just love this movie so much... I wish more people knew how wonderful it really is...

No Truth in "Cats and Dogs"

Re-telling of the age-old Cyrano tale with Janeane Garofalo as The Nose and Uma Thurman as The Bod.Janeane is as alluring as she's ever been on screen – which is about as alluring as Gerard Depardieu in a leotard. (But – funnily enough – I really *was* attracted to Janeane at about the time of this movie's release, for – and this sounds corny – her brain. She was never going to subsume wild fantasies of Jennifer Aniston or those blond MILF newswomen who smile coyly as they tell of mass death, but Janeane definitely orbited as a fantasy contender.) Written by first-timer Audrey Wells and directed by Michael Lehmann (*Airheads* 1994, *Hudson Hawk* 1991– now *there's* a powerful pedigree) *The Truth About Cats and Dogs* shares the same contradictions as *Shallow Hal*; pretending a pretty girl is unattractive until she needs to be portrayed as attractive, at which point suddenly the lighting will be numinous and the filter will be soft-focus. At which point I rip the arms off a droid like a Wookiee.Ben Chaplin is the British love interest who "autonomously" falls in lust with Thurman, until he is brought round to realizing that he can "intellectually" fall in *love* with Janeane. Yes, after 4 billion years, let's subvert evolution in one afternoon.Jamie Foxx provides two good laughs – or maybe one - and there are pets and other annoying organisms taking up valuable breathing space on screen.

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

This movie purports to tell the "truth" about cats and dogs, but I'm pretty sure there are still some things they're not telling us. Amiable comedy earns high marks for its sly wit and adorable assortment of furry co-stars, plus Janeane Garofalo looks surprisingly hot in a thong bikini.

one of the few good romantic comedies there are!

being a huge fan of janeane garofalo might make this review slightly biased, but i loved this film! although romantic comedies aren't my thing at all, this one showed more originality and depth. (for a romantic comedy of course).i also found it quite sad throughout the film as abby being classed as 'ugly' and 'fat', and while watching the film i admit a tear did come to my eye. the ending was really funny and i loved the dog! janeane garofalo's brilliant one-liners throughout the film were hilarious (along with uma thurman, who is a great actress). ben chaplin rocked, even though it is a bit unrealistic how he didn't figure their identities sooner!although mainstream movies aren't really suited to janeane garofalo's style, i thought this film was really good for its story, humor and emotion. 7 out of ten.

Very Nice (Uma is too:)

This movie has all the right ingridients that make it great. It is a "feel good" movie and after watching it it cheered me up and put a smile on my face. It doesn't "try" to be funny, like lesser movies do, it "is" funny. The cast work well together, but, Uma Thurman just shines through. She is cute, sexy and funny and is pleasing on the eye.

Just funny!

I had always knew why when four years ago I first watched this on a projector at the school hall of my alma mater then with other peers are part of our school's post-exam activities - movie-watching, almost many laughed.I mean really, it's not many a times that cats and dogs do steal some of the spotlight other than humans, i.e., a veterinarian & radio show host. Just to watch those animals on screen doing their antics, it's enough to almost sent me rolling in stitches at that time.Definitely one of those favourite comedies of mine.

One of my all-time favorite movies

This movie is absolutely one of my all-time favorites...I have seen it several times and I get that same gushy feeling each time I watch it. It is a beautifully done romantic comedy which shows the true talent of comedienne Janeane Garofalo. A must-see for anyone who has ever fallen in love.

Hmm

Good. If not just for Janeane Garofalo's performance in the film. Drags on in most parts, and it's a little sappy and contrived. A little too "things do end up right in the end" for me. Would have preferred it if the ending was a little more realistic. Still, it's a comedy... Enjoyable nonetheless.

See this now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some films barely last in the memory for 2 seconds, some for hours, and some become those films you never forget. This is one of them, largely as it is, quite simply, the greatest film ever made! Okay, so the plot is not complex and particularly original, but it works, filled with some funny lines. The film never outstays its welcome in any scenes, all directed well, with some nice backdrops thrown in for good measure. However, it is the quality of the acting which truly stands out. All 3 leads are outstanding, as is the wonderful dog, (how did they get the rollerskates on him?!?!?), and make sure that the script is exploited to the full. It made me laugh and cry, and I was applauding by the end. Forget 4 hour epics, and Oscars, the real gem is here. Truly incredible. 11/10!!!!!!!