Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

Tord S Eriksson How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog is the directing debut of screenwriter Michael Kalesniko, and it shows. An excellent cast, intelligent dialogue, nice ending and all over well-made doesn't help, as Mr Kalesniko have had editing problems with his own script - he has forgotten the golden writing rule of killing your own darlings.Evidently the director/writer Kalesniko feels that writing is hard, and frustrating, therefore a large part of the film is about the lead character (well played by Branagh) having problems writing his latest play, which maybe could be interesting for his (Kalesniko's) friends and family, but certainly of little importance to the general public. It is old ground which has been covered before, numerous times, and better, to boot.If the film was re-edited I think it could be a smashing hit, if it concentrated on the lead character's family life, and his neighbours (including the excellent dog), and not so much on this stage production that never really takes off. It is neither funny enough, nor moving enough, even if the role of the theater's janitor (played with such bravado by Brett Rickaby) is a premium class gem. That the play's director flips every other scene and starts to sing instead of directing is weird, that's all!Other first class acts are Suzy Hofrichter as the young Amy, and Lynn Redgrave as the demented mother, and Jared Harris as Branagh's doppelganger. Robin Wright Penn plays the role of Branagh's wife with confidence, while I have seen better performance from Branagh. So I'm looking forward to Michael Kalesniko's next film, and hope he re-releases this one, in a shorter, better, version.I'll give it a 9 for the acting, 9 for the dialogue, but 3 for the editing (tempo, majestro, tempo!) and a 4 for the over-all impression! So, in conclusion a 5/10, so not good, but promising!

bold1 We caught this film on cable last week and were shocked. No, not by the title - but how did we not hear about this movie? I'll say upfront, I'm not a Branagh fan, but I do love Robin Wright Penn. But Branagh blew me away with this performance - he's finally been given a great script by someone other than Shakespeare and run with it. The writing is smart and funny, the supporting cast is just terrific, especially the girl playing Amy. When I checked here, I saw the writer/director is the same guy who wrote Private Parts, one of my favorite films.If I try and put my finger on what touched me the most in this movie, I guess it's that the people were all so "real" and so I ended up caring very much what happened to them all. I'd love a sequel to see what happens to them after this episode in their lives!Who should see this film: Everyone who likes smart, funny writing and acting told in an adult way; and anyone who likes something other than the typical Hollywood blockbuster.

lingmeister How to kill your neighbor's dog is a comedy that is about a character that is not ready to move onto the next step in life, but upon meeting a new neighbor's kid, befriends her. Their mutual relationship somehow inspires one other to reach beyond what each think is their boundary, and ultimately, allows them to grow up and out of their shells.The movie is moving without getting all sentimental, and its humor is deft and quirky.Branagh is great in this role, taking a break from the usual serious role and immersing himself into this character totally, truly allowing us to believe his transformation from a total jerk to a person who became enlightened.

opulentus7 I rented it as a 5 day rental, not expecting much from a store that normally rents movies for 2 days. It exceeded my expectations. This comedy/drama shows a grouch of a man who actually brings sunshine to his own darkness. The co-stars do a great job and compliment this movie. Watch it and judge for yourself. This one I'd like to own.