Humor and Vulnerability Collide

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hangdog
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Matt Cascella
Writer(s): Jen Cordery
Cast: Desmin Borges, Kelly O'Sullivan, Barbara Rosenblat, Steve Coulter, Mr. Tibbs
Where To Watch: on digital nationwide October 25, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the heart of Portland, Maine, HANGDOG tells a “tail” as a compelling narrative that transforms the picturesque city into a stage for Walt’s (Desmin Borges) journey of self-discovery. Portrayed with a very familiar tone by Borges, Walt confronts his self-doubt amidst a new city's charming yet challenging backdrop. Tasked with caring for Tony (Mr. Tibbs,) his girlfriend Wendy’s (Kelly O'Sullivan) beloved dog, while she’s away on business, what initially appears to be a simple act spirals into a life-altering adventure that explores deep into Walt’s psyche and reshapes his understanding of belonging and connection.

Walt’s misadventures, punctuated by his earnest but often clumsy attempts to right his wrongs and fix his mistakes, inject humor and chaos into the narrative, highlighting the unexpected twists of day-to-day life. Borges excels in his role, balancing comedy with vulnerable moments that reveal Walt’s complex inner world. Each misstep and mishap draws the audience closer to Walt, making his journey not just watched but felt.

Barbara Rosenblat's standout performance as the “helpful” neighbor Marianne further enriches the film's depth. Marianne brings warmth and wit to the screen, offering Walt—and the audience—insightful glimpses into the eclectic community of Portland. Her interactions and tough love with Walt are not just humorous but pivotal, steering him towards introspection and growth amid the chaos of his quest.

Under the direction of Matt Cascella and written by Jen Cordery, HANGDOG has more heart than your typical indie fare. The duo creates a rich and warm journey of romance and mystery in the screenplay, infusing the film with authenticity and relatable drama that resonates. This narrative direction ensures that the film is experienced, with each scene crafted to echo the intricacies of human relationships and the beauty of unexpected encounters.

HANGDOG is a visual ode to its setting. Nathan Golon’s cinematography captures Portland's raw and rugged beauty, juxtaposing it against Walt’s feeling of isolation, crafting a compelling visual metaphor for his emotional journey. The film avoids glamorizing its locale, presenting a more authentic, lived-in version of the city that aligns perfectly with its grounded narrative.

The blending of comedy and drama is perfectly handled, creating a seamless flow that enriches the storytelling. Walter Martin’s score complements this blend, enhancing the film with a soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the highs and lows of Walt’s journey.

HANGDOG is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and personal growth. Through Walt’s eyes, viewers are invited to explore themes of belonging and identity in a beautiful and bewildering world. The film entertains and connects with its audience, offering an engaging and enlightening narrative.

For anyone who has ever felt out of place or searching for purpose, HANGDOG acts as a mirror for their lives. It celebrates the small victories and personal transformations that define our existence while never offering the easy out. This film encourages viewers to find beauty in the unexpected and appreciate life's quirky, often messy journey.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.