Fantastic Fest Review: AJ Goes to the Dog Park Is a Comedy You Get or You Don’t

Fantastic Fest Review: AJ Goes to the Dog Park Is a Comedy You Get or You Don't

As a fan who appreciates the absurd and the offbeat, I found AJ Goes to the Dog Park to be a delightful rollercoaster ride of laughter and bewilderment. The film’s gag-driven style is reminiscent of those late-night Adult Swim shows that somehow manage to tickle my funny bone, even at 2 a.m.


AJ Goes to the Dog Park is described as a “gag-driven” comedy by the filmmakers, and if that doesn’t make sense, then the first five minutes of the movie will tell you exactly what that means, and how accurate it is. In the opening scenes, you’ll find jokes like AJ kicking through a door and creating a man-shaped hole, AJ getting blown away by a leaf blower, AJ reading a brochure telling him what he can eat for breakfast after his buttered toast is recalled, AJ crushing his remote with his hand and eating the pieces, and a series of spit takes that are both escalating and nauseating. There’s also some choice dialogue exchanges like:

So, it seems that the action we took has a name – it’s commonly known as ‘kissing’.

Were you amused by all that, or did you find yourself quietly laughing at some moments? This may not be a comprehensive indicator of whether you will enjoy the humor in AJ Goes to the Dog Park, but it’s a good starting point, given its unconventional approach.

As a passionate admirer, let me share my thoughts on the intriguing film titled “AJ Goes to the Dog Park.” This surrealist masterpiece follows the cheerful journey of AJ (portrayed by AJ Thompson), who embarks on a mission to restore his hometown’s dog park to its original location. The narrative unfolds like a captivating mosaic of interconnected sketches, a style that might initially seem unconventional but is skillfully woven together by writer and director Toby Jones.

While I enjoy the frequently puzzling humor in AJ Goes to the Dog Park, there’s one issue – the jokes can linger too long. However, if you ever feel that a particular joke is becoming repetitive or tiresome, take comfort in knowing that the movie will soon switch to another topic, possibly within minutes or even seconds.

Visiting the dog park with AJ is like watching a marathon of surreal, late-night Adult Swim skits edited into one long, hilarious film. If your sense of humor leans towards absurdity and unexpected humor, this will be a delightful experience. However, if you prefer more linear and traditional storytelling, it might seem puzzling or even irritating. Essentially, it’s a movie that appeals to a specific audience who find joy in the unconventional and humorous.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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2024-10-03 20:11