The Dog Problem (2006)

57% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
54% of users liked it
(3,982 ratings)

A once-successful novelist in search of creative inspiration and personal happiness purchases a puppy in hopes that the resulting companionship will open up a new path of self-discovery in a contemporary comedy of urban dissatisfaction directed by Scott Caan. There was a time when Solo (Giovanni… More A once-successful novelist in search of creative inspiration and personal happiness purchases a puppy in hopes that the resulting companionship will open up a new path of self-discovery in a contemporary comedy of urban dissatisfaction directed by Scott Caan. There was a time when Solo (Giovanni Ribisi) had it all: success, fame, wealth. But now times have changed, and after squandering his savings on drugs, women, and therapy, Solo finds himself at a personal and professional crossroads. On his last visit to his high-priced psychiatrist Dr. Nourmand (Don Cheadle), the concerned doctor suggests that Solo get a pet to relieve his loneliness. Though Solo has never been particularly find of animals, he soon relents and purchases a pint-sized pooch. Not long after, Solo makes the acquaintance of spunky stripper Lola (Lynn Collins), who just so happens to be caring for a formidable dog that takes a healthy chunk out of Solo's decidedly timid lap-dog. Though the friendship between Solo and Lola soon promises to blossom into something much deeper, it seems as if a canine complication may be keeping the pair from realizing their relationship to the fullest. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Scott Caan
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 7, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Aug 28, 2007
Studio: ThinkFilm Inc.

Critic Reviews

Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
A lackluster comedy that has very little bark and no bite.
Eddie Cockrell, Variety
Mildly funny yet off-puttingly mannered.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
aided immeasurably by enjoying the little touches and all but ignoring the big picture.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Extras on the disc include a full-length audio commentary by writer/ director/ co-star Scott Caan and actor Giovanni Ribisi.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Could have done with a strong voice to step in and demand repairs to shortfalls that are reminiscent of what often plagues films that are too much of a one-person creation.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
There is [a Woody] Allen-ish quality to this talky comedy. But Ribisi is very appealing, Lynn Collins is a distinctive love interest and the talk is funny and quick.
Erik Childress, eFilmCritic.com
A romantic comedy which doesn't force its charm down your throat and instead allows the viewer in to peek around its quirks and discover the true heart beating within.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a fun and breezy piece of work...

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jeff "

The Dog Problem is a good little comedy that is quite original, and in many ways pretty crazy. I really enjoyed the film, thought that the film was entertaining, well directed and it had a good cast. But this is the type of film that there could have been a slightly better script… More
The Dog Problem is a good little comedy that is quite original, and in many ways pretty crazy. I really enjoyed the film, thought that the film was entertaining, well directed and it had a good cast. But this is the type of film that there could have been a slightly better script before green lighting this film. The film for what it is a good, crazy comedy, but at times the film is uneven. I enjoyed very much the idea of the story for this film, and I just enjoyed that things go wrong for the main character brilliantly played by Giovanni Ribisi. This is a well crafted comedy film that is very original. The Dog Problem is simply put, a fun, entertaining and smart romantic comedy that is quite different from other rom-coms of the past. I very much enjoyed its originality of the story if you're looking for a comedy that's quite different, and then The Dog Problem is that film. Not perfect, but this film has enough good things going for it to make it an entertaining viewing experience. The cast do a great job, and it only adds to the films strength. The Dog Problem is a well crafted comedy that is very different, but still retains enough of the usual material we'd expect from a romantic comedy. But this film still has enough originality to make it a worthy film to watch. The Dog Problem is a good film that I very much enjoyed and thought that the plot and acting were great. This is a must see for an audience wanting something slightly different in their rom-coms.
Nicki M

Weak. Has it's moments, and is not exactly a bad movie, but it just doesn't go anywhere much and you don't really wind up caring for any of the characters apart from the dog. Mena Suvari is the highlight in this one, and the only one who really stands out, but even… More
Weak. Has it's moments, and is not exactly a bad movie, but it just doesn't go anywhere much and you don't really wind up caring for any of the characters apart from the dog. Mena Suvari is the highlight in this one, and the only one who really stands out, but even her character is not all that interesting or evolved.
Jay R

Funny, I guess. It was a pretty slow movie and not incredibly well directed, but it had heart and a good ending. Good to see Ribisi in a leading role, and I always love Caan and Cheadle.
Audrey L

Giovanni Ribisi finally gets another lead role. he is phenominal!!!
shane h

This movie is true grit, real life problems that anyone could have. Get rich writing a book, live the good life, lose everything, spend $100,000 in therapy, borrow money from the wrong people, buy a little dog cuz your shrink thinks you need something to love, dog gets bitten by a pit… More
This movie is true grit, real life problems that anyone could have. Get rich writing a book, live the good life, lose everything, spend $100,000 in therapy, borrow money from the wrong people, buy a little dog cuz your shrink thinks you need something to love, dog gets bitten by a pit bull at dog park, meet girl who owns dog, she pays for vet cuz you don't have the money and it was her dog that bit yours, girl turns out to be a stripper, everyone tries to steal dog, you give dog to stripper cuz she borrows pit bull and she really wants something to love but doesnt wanna get hurt again, move to Needles New Mexico to start writing again, stripper drops dog off on your welcome mat and drives off. See what I mean.
Chosen 7

Good film, good writing and direction by Scott Caan. Good performances.