The Toe Tactic (2008)

50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
40% of users liked it
(166 ratings)

Acclaimed animator and independent filmmaker Emily Hubley directed this offbeat fusion of animation and live action. Mona Peek (Lily Rabe) is slowly coming to terms with the death of her father when she learns that the house where she grew up is about to be sold. As a child, Mona buried a bone in… More Acclaimed animator and independent filmmaker Emily Hubley directed this offbeat fusion of animation and live action. Mona Peek (Lily Rabe) is slowly coming to terms with the death of her father when she learns that the house where she grew up is about to be sold. As a child, Mona buried a bone in the backyard, imaging it had magical powers, and now that a new family is about to move in, she decides to head back home to dig it up. As Mona searches for the lost talisman, she discovers she's misplaced her wallet and has to make time to find it. Meanwhile, on another plane, a pack of talking dogs are playing a game of cards that controls the path of Mona's life. The Toe Tactic also stars Kevin Corrigan, Mary Kay Place, and John Sayles, while Eli Wallach, David Cross, Don Byron, and Andrea Martin contribute their voice talents. The score was written and performed by the celebrated indie rock band Yo La Tengo, whose drummer, Georgia Hubley, is Emily's sister. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Emily Hubley
Written By: Emily Hubley
Genres: Drama, Animation, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Feb 20, 2009 Limited
On DVD: Sep 1, 2009
Studio: Orchard Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Depending on your tolerance for relentless whimsy and unflagging eccentricity, The Toe Tactic will make you gurgle with delight or groan with exasperation.
Joe Leydon, Variety
An aggressively whimsical mix of live-action and animation, Emily Hubley's "The Toe Tactic" is a deeply personal fable that's bound to confound (or annoy) anyone outside the filmmaker's circle of intimates.
Stan Hall, Oregonian
Not that a well-developed story arc is the chief aim here, but the screenplay is so quirky and unfocused that only in fleeting moments of emotional directness does the film make a real connection.
Mark Holcomb, Time Out New York
The Toe Tactic doesn't amount to much more than its playful title implies, and it's as edgeless as can be, but there's a quiet power to its observations on the complicated schematics of human grief.
Marcy Dermansky, About.com
Mona's concerns and pleasures - from the regular avoidance of phone calls from her mother to the joy of a fresh hundred dollar bill - are as real and immediate as the floating dogs are fanciful and poetic.
Rumsey Taylor, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
It's originality at the expense of comprehensibility.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
I liked this idea better when it was called Me and You and Everyone We Know.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
And you thought Miranda July was twee.