The Truth About Cats & Dogs

Starring:Uma Thurman, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Chaplin, Jamie Foxx, James McCaffrey, Richard Coca, Stanley DeSantis, Antoinette Valente, Mitch Rouse, La Tanya M. Fisher, Faryn Einhorn, David Cross (II), Mary Lynn Rajskub, Bob Odenkirk, Dechen Thurman, Victoria Edwards, Lisa Marie Russell, Robert Brinkmann, Joe Polhemus, Nigel Gibbs
Director: Michael Lehmann
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
One of the most memorably offbeat romantic comedies of the 1990s begins when a talk-radio veterinarian named Abby (Janeane Garofalo) takes a call from Brian (Ben Chaplin), the owner of a roller-skating Great Dane. Brian is intrigued by Abby's voice and asks if she'll agree to meet him. Insecure about her looks and her nonexistent love life, Abby agrees, but describes herself as a tall blonde, then begs her attractive neighbor Noelle (played by Uma Thurman) to meet with Brian in her place. The ensuing case of switched identity is complicated when Noelle takes a liking to Brian who, of course, thinks she is Abby. This confusion gains comedic momentum when Abby safely plays herself on the radio and in a long, hilariously seductive phone call with Brian, but by now the situation has grown hopelessly complex, and Abby has to find a way to reveal herself without disappointing Brian. Many viewers rightly complained that the movie relies on the assumption that Abby is unattractive, even though Garofalo is more attractive and appealing here than she'd been in several movies before and since. Still, this contemporary variation on Cyrano de Bergerac is a lightweight, good-natured surprise that values the quirks and foibles that make lovelorn romantics (including their pets) uniquely appealing. --Jeff Shannon
Description
Charming and bittersweet, this modern-day romantic comedy starring Uma Thurman, Janeane Garofalo and Ben Chaplin, explores the beguiling perils of mistaken identity.

Amazon.com

One of the most memorably offbeat romantic comedies of the 1990s begins when a talk-radio veterinarian named Abby (Janeane Garofalo) takes a call from Brian (Ben Chaplin), the owner of a roller-skating Great Dane. Brian is intrigued by Abby's voice and asks if she'll agree to meet him. Insecure about her looks and her nonexistent love life, Abby agrees, but describes herself as a tall blonde, then begs her attractive neighbor Noelle (played by Uma Thurman) to meet with Brian in her place. The ensuing case of switched identity is complicated when Noelle takes a liking to Brian who, of course, thinks she is Abby. This confusion gains comedic momentum when Abby safely plays herself on the radio and in a long, hilariously seductive phone call with Brian, but by now the situation has grown hopelessly complex, and Abby has to find a way to reveal herself without disappointing Brian. Many viewers rightly complained that the movie relies on the assumption that Abby is unattractive, even though Garofalo is more attractive and appealing here than she'd been in several movies before and since. Still, this contemporary variation on Cyrano de Bergerac is a lightweight, good-natured surprise that values the quirks and foibles that make lovelorn romantics (including their pets) uniquely appealing. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Charming and bittersweet, this modern-day romantic comedy starring Uma Thurman, Janeane Garofalo and Ben Chaplin, explores the beguiling perils of mistaken identity.

Customer Reviews:

The Truth Must Be Told: I like this romantic comedy that echoes "Syrano de Bergerac".......2007-05-02

Janeane Garofalo stars as Abby, a veterinarian who has her own radio show. She is a cultured, educated woman, who is smart, has a good sense of humor and makes a great living. The problem is that her self-esteem is low because she does not find herself attractive being 5'1 brunette who once upon a time while in college had gained 40 pounds. Well, she looked like she lost all of them and she was charming if you ask me (perhaps, it is solidarity of another 5'0 brunette ) but when she developed a relationship over the phone with one of the callers, she tells him that she is 5'10" statuesque blonde who is hard to miss. The blonde (Uma Thurman) happened to be her next-door neighbor, the aspiring model/actress who agrees to go on the date instead of Abby... It may sound like cliché, and the film has several holes in the plot but is very enjoyable thanks to wonderful performance by Janeane and to these words:

"You know how someone's appearance can change the longer you know them? How a really attractive person, if you don't like them, can become more and more ugly; whereas someone you might not have even have noticed... that you wouldn't look at more than once, if you love them, can become the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. All you want to do is be near them."

3.5 /5 or 7/10

A good movie that I would not want to see twice.......2007-04-11

Good actresses, interesting plot. It is a nice comedy, just not one that I would choose to watch again. My 14-year old daughter loved it though and would watch it again! You will have to see for yourself...

Cats and Dogs.......2007-04-11

What a heartbreaker! For a minute ten years back it seemed as if Janeane Garofalo would break out and jump to the head of the pack. She was burning down the house trying to beat the Parker Posey record of having made the most consecutive movies within a twelve month period. Then came this movie and she was forced to confront the Garofalo ceiling, that there would be no big future for her in the movies. People just didn't warm up to her enough. She was funny and sassy and had that amusing deadpan face Sarah Silverman later rode to the top.

And yet there was something smug and repulsive about her, and this movie showed it in spades. She played a radio talk show host and dog expert, who gave sarcastic advice to pet owners about their dogs and cats (hence the title) and who fell in love with the handsomest British man in town. And yet he preferred Uma Thurman to her! Then she decides to masquerade as Uma Thurman--never a bright idea, and one certain to backfire on you. Actually Garofalo isn't a bad looking woman, maybe a little hunched together like Judy Garland but that worked for her in general, but in THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS there were too many uninspired Michael Lehmann shots of her nose to nose with a pitbull or boxer, far too many visual comparisons of her as a dog. Few stars could walk away from this constant barrage unscathed and, of course, she wasn't quite a star. And plus people felt cheated, they had plunked down their $9 to see an Uma Thurman movie, and instead of Uma, the camera was constantly going to Janeane Garofalo! Indeed Uma hardly appears in the last half hour of the movie and none of the remaining characters even mentions her existence! Plus how humiliating for Uma! The credits list "Acting Coach for Uma Thurman," an indignity none of the other actors had to endure. What they should have hired was a "Personality Coach for Janeane Garofalo."

The dog is super cute and they should have just called the movie, "Hank," it would have been a modest success instead of a monster flop.

Jamie Foxx just twiddles his thumbs and glowers in the stereotypical "black best friend" part. What a waste of talent. If Foxx hates white people this must be the reason why and who could blame him!

Great idea gone wrong.......2007-04-10

I am all for the multi-dimensional character. I found Garofalo's role promising in this. She was interesting to watch and was pretty much believable. Uma Thurman was ok too - a little less multi-dimensional but was lovable in a ditsy kind of way. However, the guy picked for leading man was the pits. Perhaps he is a good actor but you really can't tell from this movie. What is it exactly . . . he, honestly, doesn't come across as being smart enough for Garofalo. He's good looking to be sure but . . . boring. I don't believe the movie the second he enters it. I can see her falling for him initially but then getting tired of him because they have nothing to talk about. It would have been much better if he wound up with Thurman and some really interesting leading man showed up or he turned out to be some con man or something. There really was NO chemistry between them and that phone conversation . . . I was frankly embarrassed for Garofalo. I guess I didn't find her character believable in that. This movie really misses the mark - I love the premise - but Garofalo needs a leading man as strong as herself. I own the movie but doubt I will ever watch it again - I could sell it but I would feel like a peddler of shabby wares.

Movie still great, DVD quality leaves a lot to be desired.......2007-04-07

I loved this movie when it first came out, and I still love it, which is why I ordered the DVD. However, the scenes are coming off as dark (as in unlighted) and without needed contrast. There was also one point where the DVD skipped. For less than $6 the DVD was worth it, but if it had been any more I would return it.

Nine Months / The Truth About Cats & Dogs

Average customer rating:

Nine Months / The Truth About Cats & Dogs
Starring: Hugh Grant , Julianne Moore , Tom Arnold , Joan Cusack , and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Chris Columbus , and Michael Lehmann
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( N ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
Norma Rae / Working Girl
She's the One / Simply Irresistible
Sleeping With the Enemy / Dying Young
Mickey Blue Eyes

ASIN: B000KGGIX2
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

Nine Months: This film represents Hugh Grant's first big bid at Hollywood stardom, on the heels of the success of Four Weddings and a Funeral. But he stumbled twice: first with this mundane comedy, then by being arrested after soliciting a prostitute near downtown Hollywood, the week before the film opened. Directed by Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire), Nine Months was a weak reworking of a French film about an aging bachelor (Grant) who can't decide whether to commit to the woman he loves (Julianne Moore). When she becomes pregnant, he still can't make up his mind and winds up blowing hot and cold on the subject of fatherhood, which causes tension in the relationship. There's a lot of low comedy involving Grant's best friend; Tom Arnold plays this ultra-married and child-ridden suburbanite, who makes fatherhood look like a living hell. Robin Williams has a funny cameo as a foreign doctor, but in the end, the sentiment is ladled on and Grant doesn't have nearly enough funny material to work with. --Marshall Fine

The Truth About Cats and Dogs: One of the most memorably offbeat romantic comedies of the 1990s begins when a talk-radio veterinarian named Abby (Janeane Garofalo) takes a call from Brian (Ben Chaplin), the owner of a roller-skating Great Dane. Brian is intrigued by Abby's voice and asks if she'll agree to meet him. Insecure about her looks and her nonexistent love life, Abby agrees, but describes herself as a tall blonde, then begs her attractive neighbor Noelle (played by Uma Thurman) to meet with Brian in her place. The ensuing case of switched identity is complicated when Noelle takes a liking to Brian who, of course, thinks she is Abby. This confusion gains comedic momentum when Abby safely plays herself on the radio and in a long, hilariously seductive phone call with Brian, but by now the situation has grown hopelessly complex, and Abby has to find a way to reveal herself without disappointing Brian. Many viewers rightly complained that the movie relies on the assumption that Abby is unattractive, even though Garofalo is more attractive and appealing here than she'd been in several movies before and since. Still, this contemporary variation on Cyrano de Bergerac is a lightweight, good-natured surprise that values the quirks and foibles that make lovelorn romantics (including their pets) uniquely appealing. --Jeff Shannon

Perfect Date Movies Vol. 2 - Love & Desire (Never Been Kissed / The Truth About Cats and Dogs / Love Potion #9 / French Kiss)

Average customer rating:

Perfect Date Movies Vol. 2 - Love & Desire (Never Been Kissed / The Truth About Cats and Dogs / Love Potion #9 / French Kiss)
Starring: Tate Donovan , Sandra Bullock , Mary Mara , Dale Midkiff , and Hillary Bailey Smith
Director: Dale Launer , Lawrence Kasdan , and Raja Gosnell
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Romantic Comedies | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Perfect Date Movies Vol. 5 - Love & Devotion (The Object of My Affection / Hope Floats / A Walk in the Clouds / Prelude to a Kiss)
Perfect Date Movies Vol. 1- Love & Romance (Life or Something Like It / Love is a Many Splendored Thing / One Fine Day / Say Anything)
Perfect Date Movies Vol. 3 - Love & Adventure (The Beach / A Life Less Ordinary / The Last of the Mohicans / The Chase)
Perfect Date Movies Vol. 4 - Love & Laughter (Raising Arizona / Me, Myself & Irene / Nine Months / The Man with One Red Shoe)
The Holiday

ASIN: B000JLTRAY
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Description

Disc 1: FRENCH KISS Disc 2: LOVE POTION #9 Disc 3: NEVER BEEN KISSED Disc 4: TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS

Average customer rating:

The Truth Must Be Told: I like this romantic comedy that echoes "Syrano de Bergerac"
A good movie that I would not want to see twice
Cats and Dogs
Great idea gone wrong
Movie still great, DVD quality leaves a lot to be desired

The Truth About Cats & Dogs [Region 2]
Starring: Uma Thurman , Janeane Garofalo , Ben Chaplin , Jamie Foxx , and James McCaffrey
Director: Michael Lehmann
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Matchmaker
While You Were Sleeping
French Kiss
Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)
Love Potion #9

ASIN: B00005TN9J

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

The Truth Must Be Told: I like this romantic comedy that echoes "Syrano de Bergerac".......2007-05-02

A good movie that I would not want to see twice.......2007-04-11

Cats and Dogs.......2007-04-11

Great idea gone wrong.......2007-04-10

Movie still great, DVD quality leaves a lot to be desired.......2007-04-07

Average customer rating:

The Truth About Cats & Dogs [Region 2]
Starring: Uma Thurman , Janeane Garofalo , Ben Chaplin , Jamie Foxx , and James McCaffrey
Director: Michael Lehmann
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005UWN8

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