Movie Description
Bobcat Goldthwait, the frantic, shrieking comedian who gained fame in several POLICE ACADEMY films, follows up his debut feature as a writer-director--1992's SHAKES THE CLOWN--with SLEEPING DOGS LIE, a surprisingly tender romantic black comedy. Melinda Page Hamilton gives a terrific lead performance as Amy, a young woman with a deep, dark secret, something very stupid that she did in college. Eight years later, as her relationship with John (Bryce Johnson) intensifies, she considers telling him what she did, as he believes in total honesty. When she finally does, her entire world comes crashing down. Her rather strange mother (a very funny Bonita Friedericy) and hunk of a father (Geoff Pierson) won't speak to her; her drug-addicted loser of a brother, Dougie (Jack Plotnick), revels in her failure and agony; and John is not sure he can spend the rest of his life with someone who has committed such an outrageous act, even if it was a silly mistake that she regrets. Amy, a teacher, finds solace in Ed (Colby French), a coworker going through his own marital problems, but everyone else has abandoned her. Goldthwait has written and directed a very funny, very poignant film, one that looks seriously at the meaning and importance of truth and honesty--and when it is okay to keep some things to oneself. The supporting cast is excellent, including a wry turn by comedian Brian Posehn as Randy, Dougie's drug-addled dealer, who has a crush on Amy. The soundtrack features "You Got It" by Roy Orbison, who actually figures prominently in the rather twisted but charming plot.
| Credits | | Producer: | Marty Pasetta Jr. | | Cast: | Bonita Friedericy, Brian Posehn, Colby French, Morgan Murphy |
| Details | | Edition: | Comedy Cover |
Editorial Reviews
"SLEEPING DOGS LIE is a bold, provocative meditation on sexual secrets and lies....It's frequently uproarious, yet, in the end, surprisingly sweet."
Movieline's Hollywood Life - Stephen Farber (09/01/2006)
"[A] lean, subversive comedy....The acting, especially by Ms. Hamilton, is better than serviceable."
New York Times - Stephen Holden (10/20/2006)
"The writer-director is Bobcat Goldthwait, who has made a scrappily funny and observant takeoff on the secrets that complete even the 'normal' among us." -- Grade: B+
Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (10/27/2006)
3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] provocative indie, a surprise hit at Sundance....Laced with comic appeal and tenderness..."
Total Film - Jane Crowther (04/01/2007)
"[Goldthwait] keeps the story's ribald elements grounded in richly human comedy..."
Sight and Sound - Samuel Wigley (04/01/2007)
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