Year of the Dog

I watched an interesting movie last night called Year of the Dog. It was written and directed by Mike White of Chuck and Buck fame and it starred Molly Shannon as a woman whose beloved dog, Pencil, dies. The loss of her dog sets this woman on an emotional tailspin, and she gradually becomes more and more involved in animal rights issues while alienating her family, friends, and neighbors. Molly has some funny moments, but it's not really a comedy. It's more an exploration of love and the necessity of having a love by which to define oneself. Molly Shannon gives a great perormance. It's worth watching if you come across it on cable, or see it on the DVD rack.