Dish Dogs

The paradoxical world of seriously intended comedy has produced a number of certified turkeys, but the independent phenomenon that is Dish Dogs operates within its own odd little niche. It presents a quirky "coming of age" story of two 20 something adolescent boys portrayed by Matt Lillard and Sean Astin who have found themselves in an all too cliche predicament, namely "I'm a college graduate, now what the hell am I supposed to do?". The obvious answer is to take on the most menial of possible jobs (washing dishes) while flexing their amateur mental muscles about how they've figured out life without having even lived it yet (Lillard's character Jason, in a fit of unintentional irony, makes Astin's character Morgan aware of this about halfway through the film).Quotes from the likes of Nietzsche and Bernard Shaw abound in a series of slapstick rationalizations as to why Morgan and Jason are too good for success, along with some quirky interludes into Eastern Mysticism regarding the ritual of washing dishes. Along for the ride are playful antics that would be funny if they were better timed, perhaps the lone ascension beyond half-wit drudgery being the part where they get stuck at some backwater gas station and make jokes about the film Deliverance as they barter their cleaning skills for some needed repairs to their car. Nevertheless, occasional giggle-inducing moments arise from time to time, most of them at the recurring setting of a strip-club where Shannon Elizabeth's character Anne enters the scene and tries (in vain), to inject some basic logic into Morgan's warped world view.As the film drags on, it becomes apparent that in spite of Lillard's character being the less mature of the two, that he makes a rather massive turn around upon meeting the right woman. In predictable fashion this brings out Morgan's insecurities which leads him to screw up his own relationship with Anne and also alienates him from his best friend. Perhaps the only thing more ridiculous still is the continual bad influence of Brian Dennehy's character Frost, a sort of mentor to the two dishwasher buddies who also routinely falls back on quotes from past figures to excuse his own status as the film's oldest bachelor. Like with all comedies seeking an audience, all has to get resolved in the end, and what follows is a really strained attempt at patching things up between all parties involved before the credits role, leading one to speculate that the original script was probably hacked to pieces and time-compressed to the point of losing its focus.This movie just comes off awkwardly. All the players in this little semi-comedic drama are capable, but the script is horribly unfocused and the philosophical themes shoots clear over the heads of its target audience. On the other hand, it has a self-serving entertainment value for people of my persuasion who have little use for 19th century philosophers given that most who take their words to heart tend to become verbose fools, which is the full extent of Morgan from start to finish. Throughout modern history, the so-called intelligent people have tended to come up with the most foolish ideas, but all it takes is the natural allure of the feminine physique to shut off the verbal diarrhea. In light of this, the film probably would have been better served by having Lorissa McComas' exotic dancer character assisting Anne in dragging Morgan and Jason's minds back down to earth for most of its duration.This movie came into my possession several years ago second hand for $2, and I wouldn't recommend paying more for it today just to see Shannon Elizabeth topless. It's really quite telling when the bloopers reel is more entertaining than the actual movie.

I really enjoyed this film. What I got from it is the story of one guy (Sean Astin's character, Morgan) trying to figure out how to live without compromising his values. He's still developing his values which makes it difficult for him. I only saw this story as a person trying to discover what is "right" and once discovering this "right", use it to live an ethical life. I'm amazed at the other reviews and how they so differ with what I saw in this movie.Matthew Lillard's character (Jason) only exists to act as a sounding board for Sean Astin's character (Morgan). Shannon Elizabeth's character (Anne) is also in a supporting role for Sean Astin's character.I rarely forget that I'm watching people acting and am very pleased when the acting is so good that I become unaware that it's just a play I'm watching. I found the acting amazing from these young actors.Brian Dennehy puts in an exceptional performance as a concerned indifferent mentor. I thought he was a great choice for the part.My daughter took my original copy and I'm buying a replacement.I was surprised that this movie didn't get a better reception.I recommend it if you want to see a story about a boy that accepts his manhood.

American Pie's Shannon Elizabeth finally gets the substantial role she deserves -- and though Dish Dogs does take advantage of her marvellous physical beauty and figure, it also gives Elizabeth the opportunity to show the comic timing and screen presence previously only hinted at. Elizabeth gives the film its best moments, easily: When Antoinette throws Morgan (Sean Astin) out of her house after they'd just slept together, and the final parking-lot confrontation. Her rapid-fire delivery and slapstick instincts (and good writing in the scene) make this the gem of the movie.Astin's character isn't that much different from what he's been playing for the past half decade or so, and the male characters' endless philosophical banter gets tiring. But the sight gags and jokes (the dishwasher gag, the aforementioned "heads or tails" scene, the cut from the strip bar to the wedding) work very well, and Dish Dogs also benefits from the same attribute that made American Pie good, an old-fashioned sweetness. Underneath the stripbar setting and the strange yet intriguing shadowy cinematography lies a basic boy-meets-girl movie whose only real fault is occasional corniness, and thanks to some unusually smart and self-assertive love interests for our heroes (Antoinette carries a gun and isn't afraid to use it), Dish Dogs is an enjoyable movie.

I didn't really like the storyline, but the chick from American pie looked pretty hot! It just wasn't funny enough for me but.. good try lol

Two women are topless only.

Hard to find classic film. Thank you.

bought as a gift to give someone they loved it.

This is my kind of movie. Shannon Elizabeth was great in this movie. She is why i got the movie in the first place.

I bought this as a Shannon Elizabeth collector would - just to see her. Sadly I saw very little of her except in the brief dream scene and it's another example of a relatively weak film trying to cash in on her followers. Luckily it came at a budget price. As it's neither gripping, funny or vaguely entertaining I was very disappointed. Perhaps I missed some important hidden depths and you may think differently. It now sits on my shelf and I'll not look at it again so, unless you're a collector like me, I'd give this film a miss if I were you. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Got 2 for one thank you!