A Dog's Breakfast

Plot synopsis:
Patrick (David Hewlett) is single, loves his dog (Mars the Dog) and still lives in his parents' house ten years after their death. Shortly before Christmas, Patrick's sister Marilyn (Kate Hewlett) visits Patrick to introduce him to Ryan (Paul McGillion), a science fiction television star.
After accidentally knocking Ryan out with a cricket bat, Patrick is shocked to learn of Marilyn's engagement to Ryan. Patrick also overhears a dialogue excerpt that Ryan cites over the phone, which makes Patrick believe that Ryan wants to kill Marilyn. From this time on, Patrick tries everything in his power to protect his sister. But an apparently fatal accident happens: While Patrick is on the phone with Marilyn, Ryan tries to mount Christmas lights and falls off the ladder. Patrick panics and tries everything to hide Ryan's death from his sister. As such, Patrick arranges a blind date between Marilyn and Chris (Christopher Judge) to get time to dispose the body in the garden and in a lake nearby. But Ryan's dead body reappears each time. When Marilyn alerts the police that Ryan is missing, Ryan's aunt investigates Ryan's disappearance. After first suspecting Marilyn, Patrick's cover blows.
Because it looks bad for Marilyn, the siblings decide to dismember Ryan's body and give it to Mars and the neighbors' dogs as food. Finally, when Patrick admits that Ryan has basically always been a friend to him, Marilyn reveals her plan: She and Ryan just faked his death, and the body that Patrick has been trying to get rid of has been Marilyn's sex doll all the time. Ryan has assumed the role of his aunt.
Some time later, when Patrick grows comfortable with the idea to accept Ryan as his brother-in-law, Ryan's sister Elise (Amanda Byram) arrives but is not enthused with the upcoming wedding. A love at first sight between Patrick and Elise is apparent. While Marilyn shows her sister-in-law to-be the house, Ryan leads Patrick to the lake, with a moose figure behind his back.

Tags: insanity, comedy, dark

Review:
I actually rented this movie expecting to be disappointed.We laughed almost the entire way through the film, and it was so strange and hilarious that I intend to purchase it at my first opportunity.
David and Kate Hewlett are obviously siblings, but they actually capture that antagonistic sibling relationship very well.These are the type of independent films I wish were being made.
David Hewlett, who wrote and directed, is hilarious as resentment builds to homicidal mania, showing an unsuspected flair for slapstick and pratfalls: its a (literally!) knock-out performance.
Paul McGillon (also from 'Stargate Atlantis') is a genial Ryan, the undeserving target of Patrick's frenzy, while Kate Hewlett (David's actual sister) is delightfully less demure than at first she seems.
The twisty story and hilarious characterizations made this first film of Mr. Hewlett's a pleasure to watch, Other reviewers have commented on the clever plot and terrific performances, so I won't repeat that praise here - suffice it to say that I giggled my way through the movie.Clever costuming really added to my enjoyment of the film - just quirky enough to establish character without distracting from the story.
Director Hewlett used wide angle shots with a stationary camera to great effect for some of the outdoor scenes without overdoing it - the choices he made really added to the mood of the film.
And actor Hewlett's expressive face and hilarious delivery made Patrick a very real person instead of the caricature that he easily could have become.
The perfect combination.I was lucky enough to attend the London screening of ADB at the beginning of February 2007, with Mr David Hewlett, his sister Kate, fiancé Jane and producer John Lenic from Stargate in attendance to answer questions after the show.
It's hard to review a movie like this without giving anything away, and I don't want to write any spoilers.
The sibling rivalry in the movie is great to see, and even funnier knowing that David and Kate actually are brother and sister.
The other roles were fairly short, all the actors were great, and I personally hope that we'll get to see "Starcrossed" - the space opera in the movie that is to become a real TV-show soon, so we can see what Paul and Rachel can do in a comedic role (and even if that's not the direction it will take, and even if Paul and Rachel weren't in it, I'd still want to see it.
Again, it's hard to say more without giving bits away, and every little clip from the movie is worth watching without knowing what will happen...
even though the second time you watch the movie (personal experience), you'll enjoy it even more.
And I wish I could say more, but again I'd go into spoiler-area.So from giggling, to laughing out loud, from going "ewww", to seeing a lot more David Hewlett than you've ever wanted to see (or finally enough!, depending on your point of view!), you'll want to watch this movie again and again, ask for a REAL theatrical release by MGM, or at least that the DVDs come out soon!!
This film, written and directed by David Hewlett of "Stargate Atlantis" fame, is a charmingly funny first endeavor.
It features several of his fellow cast members and friends from the Stargate franchise, as well as his witty and lovely sister, Kate Hewlett, who has also appeared on "Atlantis."As revealed by the cast and producers in the DVD commentaries, the comedy's delightful humor springs from the relationships of the people who created it.
Even the rain, mud, and muck of British Columbia provide key atmosphere and serve as comedic props.While many big Hollywood comedies of late seem to try too hard and go too far, the time spent with this goofy family is sure to put a smile on your face and giggles in your belly..
So, yeah, I had a really good time, and a lot of good laughs, and will definitely be buying this one on DVD when it comes out..
I thought this would be a so-so vanity project for an actor (David Hewlett), but this is one of the best comedies on film.
Think "Napoleon Dynamite" but better, oh Hollywood machine!Best of all, this film is very original - dark, but sophisticated, intelligent and good-natured.
I loved this movie - there were so many laugh out loud bits, but there were some great sequences which made you cringe, but left you unable to do anything other than watch in fascinated disbelief?
The bits you see on the clips from you tube are just the start.David, Kate and Paul have perfect comic timing, how they kept a straight face i will never know.
Lots of ohs and aahs at certain peoples screen appearances, with much applause and adulation at the end of the movie.This film rocks - and i don't think it is necessary to be a Stargate fan to appreciate it.
Not once did i feel that there was a lack in the budget or the strength of the acting.The dog's breakfast is a must see movie, and i would highly recommend it to everyone..
Oh and a Dog. The acting and timing is spot on perfect meaning that some scenes require no dialogue but are carried by the sheer strength of the actors' performances.
On top of that David Hewlett has gotten to know his fan base and asked them to get involved creating the "Squrirrels" who are helping to spread the word.
I adore independent films, however, and even if this movie had not been picked up by MGM it would have carried its own weight as such.There is nothing better than the comedic timing of skilled actors, and all those involved in this production had a chemistry that is second to none.
David and Kate have brought to film their childhood sibling rivalry and honed their skills as actors to pull it off.
They did so beautifully.I love David Hewlett as part of the Stargate franchise, as well as Paul McGillion, Christopher Judge, and Rachel Luttrell, but am now a huge fan of Kate Hewlett's as well.Well played, my friends.
I can't wait to get out the projector and have my own special screening of this film.Naturally, the star of the movie is Mars, the dog.
The interspersed scenes of the in-film science fiction series are an added bonus for anyone who is a fan of Hewlett's and McGillion's work on Stargate: Atlantis.
First off, let me say that I went into this movie not knowing anything about it other than the title, which only caught my interest because I thought it was a very obscure Kurt Vonnegut reference.About ten minutes into the film, (once I realized it had nothing to do with Vonnegut whatsoever), I almost turned it off.
David Hewlett's portrayal of the neurotic and disturbed Patrick is flawless, and the on screen chemistry with his real life sister Kate adds an amazingly real touch of sibling rivalry.
Paul McGillion plays the part of the cheesy actor to a T.The jokes keep rolling throughout the movie.
I'm not one to try to figure out the end of a movie, but the plot is thin to the point of the ethereal in a few spots, which allows one to easily deduce the film's resolution.In any case, A fine debut from David Hewlett, and I will watch what will likely be his meteoric rise with great anticipation..
It's one of the best I've seen!!Good job to all the cast (including the adorable doggies) and crew for making such a fantastic and enjoyable movie!.
Even after watching it a few times I will keep finding little things that I missed because I was laughing so hard before.
This is a great movie that I hope everyone enjoys as much as I did!.
I really enjoyed the performances as well, especially by Kate Hewlett & Paul McGillion, who, outside of Stargate Atlantis, I had not seen before.
And David Hewlett is just one of those people I would be happy to watch read the phone book.
I was unsure about watching a movie because i was a fan of the show the actor came from.
David Hewlett and his sister Kate Hewlett should do many more films together!
Having the Stargate/Atlantis in the cast was a plus for me, but i can't tell you how many people i've asked to watch who were not fan's of Atlantis and they've also loved this film.
I applause David Hewlett and all the actors in the movie for a job well done.
David Hewlett and Kate Hewlett play the family tie really well, and you can tell there are a lot of true brother-and-sister moments in the film.
David is so funny in the movie.
Lots of laughs, interesting story, and great actors.
Having been a fan of sci-fi for a long time it is always good to get to see actors you like getting to do something different.
I'm about to confess something no Stargate: Atlantis fan should ever confess: I didn't like "A Dog's Breakfast." I thought the humor was forced and stale for the most part.
But honestly, David Hewlett was playing a character altogether too similar to Rodney McKay, except ten times dumber, which is not a good thing, in my opinion.Although, admittedly, Chris Judge's couple of scenes were hilarious.
Almost worth sitting through the boring, forced mess that is the rest of the film, which has an almost Home Alone meets Sweeney Todd feel, without the stirring musical numbers (which it might have been able to use).Overall, I think Hewlett was just trying too hard..
I was probably expecting a little bit more which is pretty normal with any movie and I did catch onto the main plot concept very short into the movie, however, while I had an idea of what was going to happen, the way it happened caught me by major surprise.
If you are looking for a movie to laugh at, make you go "Did they just do that?" and then at some point see a scene and go "Oh my, I have actually done that before".
In the end great movie, great dog, but really Hewlett is the star and gives it everything it needs.
i was more than surprised at how fun this movie was.i do like David Hewlett in his TV roles,but not seen much of him in movies,i got this purely out of curiosity,and was not disappointed.
a great directorial debut,possibly hard to follow because now will be expecting as good or better next time.
by the way the big break out star of this movie is mars the dog,he was wonderful and cute too!.
A wonderfully witty, clever and just plain fun movie that the whole family can enjoy.Great acting, stunts and facial expressions that are absolutely hilarious.
The people are pretty funny too!As actor, writer and debut director, David Hewlett got this puppy right his first time out.And watch through to the end of the credits.
This movie proves that you don't need a giant budget and lots of special effects to make a great film.
Staying at the one location the entire time with a limited pool of actors.The humor is amazing and the acting is great, it was very funny to me to see the stargate actors out of their usual characters but they did a splendid job.
David Hewlett, as always, did not once look like he was acting.
Looking forward to seeing a lot more of you David!I enjoyed this movie a lot and it's one I've been recommending to everyone since the moment I saw it, it may take a while to get used to the unusual style but once you're in the rhythm you won't regret it!A very well deserved 8 from me..
David Hewlett wrote the script for this film, where he plays a slightly mentally challenged weird guy living alone and having to contend with his sister (played by his real sister) bringing a fiancée on Christmas.
Some of the guys in Stargate Atlantis also helped, although only Paul McGillion has a major part.The film is fun, a bit silly, feeling more like a 3 person play + extras rather than a movie.
When you laugh, you know you laugh because you are watching a comedy, not because you are "inside"; it would be pretty scary actually feeling inside the script, otherwise.Bottom line: I am not really the comedy type; I've watched the movie because of David Hewlett.
Other people might enjoy it more, I found it frustrating, but perhaps because I understood the main character a lot better than the "normals" in the film..
I was expecting regular B movie plots and acting, but I was quite surprised.
If you think all films should look like they were shot on a $20 million dollar budget with A list actors, do not bother with this little gem, that is OK, us Hewlett fans are fine keeping the film for ourselves..
David Hewlett does an outstanding job in the role of Patrick, the somewhat eccentric and slightly psychotic older brother of Marilyn, played by Hewlett's real-life sister, Kate Hewlett.The title of the movie is quite appropriate, although it may take you until the end of the movie to understand it.
This uproarious, black comedy is a must-see for anyone who likes to laugh and have a good time.
And you will see more of David "Dr Rodney McKay" Hewlett than you would expect.Also in the movie are Kate Hewlett (David's sister), Rachel Luttrell (Teyla), Paul McGillion (Dr Beckett), Christopher Judge (Teal'c) and of course, Mars, David's real life adorable dog.I was able to talk personally with David and his sister, Kate, who is the female star of the movie.
Given that it this is David Hewlett's directing debut (no doubt under the watchful gaze of long time Yoda and chum, Vincenzo Natali among others)Hewlett exhibits a creative flair that marks this film out as distinctively his own.
Perhaps horror.I personally love extremity of character, and Hewlett's performance as the endearing Patrick demonstrated well paced comic timing and relished in the sort of classy but not too crude slapstick that Peter Sellers would have been proud of.
Many who have never heard the word Stargate have absolutely loved it.I also wondered whether one of the more memorable scenes involving THAT dressing gown and McGillion, had been at all influenced by Cary Grant in 'Bringing up Baby';-)?I hope this is the first rung on the long ladder of Hewlett's directing career with preferably Jane supporting the ladder;-)yup, the boy done good!.
The really quirky wardrobe adds a bit of weirdness to these oddball characters and that's pretty fun, too.Since I'm a huge David Hewlett fan, I really thought I'd like his first attempt at directing and I was right.
Also, the extras such as how the film was made and how it all came together was interesting and amusing.Christopher Judge is really fun, and Mars the dog is a delight.
A Laugh out Loud movie even after you watch it..
I saw the trailer for this movie, and thought it looked funny, but when i watched it i never knew it was going to be probably one of the funniest movies i had ever seen.
David Hewlett's acting is superb, and so spot on, i thought all his facial expressions, and antics, well just everything was what made the movie so funny.
Paul McGillion and Kate Hewlett just added the comedy that David's screaming couldn't fill up.
You will be giggling through this whole movie.David Hewlett has managed to create a film that evokes all the fun about the "old-fashioned" dark comedy.
(The "violence" is all implied, in case you're squeamish like I am.) It not only features a great performance from David himself, but you also throw in his real-life sister Kate Hewlett and his friend Paul McGillion and you get a whole lot of fun.
(Look for David's dog Mars to steal several scenes while in the foreground and background.) You might recognize all of these actors (and much of the listed crew) from the TV shows Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1.
This won't really take you there, except for poking a little fun at their other jobs."A Dog's Breakfast" is well worth watching as David Hewlett is sure to be a name to watch in the future..
It is English humor and slap-stick comedy at it's very best from the cricket bat to the karate fight to the ax scene.I just die laughing every time I watch the part where Patrick(David Hewlett's character) is yelling, "Dance, Monkey, Dance!" and then runs around screaming like a girlie girl.
It's done tastefully for the laugh and yet is still a great family film.
I love David Hewlett's acting and the acting of his sister, Paul, Chris, and Rachael.
All of the actors in this movie due a great job of making the laughter nonstop.A great movie to watch with teenagers and with families to poke fun at how strange families really can be together.The main character played by David Hewlett continually cracked me up, and made me think of what it would actually be like to have a brother.
I had to watch it twice because I was laughing so hard I missed things the first time though.The actor were fabulous.
Any Stargate fan will love this movie with David Hewlett version of it in the movie.
There is not a wasted line, a wasted frame, or a failed turn in plot.At first, I felt a tad put off by Patrick but then I related him to eccentric people I know and fell into watching the story play out with a final playful twist or turnabout.By the way, I loved the sister character and actress.
This film has both.This film feels like either a play or a made for teevee movie.
I felt this way throughout the film, but I am okay with having watched it to the end.