‘Hangdog’ Review – A Heartwarming Comedic Journey To Find a Dog

Sometimes, we need a good chuckle and a smile that warms our hearts. Throw a dog into the mix, and it results in a good time at the movies. The film is Hangdog, which is as funny as it is bright. Entirely character-driven, this story blends genres ranging from romance to comedy with a dash of a character study. Set in Portland, Maine, with old New England charm, the film creates a perfect location for one man to go on a journey of humility and discovery.

Hangdog is the story of Walt (Desmin Borges), a man whose life is uprooted when he and his girlfriend, Wendy (Kelly O’Sullivan), move to Portland, Maine. He finds himself in a fish-out-of-water situation, trying to placate the fact that he has no job or direction. In addition, a third entrant in his life, Tony, the dog! Trying to compete for Wendy’s attention and figuring out his mess of a life, Walt has an anxiety freak out. Walt’s situation becomes more complicated when, after Wendy goes out of town, Tony is stolen. Now, he must locate Tony before Wendy finds out or risk losing both the dog and the love of his life.

Many words could describe this film, but the one that makes the most sense is delightful. From the start, including an adorable canine is a plus in the battle to win over an audience. Another brilliant stroke is injecting a quirky main character who emotes both pathos and frustration. Walt triumphs, and so too does the audience.

The film starts with a comedy of errors for Walt, and the audience cannot help but feel sympathy. He is a guy who cannot catch a break. Even in his plight, we, as the audience, find delightful humor in bumbles and many fumbles. Part of what makes Walt endearing is Borges’ effortless performance. He locks us into the story with his charisma, deadpan reactions, and mannerisms.

This is no screw-ball comedy, though the premise certainly takes cues from that direction. It is an intelligent story that is as much about a journey of self-discovery as a tale of making friends along the way. Walt is oblivious to life in Maine. He soon finds companionship in the many locals he meets during his mad-cap odyssey to find Tony. The supporting cast compliments Borges. From Marianne (Barbara Rosenblat), a self-described non-conformist, to Brent (Steve Coulter), a recent widower, their moments are scene-stealers.

Early on, when Walt is searching for Tony, he crosses paths with Marianne, who, after learning about his missing dog and the quest to find him, asks: “How much is your relationship worth?” Cut to the next scene of Walt putting up a ‘missing dog sign’ with an offer of a $500.00 reward. This is one of the many examples of the film’s humor and quirky sensibilities. It manages to be both charming with its tender moments and equally amusing with its comedic ones.

In addition to the injection of humor and wisecracks, Brent and Marianne serve as timely reminders for Walt to slow down and appreciate life around him. These characters become as much about him confronting his anxieties as they are about becoming friends with him. Their presence is a welcome one in the film, leaving the audience laughing when it calls for it and applauding at the heartwarming feelings.

To borrow a cliche, Hangdog is a dog-gone good time that leaves the audience jubilant. It is a personal story but also a family one. Deft humor and an intelligent script deliver one of the year’s bright spots. Walt is a standout character who, in his every-man, will have audiences cheering.

Hangdog is currently available on Digital platforms courtesy of Good Deed Entertainment.