Dog Park (1999)

No disrespect is meant by saying that this shambling romantic comedy, written and directed by ''Kids in the Hall'' alum Bruce McCulloch, clings to a sensibility that's imperviously, uncompromisingly Canadian. The pace, the punchlines, and the characters of Dog Park all land just a little north of target, even though the notion that canine playgrounds make good pickup grounds for humans would appear to be an imperviously, uncompromisingly L.A. idea.

Luke Wilson, so excellently self-involved in ''Rushmore,'' stars as Andy, a serial monogamist split from his girlfriend (Kathleen Robertson) and sharing custody of their depressed dog; an attractive woman he meets (Natasha Henstridge) has issues of her own with her pet, Peanut; and Janeane Garofalo and McCulloch play a well-ordered, two-pooch couple whose perfect veneer is showing signs of stress fracture.

The quadrupeds -- upset by the skittish behavior of their masters -- receive the ministrations of a loopy animal shrink (fellow ''Kids'' cast member Mark McKinney, in a funny bit). But the bipeds have got to sort things out about attraction and commitment for themselves. And therein lies a shaggy-human story.

You Might Also Like

• Video Review Dog Park | Bruce Fretts
• Movie Review The Wendell Baker Story (May 18, 2007) | Owen Gleiberman
• Movie Review Vacancy (Apr 20, 2007) | Owen Gleiberman
• Fall TV Bruce McCulloch's ''Carpoolers'' diary | Bruce McCulloch
• Television News The Kids in the Hall answer some silly questions | Mandi Bierly
• Movie News Luke Wilson tapped for college comedy