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My Dog Tulip
Stars: Voices: Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, Isabella Rossellini, Brian Murray
Director: Paul and Sandra Fierlinger
Although Thurberesque in its conception and animation, there's far too much concentration on the bowel movements and mating of dogs in this would-be affectionate memoir of a writer's 15-year ownership of a highly-strung Alsatian bitch.
Though beautifully drawn, the film is just no fun, descending into crudity at times, while its fanciful depiction of dogs in dresses and suits is just embarrassing. Thus, despite splendid narration by Plummer as the dog's owner (and author of the original story), and Redgrave, in her last screen work, amusingly lending her distinctive tones to his domineering sister - the film fails almost completely to convey the joy of the relationship between man and dog that it seeks.
Visits to the vet, and the author's contemplation of drowning Tulip's puppies are almost equally gloomy stepping stones along the way.
David Quinlan
USA 2009. UK Distributor: Axiom. Colour by Metropolis.
83 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 12A.
Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 1.
Review date: 04 May 2011