Every Dog Has His Date (2001)With a nifty play of words in the English title and a touch of computer play in the posters suggesting some fresh humour, James Yuen's Every Dog Has His Date poises itself to dish up some romantic comedy with a difference. Though the film misses its mark in the humour and drama stakes for most of its length, there's no denying that at least the storyline is something out of the ordinary. Michelle Reis plays Sharon, an ad lady ditched by her boyfriend but finding peace at home with her dog Man and a fridge full of steak. Events take a turn when her beloved dog does a runner in a thunderstorm and miraculously switches body with scungy set designer Fai (Nick Cheung). While the dog is swept off to China by a truck driver, Man is left dealing with life in Fai's human body and tries to return to Sharon's side. A period of Nick Cheung acting like a dog quickly passes by after the body switch and soon Every Dog Has His Date settles into a piecemeal assortment of scenarios. Much relates to Man's vet, Albert (Lawrence Ng), who has the hots for Sharon and is turning into a stalker by the time Man (as Fai) starts writing love letters for him. Unfortunately, the resulting concept is not as fulfilling to watch as it was two years back in Derek Chiu's superb Sealed With A Kiss. Fai's growing sexuality issues add some extra interest along the way with Pauline Sun popping up in a frisky side role, and footage of Fai getting around China as a dog intercuts throughout. Filmmaking is pleasant but nothing to rave about. Animal scenes are plentiful yet the creatures' dubbing is lifeless and a handler can even be spotted guiding a dog at one point. Set design is especially attractive at Fai's home -- a backlot shed done up as a warehouse-cum-home that scores film buff points for having both Josephine Siao and Chan Po-chu pictures stuck on the door. As a romantic comedy little is of note, though sparse highlights include what could be the most absurd romantic climax scene among this year's crop of cinema releases. A gag spoofing the Go West investment delegation from May 2001 bussing through the arid Western China landscape comes late in the piece and features a portrayal of Hong Kong's richest woman Nina Wang Kung Yu-sum that could be lost on international viewers. Performances are cheery and fine considering the lightweight material the actors are working with, though Michelle Reis still looks stretched in the mildly emotional moments. Nick Cheung is especially amusing when he plays the sleazy layabout alongside side-player Lam Suet but I'll happily pass on seeing him play a dog again for quite some time. |
Credits: Directed by James Yuen |
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