A Dogs Breakfast

Title: A Dogs Breakfast
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Comedy
Starring: David Hewlett, Paul McGillion (both from Stargate: Atlantis)

“Ryan, you okay? Feel a little better? Less dead maybe?”

Those who know the naturally comical Hewlett from Stargate: Atlantis as Dr. McKay probably need little more convincing that this film (written by, directed and starring the man) is filled with more hilarious comic moments than you can shake a leg at. Following the story of Patrick (Hewlett), a recluse who’s only real friend is his pet dog called Mars, living in a secluded house is given a surprise when his sister introduces him to her fiancée (McGillion), a star of a (really terrible) sci-fi/soap called ‘starcrossed.’ Things don’t take long to go awry, when Ryan (the fiancée) is accidentally killed. What ensues is 90 side-splitting minutes of bodies turning up everywhere, detectives questioning, and some of the worst cover stories ever told in an attempt to prevent his sister from discovering the truth.

And who better to play the role of Hewlett’s sister than his actual sister? Capable of being the match for her more widely recognised brother, combining Hewlett’s natural comical timing with a genuine sibling rivalry lends itself to a large number of scenes, where witty banter and amusing arguments reign supreme in a way that would not have been possible with any other casting. With cameo’s from Christopher Judge and Rachel Luttrell (Stargate: SG1 and Stargate: Atlantis respectively), we see them try their hand at a more comical role with success, but even for the most Stargate-weary viewer, whilst this features many of the actors from the successful TV show, this has no alternative links in terms of plot, direction or style.

The budget was minimal, and if you’re looking for holes in this regard you’ll soon find them, but they are not necessarily obvious. The strength of acting and script will soon have you overlooking such issues, and in many cases this constraint can lend a slapstick, almost cartoon-like, style of comedy to the proceedings. Despite this, the humour for the most part is a very ‘British’ brand, often dry, witty and sarcastic over use of physicality and slapstick, so may not be to everyone’s liking. If you’re a fan of the ‘Blackadder’s and ‘Fawlty Towers’ of the world, this is one example of a low-budget black comedy not to be missed.

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