Rating: 
Summary: See this film!
Review: "Lawn Dogs" is one of those special films that not very many people have seen. It's unfortunate because this is one gem. "Lawn Dogs" is a fairytale told in simple terms that uses the myth of Baba Yaga to further its distinct complexity. A frail young girl and an older man embark on a beautiful FRIENDSHIP that changes the life of everyone involved--family, neighbors, etc. There is so much beneath the surface of this story. I have watched this film on several occasions, each time noticing something that makes the film that more magical. Some of the little girl's interaction with others and with nature, reminded me of "The Reflecting Skin". Please don't miss out on this great film.
Rating: 
Summary: What Does This Movie Show, Huh?
Review: What the heck is this all about? I found that some parts were inappropriate, some were touching, and most were mindless. I knew right about when the time of the scene where Trent("the lawnmower guy") gets in a fight with his father... about flags... that uh, this movie was going nowhere. Huh? What? I... don't get it. Can someone help me?I don't care to remember most of the names, except that one of the stars is on that little movie called Happy Gilmore. He has the same acting as he has in every movie: cocky and stern. The story follows: A guy named Trent(Sam Rockwell) signs up to mow the lawn of yards in the property of rich people. He gets the job. He meets a young girl(who has a cameo on Notting Hill) and they together bond a relationship. Problems arise between the two, only because the parents of the young girl are in disgust of Trent. They hate him for what he is, and what he exactly is in a way is a "hillbilly" who lives in a trailer in the middle of the woods, who needs money and likes smoking cigarettes and drinking beer. For all the parents see him as, he could be a killer. But the girl doesn't care anyway. Between the beginning and the near-end of the movie, it basically implies the above. But it drags on... and on... and involves some of the worst parts to come to the movie. One example is when Trent goes to his parents house with the young girl. The father of Trent begins to tell a story, and that is of how he is dying. He was at war, and when hungry in the war, they ate rations. Inside the rations, though, there was micro-organisms that were deadly. So then, all a sudden, with the girl saddened, Trent doesn't feel like talking to his father about war flags. So he starts yelling at him and runs out of the house crying. What the heck does this have to do with the rest of the movie? Huh? Like I said above, I really don't get it. Finally, near the end, Trent and the young girl touch each other's private scars. Trent's scar is in his abdomen, and the girl's is in the middle of her chest. At this part, as I watched in disgust, I realized that this part was way-inappropriate. Use of sexual advances were wrongly used here. Right after this, something "bad" happens, then the parents chase Trent to his house because the little girl says, "He touched me... here." Come on! What is this all about? At the end, the girl, holding a gun, points where her father goes. The father, dim-wittingly sobbing, climbs against a tree-trunk. It's as if he really would follow his 10 year old daughter. She tells Trent to "Go! Go...". So Trent rides away. During the credits, I sat up and thought of what the movie might of really been about... but I have no idea what-so-ever. I couldn't help but feel that this movie was a complete failure, only to give away mindless plot as if to fill up someone's afternoon, and that's about it.
Rating: 
Summary: Top of its class
Review: LAWN DOGS is an independent film, and therefore, unfortunately did not gather the huge audiences that mainstream films tend to do more easily, or the ever-so-infrequent indie film. However, for those who have seen it, they may tell you just how deserving of acclaim this gem of a film is. The best part about the film is how it tells an unusual story in such a simple and straightforward way, leaving its many interpretations up to the viewer. Besides its terrific acting/directing, the script quenches the minds of the moviegoer and presents them with a totally new and fresh idea. For those of you who are willing to ride, LAWN DOGS will not be a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: It's Not A Perfect Film...
Review: ...but what is? To begin, my criticisms: There were a few false notes in this film, and I found some scenes implausible. Even after seeing it a half dozen times, it still strikes me that Trent's character is not given much opportunity to reveal what he gains from the relationship - perhaps this is a flaw in the script because by contrast, what Devon has to gain (acceptance, the freedom to be herself, genuine warmth) is much more clearly presented, and more believable. Having said that, it's still a worthy film in many ways, dealing with issues of social falsity, hypocrisy and intolerance. Since it's a fable, there is room for a little truth stretching, and the roles of the one-dimensional parents (particularly Christopher McDonald as Devon's comically revolting father), are still sharp and revealing. Mischa Barton is quite wonderful as a powerful person in a weak child's body, and she conveys strength and pathos easily and with considerable depth. Sam Rockwell, in what is at times an underwritten role, is subtle and profound in he has been given to work with. It's not for everyone, and the Man-Child friendship might be a bit awkward for some people, but having once been a 10 year old girl, let me assure you these types of friendships are out there, and they're nothing to be censured.
Rating: 
Summary: A Recommended Film.
Review: This is a better-than-good film that I've seen a handful of times. It's quite different than most movies that have been released lately, and most important--it makes you think. It deals with hypocrisy, prejudice and other issues. The acting is very good also with great performances from Sam Rockwell and Mischa Barton. Lawn Dogs is worth a watch. I actually give it 3.5 stars. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Suprisingly Good Performance by both Rockwell and Barton
Review: I was pleasantly suprised after watching this movie. The on-screen relationship / friendship between Sam Rockwell and Mischa Barton was portrayed exquisitely. I immensely enjoyed this film and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of it. I also thought the homoerotic subtones were an added plus to the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshingly offbeat and unpredictable
Review: I caught "Lawn Dogs" on TV by accident one evening and was quickly caught up in the story. The plot is somewhat offbeat and refreshingly unpredictable. Mischa Barton, the 10-year-old who plays "Devon", gives a stunning performance with confidence, charisma and passion. I predict a great future for her on screen and film.
Rating:
Summary: excellent film
Review: This film should be mandatory for all parents and even some children. The film reminds us as a society how hypocritical we have become. We have become so afraid of the stranger hurting our children that we are now the ones administering the pain. Parents impose their morality on their children when in fact they have none themselves. This film attempts to empower the female adolescent by making her experiences worthy and important. See for yourselves the hypocrisy. One kind of relationship, obviously destructive, is approved of because of class; while another is discouraged because of the same reason. Nobody, unless perverted themselves, can find fault with the friendship/relationship between the two lead actors. Wonderful film. Buy it. 10 toes up!
Rating:
Summary: This movie was excellent--strange, but excellent!
Review: I really enjoyed this movie and have watched it several times. It contains a bit of mysticism, mostly because it is told from the viewpoint of a child. The scenes between Devon and Trent, particularly the "scar sharing" scene, were very poignant and touching. It paints a pretty harsh view of life in suburban southern America. If you liked movies such as "The Sweet Hereafter", you'll like this one.
Rating:
Summary: Tasteless, Awful Film
Review: I'm shocked that so many people have given this film high marks. Regardless of what anyone else says, "Lawn Dogs" is reprehensible. Although John Duigan is a talented director, with an uncanny ability for conveying Australian society, his hate-filled perception of suburban life in America is grossly inaccurate, tasteless, and disgusting. Some viewers have praised the quirkiness in "Lawn Dogs," but they overlook the fact that some of the film's plot points and lines of dialogue are perverted... so perverted that I wouldn't be allowed to repeat them here. (Most deal with a small child being sexually abused, or stumbling upon a graphic sexual liason). As far as the basic storyline... "Dogs" falls into that subgenre of films that try to convey unlikely friendships... in this case, between a thirty-something adult male and an eight-year-old girl. But while some films in that genre, like "Harold and Maude," succeed, the storyline here is completely implausible. And I'm embarrassed to tell anyone that I've seen this. Avoid "Lawn Dogs" at all costs, and if you're interested in Duigan, opt for "The Year My Voice Broke," his masterpiece "Flirting," or even "Sirens" instead.
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