AJ's Dog Park Adventure: A Scrappy Surrealist Gem

A Unique Blend of Absurdity and Silliness

AJ Goes to the Dog Park is a rare gem in the world of independent cinema, offering a blend of creativity, humor, and charm that is hard to find elsewhere. Directed by Toby Jones, this low-budget comedy is an anything-goes affair, with a style that feels more like an underground film than a traditional movie. Its lo-fi aesthetic and unapologetic approach to humor make it a cult favorite, appealing primarily to those who appreciate the kind of live-action Looney Tunes-style antics.

The film's rapid-fire humor is one of its most impressive aspects. It's packed with self-referential dialogue, puns, and visual gags that come at a dizzying pace. While not every joke lands perfectly, the overall quality of the script is high enough to keep viewers engaged. Even the jokes that only elicit a smile are elevated by the film’s lack of sarcasm or cruelty, which makes the whole experience feel refreshingly sincere. In a time filled with snark and cynicism, AJ Goes to the Dog Park stands out as a breath of fresh air.

A Story Full of Laughs

Despite its absurdity, the film manages to weave a decent-enough story around its comedic elements. The narrative follows AJ, who takes his chihuahuas, Diddy and Biff, to his favorite dog park. However, he discovers that the park has been transformed into a Blog Park, where bloggers sit at desks typing away on computers. This sets off a chain of events that leads AJ to face a series of challenges, including the loss of his friends, blocked YouTube access, and a government recall of his favorite breakfast—buttered toast. To restore his mundane life, AJ must unseat the mayor.

What makes this story compelling is how it embraces its own nonsense. The plot twists and turns in ways that don't always make sense, but they serve as a setup for the jokes that follow. For example, to beat the mayor in a fight, AJ is taught by a wrestling coach who has a unique background in hazelnuts. These random scenarios allow for some of the film's funniest moments, showcasing Jones’ ability to turn the unexpected into something hilarious.

A Unique Visual Style

Jones brings his Cartoon Network aesthetic into the real world, creating a film that feels both familiar and wildly different. His decision to embrace the low budget and avoid any pretense of polish results in some of the film’s most memorable laughs. Characters often fly off the screen as if they were animated, only to hit the ground as blow-up dolls. Dogs switch between real and stuffed versions within the same scene, adding to the film's surreal charm.

The film was shot on location in Fargo over three years, with production happening on nights and weekends. The city's bland Midwestern look serves as the perfect blank canvas for the film’s many gags. While there may be some underlying themes about government abuse of power and personal growth, the primary focus remains on the comedy.

A Film That Delights Despite Its Flaws

While the acting can sometimes feel stilted and the cinematography is static, these elements are overshadowed by the film’s winking absurdism. It recalls the spirit of 1980s comedies like Airplane! and Adult Swim’s Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! The film’s chaotic energy is infectious, making it difficult to criticize its shortcomings.

Although the ending can feel a bit frantic, the overall experience is a gushing fountain of elevated dad jokes aimed at a specific audience. It’s so winningly daft that it leaves you wanting to see Jones work on a bigger budget and with a more accomplished cast. However, the puppy-dog charm of AJ Goes to the Dog Park is what makes it stand out, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on all fronts.

A Cult Classic in the Making

AJ Goes to the Dog Park is a film that defies convention, embracing its quirks and flaws with a sense of joy and conviction. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of laughter. With its limited release on July 25, it’s sure to find its audience among those who appreciate the kind of humor that doesn’t take itself too seriously.