Running Time: 79 Minutes
Starring: AJ Thompson, Greg Carlson, Morgan Hoyt Davy, Ethan Saari, Danny Davy, Jason Ehlert, Crystal Cossette Knight, Jacob Hartje, Zachary Lutz, Whitney McClain
Life is perfect for AJ (AJ Thompson) in Fargo, North Dakota. He has found himself comfortable with the same routine that includes a buttered toast breakfast, taking his dogs to the dog park, visiting his married best friends for supper, and watching YouTube videos until he falls asleep. He does not want a single thing to disrupt this blissful routine, to the point that he turns down a promotion from his father/boss to take over the family business. AJ Goes to the Dog Park opens with such a blissful version of life, although that is soon taken away from the titular character upon discovering the dog park has become a blog park which does not allow dogs.
With this first shake-up, AJ soon finds his routine breaking apart subjects him to the stresses of life. In attempt to hold onto what he is losing, the man tries getting the dog park back from a nefarious Mayor (Crystal Cossette Knight). When this plan fails, he takes a journey to fight, fish, scrap, scrape, and sap his way to becoming mayor.
Having previously co-directed 2006's AJ Goes to France, cartoonist and writer Toby Jones (OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Regular Show) makes his solo debut as a live-action feature director. Shot in Fargo with local talent in-front and behind the camera, this low-budget work employs a fun sense of humour to realise its many ideas in unique ways. Whether it is the random inclusion of stop-motion skeletons, CGI tears, a Dragonball Z style teleportation, or characters speaking in rhyme, it is astounding how the blending of these various ideas somehow works.
Helping matters is the constant gag rate that ensures, if a joke does not land, another will arrive immediately to replace it. Whether the gag lands or not, what helps is how everybody involved commits to the bit. No matter how silly the idea or its realisation may seem, the film is bursting with imagination and pure sincerity that makes it easy to love. With such a variety of styles and ideas brought together, this work resembles something viewers would stumble across late at night on Adult Swim.
Yet, through AJ's determination to recapture the life he loved, he becomes wrapped up in his mission and loses sight of what he was trying to accomplish. Within this surreal work lies a resonant message about appreciating what is in front of you, as change may seem scary, but it can be manageable when faced with the important people in your life. We may find ways of enjoying ourselves, but it is worth remembering to connect with our loved ones before it is too late.
Across the slim runtime, non-stop jokes are delivered with a surreal sense of humour that brings to mind a similar 2024 release; Hundreds of Beavers. While this work may not reach the heights of Mike Cheslik's feature, this remains a valiant effort that has a machine-gun delivery which ensures that something will hit the bullseye with great regularity. AJ Goes to the Dog Park is a lovely work brought alive with assured direction and an endearing sincerity. Be sure to stick around during the credits, which contains a lovely original song from Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar.
AJ Goes to the Dog Park made its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024
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