Themes: Looking For Love, Love Triangles, Fathers and Daughters
Main Cast: Diane Lane, John Cusack, Elizabeth Perkins, Christopher Plummer, Dermot Mulroney
Release Year: 2005
Country: US
Run Time: 98 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG13
Plot
A woman finds herself drafted into the battle of finding the perfect man in this romantic comedy. Sarah Nolan (Diane Lane) is a kindergarten teacher in her mid-thirties who is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of her divorce eight months ago. While her sisters, Christine (Ali Hillis) and Carol (Elizabeth Perkins), both think Sarah needs to start dating again, Sarah herself isn't so sure. Carol decides to force the issue by posting Sarah's photo and profile on an Internet dating site, and soon a number of seemingly eligible bachelors are sending her e-mails in hopes of a date. However, nearly every man she meets turns out to be a loser, with the exception of Jake (John Cusack), who is smart, good looking, and even brings along a dog for their walk in the park (though he doesn't tell her the pooch was borrowed for the occasion). However, Sarah also makes the acquaintance of Bob (Dermot Mulroney), the divorced father of one of her students, and she finds herself having to choose between two potentially worthwhile men. Meanwhile, Sarah's widowed father, Bill (Christopher Plummer), decides to give Internet dating a try, and lands himself a new steady in Dolly (Stockard Channing). Must Love Dogs is based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Claire Cook. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Must Love Dogs is every inch the cookie-cutter romantic comedy that's advertised, with one notable exception: It has almost nothing to do with dogs. In fact, neither lead even owns a dog, having to borrow just so they can "meet cute" in the dog park. The alternative could have been worse -- it could have been one of those flicks where pets are worshipped like infants, and owning one determines whether or not you're a good person. But at least that would have been more honest than pulling a bait-and-switch on an eager audience of canine lovers. A better title might have been Must Tolerate Pushy In-Laws, as Diane Lane's sweet but hopeless divorcée is smothered by a half-dozen brothers and sisters, her father, her father's three girlfriends, her gay best friend, and his boyfriend. Adding to this swarm are two suitors (played by Dermot Mulroney and John Cusack), not to mention their friends, in some cases their children, and a handful of bad blind dates, who are introduced via two separate instances of the ever-popular "disastrous date montage." Must Love Dogs wants to be the first night's homework in Romantic Comedy 101 -- director Gary David Goldberg includes documentary-style interviews with his fictitious couples, a la When Harry Met Sally, and in another common device, Cusack's character obsesses over a classic movie (Dr. Zhivago), thereby proving he's a person of substance. (Must Love Dogs also aspires to full-on chick flick royalty, as Lane and two sisters talk about watching Beaches). But in the case of When Harry Met Sally specifically, less was a whole lot more. That film never felt under-populated, even with both leads limited to essentially one buddy/sounding board apiece. Must Love Dogs, on the other hand, feels consistently over-stuffed -- with everything but dogs, that is. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
Stockard Channing - Dolly; Julie Gonzalo - June; Ali Hillis - Christine; Brad Hall - Stanley; Tony Bill - Walter; Michael Spound - Marc; Will McCormack - Jason; Kirk Trutner - Deli Guy; Suzy Nakamura - Mai; Marylouise Burke - Aunt Eileen; Ben Shenkman - Charlie; Bess Wohl - Rebecca; Laura Kightlinger - Marcia; Steven R. Schirripa - Vinnie; Patrick Fabian - Donald; Will Rothhaar - Jeremy; Victor Webster - Eric; Josh Stamberg - Lennie; Jordana Spiro - Sherry; Krikor Satamian - Mr. Parseghian; Shana Hiatt - Hostess; Patrick St. Esprit - Marshall; Colin Egglesfield - David; Brad William Henke - Leo; Bobby Coleman - Austin; Jon Lindstrom - Peter; Glenn Howerton - Michael; Ted Griffin - Bill Jr.; Emma Prescott - Molly; Jaden Sorensen - Justin; Anoush Nevart - Mrs. Parseghian; Rubria Martins-Negrao - Sonia; Jamie Denbo - Bertha; Miles Hull - Timmy; Amy Kidd - Jennifer; Ted Detwiler - Boat Guy; Kate McClafferty - Coxswain
Credit
Kevin Kavanaugh - Art Director, Julie Ragland - Associate Producer, Linda Murphy - Boom Operator, Joanna Colbert - Casting, Bonnie Finnegan - Casting, Marguerite Derricks - Choreography, Dr. Philip Belove - Consultant/advisor, Susan Page - Consultant/advisor, Cindy Wasson - Consultant/advisor, Sam Weisman - Consultant/advisor, Florence-Isabelle Megginson - Costume Designer, Gamila Smith - Costume Designer, Lola B. Chambers - Costume Designer, Linda Huse - Costume Designer, Tess Inman - Costume Designer, Paul A. St. John - Costume Designer, K.C. Colwell - First Assistant Director, Gary David Goldberg - Director, Eric Sears - Editor, Roger Bondelli - Editor, Brad Hall - Executive Producer, Ronald G. Smith - Executive Producer, Grant Rosenberg - Executive Producer, Laurel Van Dyke - Hair Styles, Candy L. Walken - Hair Styles, Patrick Mignano - Location Manager, Craig Armstrong - Composer (Music Score), Kazimir Boyle - Musical Arrangement, Jonathan Hafter - Musical Direction/Supervision, Patty York - Makeup, Denise Wynbrandt - Makeup, Leah Vautrot - Makeup, Andy Shuttlesworth - Camera Operator, Matthew Moriarty - Camera Operator, Naomi Shohan - Production Designer, John Bailey - Cinematographer, Ronald G. Smith - Production Manager, Gary David Goldberg - Producer, Suzanne Todd - Producer, Jennifer Todd - Producer, Sally Thornton - Set Designer, Gina B. Cranham - Set Designer, Jim Slater - Set Designer, Albert Marangoni - Special Effects, Shaun Glendenning - Special Effects, Sandra M. Stewart - Special Effects, David Kelson - Sound Mixer, David Kelson - Sound/Sound Designer, Russell Solberg - Stunts, Michele Sebek - Stunts, Sonny Tipton - Stunts, Darlene Ava Williams - Stunts, Patrick Kelly - Stunts, Debbi Mazor - Stunts, Jack Gill - Stunts Coordinator, Gary David Goldberg - Screenwriter, Jon Title - Sound Effects Editor, Tom Ozanich - Sound Effects Editor, Kerry Ann Carmean-Williams - Sound Effects Editor, Boone's Animals For Hollywood - Animal Trainer/Wrangler, Mark Harden - Animal Trainer/Wrangler, David Linck - Unit Publicist, Clyde E. Bryan - First Assistant Camera, Suzanne M. Trucks - First Assistant Camera, Randy Tambling - Key Grip, Richard Ford - Music Editor, Ilyse A. Reutlinger - Post Production Supervisor, Jennifer Corey - Production Coordinator, Hope M. Parrish - Properties Master, Gregg Rudloff - Re-Recording Mixer, John Reitz - Re-Recording Mixer, Dave Campbell - Re-Recording Mixer, Rebecca Robertson-Szwaja - Script Supervisor, Paula Harris - Second Assistant Director, Phil Notaro - Special Effects Coordinator, Andy Shuttlesworth - Steadicam Operator, Claudette Barius - Still Photographer, Michael Wilhoit - Supervising Sound Editor, Debbie Travis - Costume/Wardrobe, Eric Gotthelf - ADR Mixer, Troy Porter - ADR Mixer, Stan Gonsales - Assistant Chief Lighting Technician, Jonathan P. O'Neil - Assistant Chief Lighting Technician, Guy Morrison - Assistant Location Manager, Matt Chamberlin - Assistant Location Manager, Kyle Oliver - Assistant Location Manager, Steven Eddy - Assistant Production Coordinator, Michelle Souza - Assistant Properties, Paul Rylander - Assistant Properties, Katrina Gagnon - Assistant Sound Editor, Kent Baker - Best Boy Grip, Brad Boyer - Best Boy Grip, Tulio Duenas - Camera Loader, Richard Mento - Casting Associate, Mike G. Moyer - Chief Lighting Technician, Joe Ondrejko - Construction Coordinator, Andrea Weaver - Costumes Supervisor, Stephanie Flack - Dialogue Editor, Sean Devine - Dolly Grip, Eric Osmond - First Assistant Editor, Michael A. Webber - First Assistant Editor, John Roesch - Foley Artist, Alyson Dee Moore - Foley Artist, Bob Beher - Foley Editor, Sanford Slepak - Key Costumer, Rose Librizzi - Key Make-up, Chris A. Miller - Leadman, Joanna August - Personal Assistant, Nancy Culp - Personal Assistant, Aurelie Levy - Personal Assistant, Joanna Ray - Personal Assistant, Jennifer Bell - Second Assistant Camera, Craig Comstock - Second Second Assistant Director, Josh Sheppard - Storyboard Artist, Digital Dream - Visual Effects, Kathryn Peters-Cardinale - Set Decorator, Claire Cook - Book Author, Bud Raymond - Cable Person, Lee Wimer - Color Timing, Jay Sircy - Construction Foreman, Rob Garlow - Construction Foreman, Tom Hrupcho - Construction Foreman, Gilbert Kevin Maruyama - Construction Foreman, Mary Jo Lang - Foley Mixer, Mo Henry - Negative Cutter, Clint Schultz - Graphic Design, Kathleen Walker - Art Department Coordinator, Bryan Lamoureux - Assistant Editor, Oliver Hug - Assistant Music Editor, Gail Ryan - Department Head Hair, Jane Galli - Department Head Hair, David Stanke - First Assistant Sound Editor
Must Love Dogs is a 2005romantic comedy film based on the book written by Claire Cook. It is the third film directed and written by Gary David Goldberg. The film, starring Diane Lane and John Cusack, was produced on a budget of $30 million. The film focuses on a woman's struggle with divorce and meeting new people afterward.
Production started on October 12, 2004[2] and the film was released on July 29, 2005. Critic's opinions were mostly negative giving the general opinion that the actors were not to blame. Must Love Dogs took the fifth spot on its opening weekend and has grossed more than $58 million worldwide. The film was released on VHS and DVD on December 20, 2005.
Sarah Nolan, a preschool teacher, is confronted by her family because she is 40 and divorced. Her family wants her to date more and shows her photos of men they want to set her up with. Sarah does not seem interested in pursuing any relationships. Jake Anderson also was recently divorced and is in a similar position; he meets with his lawyer, Charlie, who wants to set him up with Sherry. Jake is not interested and would rather focus on creating his handcrafted boats.
Carol visits Sarah and they discuss Bob Conner, a parent from school. Sarah is attracted to him but does not want anything complicated. Carol reveals she setup an ad for Sarah on perfectmatch.com posting a picture of Sarah's high school graduation. The description declares she is voluptuous and her dates "must love dogs." Sarah goes on several disastrous dates with men who cannot stop crying, are criminal, or like girls who are only barely legal.
Jake is with Charlie at an art gallery where they meet Sherry, who is curious why he did not call her. Jake does not seem interested and Charlie thinks he is stupid. He pulls out a printout of Sarah's profile and tells Jake he has a date with her the next day at a dog park. Jake shows up with a borrowed Terrier and when he meets Sarah it is awkward. Jake starts analyzing her profile, offending Sarah, and reveals that the dog is not really his so she accuses him of being deceptive. He points out that the requirement was "Must love dogs" not "Must own a dog". Sarah leaves abruptly but agrees to see him again.
Sarah and Jake go on a dinner date where he asks her why she is not with her husband anymore. She explains that he just stopped loving her and that he was never ready to have children. Sarah acknowledges that her ex is now with a woman fifteen years younger than her with a baby on the way. The date progresses back to Sarah's house where they discover that neither has a condom. They hastily drive around but when they finally find protection neither of them is in the mood.
Jake and Charlie are discussing Sarah when he admits that she intrigued him. That night, Jake tries to call Sarah but has an emergency. Sarah checks to see if Bob is home but he is with June, and while fleeing, she drops her phone. Sarah arrives home finding a drunk Michael and Jake who were worried when she dropped the phone. Jake takes Sarah rowing and while teaching her they kiss. Jake takes Michael home while Sarah lights candles and sets the mood. Bob shows up instead of Jake to return her phone. While explaining the June situation he kisses Sarah just as Jake gets back.
Around Thanksgiving Sarah calls Bob and they go to a hotel and have sex. In the morning Bob is rude to Sarah and during the drive home admits he has actually slept with June. Jake is talked into taking Sherry to see Doctor Zhivago. Sarah notices Jake leaving, while discussing the film Sherry leaves the theater and Sarah realizes they are on a date. Sherry asks Jake up to her apartment, but he declines and instead walks home.
Jake runs into Bill, Sarah's father, outside a coffee shop. Jake confesses that he is heartbroken so Bill offers an introduction to his daughter but Jake declines. While drinking coffee with Sarah, Bill quotes something that Jake said. Sarah realizes that Jake was talking about her. She heads over to Jake's but he is out on the lake with his boat. Sarah tries to yell from shore but has to convince a rowing team to take her out to him. Approaching Jake he still does not hear her so she dives in and swims over to his boat. After climbing in Sarah tells Jake her feelings and they kiss.
Cast
Diane Lane as Sarah Nolan: Lane took the part because she wanted to do something different from anything she has done recently and wanted to keep the shoot local. She was extremely nervous about any improv that Cusack added to the film. When Cusack tried to make her improv she thought, "I don’t feel that confidence. I start blushing profusely and I get all sweaty and, I don’t know. Old school."[3]
John Cusack as Jake Anderson: Cusack was about to do another film in Europe but it fell through at the last minute. He met with Goldberg and after reading the script they asked him to be in the film. Impressed with the actors that were already signed on, Cusack thought, "that’s a pretty great pedigree, so I was kind of happy to be asked to join such a great group." Cusack had always wanted to work with Lane and had been following her career for some time.[4]
Brad William Henke as Leo: Henke took the role because he "fell in love with the fact that it wasn’t a stereotypical character." The crew did not mind what the character looked like and he was able to play a normal guy.[6]
Goldberg was first interested in starting this project when he found Cook's book. He thought it had a lot of humor and started working on getting the film rights.[7] Goldberg worked closely with Cook sharing all the draft copies with her and asking for input. He even included her in the casting process. Even though Cook only made it on set twice she was "so pleased with what they’ve done. It’s really such a tribute to the book and just a great movie in its own right."[8]
Goldberg's "process is to just get an actor and then write and re-write and work on the set." Goldberg was constantly bringing new pages to the set while Cusack contributed ideas for him to work with. Cusack also performed in takes where Goldberg allowed him to say whatever came out of his mouth.[4]
Mother Teresa
"The dog in Claire's book wasn't a Newfoundland but I'm crazy for Newfies; they have such sweet natures and their eyes are so expressive.""
Goldberg chose a Newfoundland to play the part even though it was a different breed in the novel. Mother Teresa was played by two females, Molly and Mabel. Lane explained that "Like with kids, they prefer hiring twins."[3] The dogs were chosen when they were only puppies and were trained by Boone Narr for several months before filming. During filming the dogs were still puppies being 6 months old and 80 pounds. When production had ended Goldberg adopted both dogs.[7]
Release
Critical reception
The film received mostly negative reviews receiving a 46/100 on Metacritic falling in the mixed or average reviews.[9] On Rotten Tomatoes it received a "rotten" rating with 35% based on 142 reviews and a general consensus that "Despite good work from its likable leads, the romantic comedy Must Love Dogs is too predictable."[10]
Roger Ebert thought that although Lane and Cusack are "two of the most likable actors in the movies" they "deserve characters that the movie takes more seriously and puts at more risk" giving the film two out of five stars.[11] Stephen Holden of The New York Times gave the film a negative review wondering how the actors were "bamboozled into lending their talents to the project." Stephen continued by saying the film has "contrived little incidents", "is so clueless", and "hopelessly clichéd and out of date".[12]
From a more positive review, Rolling Stone said that the film had a "great title and appealing performances" from Lane and Cusack. Giving the film three out of five stars they also said "Just when you think you have Goldberg figured, he springs fresh surprises."[13] Ann Hornaday from The Washington Post noted the film "works because Lane is one of those actresses who can do just about anything and still earn the audience's undying love." Hornaday mentions that the movie "features an enormously appealing supporting cast" and how well Lane and Cusack worked together on the film.[14]
Box office
Validating the critic's views, the film opened in the number five spot with $12.8 million in 2,505 theaters with an $5,131 average per theater.[1]Must Love Dogs stayed in the theater for twelve weeks, staying in the top 10 for its first three weeks.[15] The film has grossed $43,894,863 domestically and $14,510,450 abroad for a total of $58,405,313 worldwide. This placed it at number 66 for all films released in 2005.[1]
Home media
Must Love Dogs was released on December 20, 2005 on DVD and VHS.[16] The video "is lush but soft, and some artificial sharpening only adds insult to injury, doing nothing to alleviate the overall lack of fine detail." The audio is very standard and "wouldn't sound any different through a pair of headphones".[17] The extras are composed of four additional scenes lasting for about eight minutes with optional commentary from Goldberg. There is also a gag reel entitled "Pass the Beef" which lasts for about one minute.[18]
