AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK
Toby Jones’ Midwestern Comedy AJ Goes to the Dog Park
to World Premiere at Fantastic Fest September 23rd
Fargo Man Goes on an Odyssey in Burnt Ends Selection
Toby Jones‘ Fantastic Fest 2024 absurd comedy AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK had me giggling nonstop at its wholly silly dialogue and slapstick comedy. Poor AJ is having a really crappy week. After his local dog park gets shut down, he takes his grievance to the Mayor. She shoos him away, suggesting he could make all the decisions if he were the Mayor. Thus begins a hilarious rivalry for Fargo’s highest office. But that’s only the start.
The plot gets weirder and weirder, and that is entirely the point. The dialogue is an improv enthusiast’s wet dream. Filmmakers utilize 2D animation, greenscreen, and miniatures to push their unique brand of comedy. With its endless visual gags and shamelessly meta jokes, AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK is like nothing else.
The local talent does a fantastic job settling into the film’s rhythm. Special shout-out to Crystal Cossette Knight for her amusing portrayal of The Mayor, akin to a cartoon villain. AJ Thompson gives the titular role an undeniable likeability, leading a cast of fully committed ensemble players. Thompson carries each scene effortlessly. He is authentically charming.
The film twists and turns in entirely unpredictable ways. AJ GOES TO THE DOG PARK should resonate with fans of Robot Chicken and Kids in The Hall. It is gleefully foolish fun.
AJ Goes to the Dog Park was written and directed by Toby Jones, best known for his work with Cartoon Network. Jones’s childhood friend, AJ Thompson stars in the cinematic gem as a mediocre man on an odyssey to protect the comforts of his routine life. The film, shot in Fargo with local talent in front and behind the camera, features a new original song by Rebecca Sugar (“Steven Universe”, “Adventure Time”) and a guest sequence directed by Owen Dennis (“Infinity Train”).
As he prepares to share the film with the world, Jones said, “AJ Goes to the Dog Park was initially conceived with a seemingly modest ambition: bring more comedies into the world by any means necessary. For me, this meant returning to my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota and bringing together a cast and crew of friends and family to create the project totally independently.”
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