Brendon Jones
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
rebekahrox
Like Cats and Dogs is a pleasant little outing with some good positives, and only a few annoying details. Cassidy Gifford does a good job and appears to be quite a competent actress, with a flair for comedy. I won't mention how much she resembles her mother. The only quibble I have with her appearance is the goth-ish eyeliner she wears. It steals every scene. I wondered if this was the make-up imposed upon her by the production, but no, apparently she did her own make-up. The character she plays is likable, and her situation is relatable. She is a casual, fun-loving, junk- food eating, Let the chips fall where they may type of gal with an artistic temperament. She is unsure what to do with her life, now that she has graduated from college and broken up with her boyfriend. She is working at her parents accounting firm but it is not for her. In an effort to find her direction she rents a fabulous ocean side home on the west coast because an old college buddy is nearby. It must be a great job if she can afford such a getaway. Unfortunately, due to an error it has also been rented by a guy who is her polar opposite in every way: an uptight, regimented, control freak with an evil girlfriend. Oh yes. He also is a health food nut and owns a cat who does not get along with her doggie, Frank. He presents her with a roommate agreement that puts Sheldon's in Big Bang Theory to shame. He is working on his doctoral dissertation and has Weird hair. He sounds horrible, but he is actually kind of adorable. Especially when he get's writers block. The inevitable happens. And also he finishes his dissertation inside of a week. Also she finds a career as a photographer and working in an art gallery. Where she gets her own show. This poor kid. What a nightmare. There's nice little twist at the end which if you were paying attention was easily foreshadowed.
Amy Adler
Lara (Cassidy Gifford) is a recent college graduate now working for her parents' accounting firm. Yet, she is not certain what her future goals are. Having recently been dumped by a boyfriend, she decides to go the Great Northwest and visit college friends. To further her own rest and relaxation, she rents a spectacular lake house. But, oh, horrors! As she is settling in, giving her dog Frank a home tour, another person slips in with HIS CAT MOZART. Handsome Spencer (Wyatt Nash) has rented the same house, with receipts to prove it so. He is finishing a doctoral dissertation and needs peace and quiet. Frank and Mozart take an instant dislike to each other, as do Lara and Spencer. What will they do? After contacting the rental agent, there are problems. There are no immediate houses to rent for the coming week and no other possible solutions. Thus, Lara and Spencer are stuck with each other for the next few. Lara likes taking photos of nature, eating pizza, dogs and loud pop music. In contrast, Spence likes classical turntables, health smoothies, cats and order. This could hardly produce a friendship, let alone a romance, right? Especially when Spencer already has a pretty but domineering galpal who calls constantly? Hallmark, thanks once again. Here is another sweet, funny romance for your gazillion fans. Gifford, daughter of Kathie Lee, is quite fun as the spunky Lara while Nash gives his best button-down, initially smug turn as Spencer. Naturally, animal lovers will also adore Frank and Mozart while sets, costumes, script and zesty direction contribute to an overall high level of satisfaction. Hallmark, as this viewer has stated before, is filling the romantic comedy void that Hollywood has abandoned. So, Hallmark, why not release some of these to the theater and give your fans a great watch on the big screen?
