It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Admirable film.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This movie is a complete failure on every level.If you are hoping to watch an outrageous comedy, filled with laughs, that dances on the edge, this is not that movie, despite the outlandishness that might be expected from the topic in question. Instead, despite a few characters that behave for short periods in a fashion that suggests comic relief, this movie is a dreary-tawdry tragedy that resolves itself in a semi-happy conclusion, but at the cost of coherence, plot or character development. The shrugs-your-shoulder ending will arrive at the point which you no longer give a crap.The cast is lead by mediocre unknowns and fleshed out with recognizable TV veterans Geoff Pierson and Brian Poshen, both of whom who have talent to elevate their roles beyond this dismal script. The rest of the cast do not fare as well. Melinda Hamilton is a bland somewhat whiny lead, matched by both Bryce Johnson and Colby French as her romantic counterparts. There is little chemistry or fire between either match.The story is basically this: Amy(Melinda) has a disgusting secret. She reveals it to her fiancé. Her family learns it. Tragedy ensues, Her life falls apart. She continues on. The problem is that none of this is played for belly laughs, as one hopes it would be coming from Goldwaith. The story's arc is also distorted by the lead character having a deep relationship that develops through the telling of the tale, but suddenly that is dropped and the investment that we have made in the romance which is the basis of the story comes to no conclusion. She simply throws him away and starts up with someone else, as if it all didn't matter anyway."Nothing matters and just lie about it, and who cares anyway" is not a great theme for a movie. I didn't laugh much throughout and I learned nothing. I would recommend not bothering.

I think I was expecting more since this was supposed to be an edgy movie.The secret was odd but not exactly shocking. I can think of several other taboos that might have been more interesting.Acting was fair but as a viewer I felt removed from any real connection. There were several good scenes but they only served to relieve some boredom from too much conversation and uncomfortable relationship spats.The vision was there but the execution lacked.Characters needed more likability.

"Sleeping Dogs Lie" is hyped as black comedy. The quote "Give the dog a bone" is blatantly blasted forth on the DVD box cover, yet despite the outrageous bestiality subject matter, the film simply isn't outrageous enough to be a successful black comedy. It's all about the consequences of being totally honest in your relationships, sibling rivalry, people not living up to your expectations, insecurities, unconditional love, and forgiveness. When any comedy tries for such deep meaning, it risks tipping over into territory where it doesn't belong, and that is the fatal flaw with "Sleeping Dogs Lie". The uneasy mixture of comedy and drama comes across as more a philosophy lesson than entertainment. - MERK

Sorry to start off with a quote from another movie, but it sums up the movie quite nicely. Amy and John are engaged and on a trip to visit Amy's parents, she reveals a deep, disgusting secret that blows everything apart. It's a very interesting story about the lies we tell and the secrets we keep to maintain some semblance of order and peace in our lives. For example, Amy's Dad knows she smokes, but doesn't say anything about it to either Amy or Amy's mom. Is he lying? Or keeping the peace? The movie is very funny in parts and very sad/bittersweet in others. Its short runtime (87 min) packs a heck of a punch with great characters that you'll care about, even Randy. The acting is all top notch and the directing is very good.Be warned, however, that if you are sensitive to "adult themes," (note the MPAA rating, it's dead on), this movie is NOT for you.