Sleeping Dogs Lie

"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