The Dog Problem (2006)

"Life is a delicate negotiation."

Neurotic writer Solo Harrington (Giovanni Ribisi) can no longer afford the five visits a week he paid to his strink, Dr. Nourmand (Don Cheadle), over the past year. He's in debt to a thug named Benny (Kevin Corrigan) and struggling to complete a book so he can pay off the debt.

When Dr. Nourmand suggests Solo get a pet, Solo is skeptical but goes to the pet shop looking for an easy to keep, non-demanding dog who can go poo on the balcony of Solo's LA apartment. He ends up with a scruffy Tongan terrier who drives him crazy. The pup messes in the house, chews things, and barks. Solo has a lot of trouble bonding so his friend Casper (Scott Caan, who also wrote and directed the film) urges him to get rid of the unnamed dog.

Despite his desire to get rid of the dog, Solo feels nobody is right to take him so, in time, the pup starts to grow on Solo and his life begins to change.

Others in the cast include: Mena Suvari, Lynn Collins, Tito Ortiz, Kimo Leopoldo.

Music by the Devo man Mark Mothersbaugh.

Run time: 1 hour, 22 minutes

Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity.

My personal rating: B-