Where Sleeping Dogs Lie (2019) User Reviews

Truly independent genre flick

[mcdockingbay94 · 7/10 · 2 August 2020]

Where Sleeping Dogs Lie was an enjoyable thriller with an offbeat sensibility that I really enjoyed and would like to see more of in the indie film world. The grittiness and genre flair was refreshing for a film coming out of Sacramento, CA. It focuses on bad people, worse people, and situations that just go downhill- perfect recipe for an interesting crime movie. It almost feels like a throwback from the late 90s, early 00s American Independent scene.

The story had an interesting structure, there were some great turns of phrase in the dialogue, and the three leads- Janzen, Miller, and Koponen- put in some strong performances. After a great early reveal, the midsection does slow down a bit for my taste. But it picks up a great energy in the third act, leading up to the finish.

The production values often showed the seams of the low budget, but that didn't bother me because the story was good. And there is something pure and exciting about seeing a group of filmmakers' raw early work before they have too many resources at their disposal. It shows the truth of what they have to offer, and this film is no exception. So make sure you catch writer/director Josh Pierson and the rest of his team early!

It is inspiring to see movies like this get made, especially when they are made outside of Hollywood completely. Looking forward to what this filmmaking team does next!

botched

[ops-52535 · 6/10 · 7 July 2020]

Its a little crimedrama black comedy, about a man whos throat is threatened by a slithering knife of unpaid deeds, who has to get the steel asap to make a new living. he bounds up with his brother and best friend and do rob. but things aint what it seems to be, and in todays sosciety money aint physical anymore, and to get them they will have to eat the ears out of their victims to get to it.

its a fun story really but it has its plotholes for sure. the production are good, on a low budget, the cast delivers, and the stress and despair are well told. allthough a broken nose usually will usually leave you with a persistent google-hematoma, the occupational damages are very well depicted.

in a small word you could call this ''1001 ways to avoid botching a robbery'' or move into cybercrime. the grumpy old man had no expectations, but usually reacts when robbery is mentioned in the summary, had a nice watch. its a small recommend

Where's the money.

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 28 July 2020]

Jeff (Jesse Janzen ) had issues and owes Bunny (Atim Udoffia ) $135 K who wants her money by the end of the month. Jeff is not a likable fellow, but become the protagonist by default in this dark comedy. To obtain the money they decide to rob Bob (David J. Espinosa) who has been skimming off of his business and is in the process of a divorce. Things don't go as planned. Bob claims there is no money and folks show up.

I loved the film until folks started to die. This was done in no way clever. It was done just to complicate the situation but lacked the intensity that got us there. Good use of flashbacks. The film felt as if there was a rush to the end.

Guide: F-word. Implied sex. Brief nudity.

Don't sleep on Where Sleeping Dog Lie

[verticaltalentagency · 8/10 · 1 August 2020]

Once in a great while a film is brought to your attention that you know, just by seeing a trailer or poster, the heartbeat of the film is pure and the lifeline of the entire cast. Where Sleeping Dogs Lie is that kind of film.

I watched this at a theatre in Oakland and immediately knew I was in for a fun ride. The opening dialogue reminded me of Reservoir Dogs opening scene, however with Sleeping Dogs, it was a one man show... but briefly.

The film was gritty, hilarious when appropriate and solid plot holes that made it fun to watch. The quality was decent, it's indie so if you expect Hollywood acting or film grade you're looking in the wrong place. However, if you want something fresh, fun, gritty, good acting, solid plot, and overall a film that has heart and attention to detail, Where Sleeping Dogs Lie is the beast for you.

I highly recommend it.

Great!

[bstqb · 7/10 · 2 August 2020]

It was a great film. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story line is great, the actors were great, and overall it was great! It was the best 5 bucks I've ever spent, and that itself is great! If you think about not seeing this film then you would be greatly mistaken.