By: Paul Farrell

AJ operates in a world fueled exclusively by irreverent whimsy and limitless imagination, which is why it is so funny that he spends his days eating toast in his kitchen, soup with his married friends, and, as a treat, frequenting the local dog park. AJ’s undoing is this very commitment to the simplicity of a comforting routine, an affront to the unnamed cosmic forces that govern his odd universe and one that must be rectified through the kind of heroes’ trials that might’ve inspired Odysseus, Luke Skywalker, or even Homer Simpson to run for mayor too.

Written and directed by Toby Jones, AJ Goes To The Dog Park embodies the feeling of discovery that previously could have only been found while channel surfing post-midnight in 2004. Given Jones’ experience with Cartoon Network’s OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes and The Regular Show, it is no surprise that his feature film debut feels as at home among a mid-aughts Adult Swim line-up as any episode of Sealab 2021 or Home Movies. The fact that Jones brought in real-life best friend AJ Thompson to portray the lead only solidifies the grassroots, regional charm that allows the Fargo-set tale to effectively secrete its aggressively strange flavor of subversive humor.

Jokes, bits, goofs, and otherwise fly at the camera at remarkable speed as AJ attempts to fight, fish, scrap, scrape, and sap his way to a mayoral seat in an effort to save his dog park from becoming a blog park. Yes, each thrilling act (including sap) is accounted for, complete with a wise mentor (or mentors) and training montage (or montages). If one funny fails, or refuses, to land, have no fear; it will be followed by dozens more in a matter of seconds. There is nothing this film is afraid to try and even less so that it is afraid not to try. It is a picture that makes Wet Hot American Summer (2001) look positively straightforward in its presentational sensibilities and I absolutely mean that as a compliment.

From eyes that will change you to sleeping like a chess piece to a bed the size of a giraffe, AJ Goes To The Dog Park embraces the weird with a smile on its face and a song in its heart (which is, admittedly, something that it should probably go to a cardiologist to get checked out). AJ’s journey is marred by trial and tribulation, climaxing with thrills, chills, spills, and epic aerial combat, painting the portrait of a simple man who enjoys simple pleasures. Such as butter, and toast.

After all, AJ is just another people, like us. That seems as good a reason as any to watch his movie, right?