[MOVIE PREVIEW]A Comic Spot That Satisfies

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[MOVIE PREVIEW]A Comic Spot That Satisfies

There comes a time when all you want to do is to sit back, relax and watch a comedy with a big bowl of popcorn beside you. The film need not be artistically perfect; in fact, technical perfection might spoil the mood. All you require is a few easy laughs. If you are in such a mood, "See Spot Run," scheduled for release in Korea on Saturday, under the title "Spot," is a good choice.

John Whitsell, renowned TV director of "The Cosby Show," "Law & Order" and "Roseanne," has begun to delve into film directing; "See Spot Run" is his second project. Preceded by the rather unsuccessful "Calendar Girl" (1993) Whitsell strives for success this time with a slapstick piece.

The films stars David Arquette, who is best known as the husband of TV and film star Courtney Cox, but is becoming more established after his stint as the feeble-minded police officer in the "Scream" series. This time Arquette is Gordon Smith, a mail carrier, who handles his job with utmost seriousness. Postal delivery, however, is his only skill in life; he struggles with the responsibilities of being an adult. He has fallen for Stephanie, a beautiful single mother who lives next door. But to his dismay she regards him as an adult-sized infant. But Gordon will not give up so easily and tries to win Stephanie's heart by volunteering to take care of James, her mischievous son. As a mailman, Gordon is an expert dog-handler, but James' new dog Spot proves to be a real challenge for Gordon. This is no surprise since Spot, whom James found in the street, is a professional drug-sniffing dog employed by the FBI under the code name Eleven.

Spot is so proficient at his job that he has become the mafia's prime target. This compels his former owner, an FBI agent, to try and seek refuge for Spot, but he only succeeds in losing him. A breathtaking chase involving the agent and the mafia targeting innocent Gordon and James ensues, with hilarious consequences.

Arquette, who says that he still feels like a child at the tender age of 30, delivers a marvelous comic performance. He resembles Charlie Chaplin in his dedication to his role, particularly in his break dancing scenes. Though the film has no greater subtle theme and delivers no sophisticated lesson on life, it is certainly a perfect remedy for those times when you need a lift from life's stress and anxiety. Enjoy with a healthy dose of popcorn.



by Chun Su-jin

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