Rodrigo Amaro "Dogfight" is a surprising film. With that in mind I'm not saying that you're gonna see things you never see before. It's more like that you can enjoy a nice movie with many predictable moments and still be delighted with it. It's very good to just sit and watch and forget everything that comes to mind. It doesn't demand too much of the viewer and that sometimes it's a great thing.It's the simple story of four marines that make a bet between each other before they go to Vietnam. They play a game called "Dogfight" and which one of them has to go out with a ugly girl and take her to a party and the guy who gets the most ugliest of the girls wins the game and a prize. But something happens with the young Eddie (played by the always gifted River Phoenix) when he mets his "ugly girl" Rose (Lili Taylor) a sweet girl who works in her mother's restaurant. In the beginning, when they met each other we seen that something different might happen. He's charming, tells all the things she wants to hear and she follows him into this party. When she discovers the truth and leaves Eddie he follows her and apologizing for his behavior and the behavior of his friends he asks her to go out with him because it's his last night in U.S. The rest of the movie is a collection of moments that you've probably saw it before but here it really works, Taylor and Phoenix's chemistry is incredible, both actors played very well their parts. For an instance I wished that this movie had only these extremely young talented actors in scene (most of the scenes are only played by both). Notice the little special appearance of Brendan Fraser in his first film (very funny scene). River's fans will love it. 10/10

moonspinner55 Group of Marines in 1963 San Francisco compete to see who can get the ugliest date. River Phoenix's Eddie Birdlace manages to humiliate Lily Taylor's Rose before finally seeing the human being underneath the unattractive coif and clothes--which of course makes him a better man. Silly, dead-end premise is not enhanced by sloppy writing nor variable performances. Taylor's rage is convincing, yet she doesn't show much range as an actress (this may be the fault of the writing, as her Rose is flimsily constructed out of clichés). The film's title is a foolish conceit, though it matches up fairly well with the screenplay--both are simple-minded. The picture's third act abandons the rowdy bravado and settles into a more conventional 'romantic drama' scenario; this section actually works the best, although the characters still fail to surprise us. ** from ****

ptb-8 This exceptionally effective and satisfying drama is a simple masterpiece in writing and acting skills. Overlooked and unappreciated when first released DOGFIGHT seemed to be belatedly discovered after River Phoenix died and viewers curious to see more of his better work found this pic on video. A DVD with extras and interviews would be great to see. Director Nancy Savoca sadly has only really added her talents to bad TV shows and has never bettered herself over this film. The title refers to a cruel contest between insensitive (or de sensitised) young marines to date a dog (plain girl) for the night. Lili Taylor is the catch for Phoenix and her acting and presence is a great match for him. A lot like the 70s film BUSTER AND BILLIE where Jan Michael Vincent fell for the town "slut" when he realised there was a real person underneath DOGFIGHT is an emotional discovery well worth your pursuit. Young Brendan Fraser appears briefly.

teddyryan DOGFIGHT is one of favorite films. The two leads actors share perfect a chemistry, making their interaction a pleasure to watch. Not to mention, Mr. Phoenix's screen presence is incredible. In fact, I could've followed him around the whole night. Furthermore, there is a great amount of foreshadowing on and off the screen. When Eddie (Phoenix) discusses Vietnam, he mentions its a small mess and that he'll be back in a few months. We, however, know that a different course lies ahead. In addition, this is one of Mr. Phoenix's final films, a glimpse of a magnificent only two years before his tragic demise. As a result, actor-character parallel almost each other, which I found to be truly sad. In addition, I give my credits to Bob and Nancy for executing a perfect ending. Yet, for me, this picture will always be a testament to one of the finest actors of our generation; may his spirit live on.Ted's Grade: A-