The Truth About Cats & Dogs

1996

The Truth About Cats & Dogs

Critics Consensus

Sharp, witty, and charming, The Truth About Cats and Dogs features a standout performance from Janeane Garofalo.

84%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 38

56%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 52,477

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Movie Info

In this updated and gender-reversed variation on Cyrano de Bergerac, Janeane Garofalo stars as Abby, the host of a radio talk show for people who have problems with pets. One day, she gets a call from Brian (Ben Chaplin) who is having trouble with his Great Dane (who enjoys roller skating). After a few minutes on the phone, Brian is immediately taken with Abby, and she's certainly interested in him. However, while Abby is not unattractive, she's terribly self-conscious about her appearance. When he asks her for a description, instead of telling him she's a diminutive brunette with big brown eyes, she describes her neighbor Noelle (Uma Thurman), a tall, rail-thin, blue eyed blonde. When Ben sets up a date, Abby is frantic and convinces Noelle to take her place. However, while Abby sounds smart, witty and charming over the radio (or the telephone), Noelle speaks like -- well, I think the phrase dumb blonde is called for here. Brian becomes puzzled -- why is it Abby is so great on the phone but so inarticulate in person? And what's the story with her friend, the cute brunette who sounds so smart? Noelle is even more confused; she wants to help her friend, but she's finding herself falling for Brian as well. The Truth About Cats and Dogs gave Ben Chaplin his first role in an American film and Janeane Garofalo's first starring turn after several notable supporting performances. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (adult situations/language)
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Romance
  • Directed By:
    Michael Lehmann
  • Written By:
    Audrey Wells
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

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Cast

Janeane Garofalo
as Dr. Abby Barnes
Uma Thurman
as Noelle
Ben Chaplin
as Brian
Jamie Foxx
as Ed
James McCaffrey
as Roy
Stanley DeSantis
as Mario
Antoinette Valente
as Susan
Mitch Rouse
as Bee Man
La Tanya M. Fisher
as Emily
Faryn Einhorn
as Child Model
David Cross
as Male Radio Caller/Bookstore Man
Mary Lynn Rajskub
as Female Radio Caller
Bob Odenkirk
as Bookstore Man
Dechen Thurman
as Bookstore Cashier
Victoria Edwards
as Mother
Lisa Marie Russell
as Saleswoman
Robert Brinkmann
as Irate Director
Josiah Polhemus
as Newscast Auditioner
Nigel Gibbs
as Newscast Auditioner
David Phelps
as Newscast Auditioner
Linda Porter
as Newscast Auditioner
Michael Burke
as Newscast Auditioner
Vanessa J. Wells
as Newscast Auditioner
Richard Coca
as Eric
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Critic Reviews for The Truth About Cats & Dogs

All Critics (38) | Top Critics (7)

View All Critic Reviews (38)

Audience Reviews for The Truth About Cats & Dogs

  • Jun 23, 2011
    It was ok. Nothing more than that. The phone sex scene was especially awkward.
    Bethany M Super Reviewer
  • May 23, 2011
    Decent gender-reversing modern take on <i>Cyrano de Bergerac</i> with winning performances from all 3 leads. Especially Uma as the sweet-natured but air-headed blonde.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 30, 2010
    It had a good premise, an engaging story, but it was exucuted with neolithic incompetence.
    Joseph E Super Reviewer
  • Jul 21, 2009
    It could happen. Couldn't it?
    Lesley N Super Reviewer
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