Bill Plympton is an excellent cartoonist. His kinky, disturbing animated shorts have long enjoyed a healthy following of both underground film fans and the MTV generation. So I looked forward to watching "J. Lyle," his first (and thus far only) live action feature, expecting some of the same nasty wit and perfect timing.
Boy, was I disappointed. "J. Lyle" is as uninspired, ugly and unenjoyable a "comedy" as they come. The story centers around an obnoxious New York yuppie who learns a few lessons about life and love from a "magical" dog (with cartoon eyes) and, as mentioned in the rudimentary IMDb synopsis, it does include a musical number featuring puppetized body organs. It's hard to recall what else happens because the movie is so completely amateurish that the plot defies recollection. I do remember lots of empty walls (painted in primary colors and flatly lit), a stiff cast (Plympton's buddies, probably, looking like they'd rather go home), moron-level writing, and cinematography that seems to be of the "place camera randomly, then nail to the floor" variety.
Bad timing, bad looks, bad actors, bad idea. I've already spent more time writing these comments than this never-to-be-seen-again film deserves. But if you're reading this, Mr. Plympton, I beg of you: never, ever try making a live action feature again. Please.
