WILFRED PILOT REVIEW "HAPPINESS" (2011)

Ryan Newman

A Man's Best Friend

Before I get to my review, I'd like to say it's an honor to have the opportunity to watch and review Wilfred's pilot episode. Always and Forever was chosen with online critics for a sneak peek at the rough cut, the very pilot that led FX Networks to pick up the half-hour sitcom for 13 episodes with the premiere on Thursday, June 23rd at 10:00 PM. After viewing this pilot, I know precisely why FX chose to add it to its lineup. It's absolutely hilarious!

From someone who is paid to do this, James Hibberd from Entertainment Weekly has called Wilfred the funniest pilot he's seen since Modern Family, and I have to agree.

FX, being an innovative network, has chosen a brash Australian sitcom for American audiences that stars the original actor, Jason Gann, in the title role. Joining him is our very own Elijah Wood as Ryan Newman, a man so bent out of shape he feels there's no way out, so he unsuccessfully tries to commit suicide. Fiona Gubelmann plays Jenna, the new girl next door and Wilfred's owner. Dorian Brown, who portrays Ryan's uptight sister, Kristen, completes the leading cast.

Wilfred is set in a quaint community in Los Angeles, California. The audience follows along through Ryan's disillusioned eyes as he tries to grasp reality. Trotting into a pivotal point in his life is a dog. Everyone else sees a cute, lovable pooch, but Ryan sees a man in a dog costume.

As the story unfolds, both man and beast navigate their new dynamic. Wilfred, the dog, settles in, and Ryan must overcome his initial shock to accept the reality of his situation. He finds himself walking, feeding, and chasing after Wilfred, just like any other pet owner. However, when others enter the scene, the audience and Ryan are reminded that Wilfred is not a man, but a dog. These moments of realization lead to hilarious situations, adding to the show's comedic appeal.

On my first viewing of the pilot, my dog lay beside me, and I laughed so loudly and so often that I scared the poor girl. It made me wonder what she said to me in those moments.

Wilfred may not fit everyone's tastes, but for me... someone who isn't bothered in the least by profanity and, yes, sometimes vulgar humor will enjoy Wilfred immensely. This is because the crudeness is smoothed over by wit.

The acting is sharp and cunning; in Wilfred's case, his bite is worse than his bark. Other than talking, drinking, and getting high, Wilfred behaves like any dog. Not to be cliche, but Jason wears the dog suit perfectly. He's lovable and sweet, though sometimes impetuous. You feel he needs the sting of a rolled-up newspaper, but he turns around and gives lessons and shares his wisdom that Ryan can take to heart.

For those who have some reservations about Elijah's comedic talents, you can put them to rest. It's not that he's setting out to be humorous; he is simply reacting to odd and perplexing situations, which lead to some hysterical moments. This is in the category of funny man, straight man, and it's Elijah's strong ability to give emotions to his characters without saying much at all that makes him perfect for this bewildered individual.

Lovely Fiona Gubelmann brings an air of lightheartedness to the show's gritty premise, and sassy Dorian Brown's pretentious older sister will undoubtedly bring further mayhem with her intimidation. The timing during the dialogue between the characters is amusing and a testament to intelligent, creative, and imaginative writing.

The cinematography is so ingenious that when Ryan drifts inside of himself, things around him diminish, but only enough to remain within the realm of his surroundings. The whimsical music and sound editing co-exist perfectly with the camera work, which emphasizes the psychosis running amok in Ryan's mind. Wilfred not only tickled my funny bone but my senses as well.

In the end, the question remains: Who's the man, and who's the best friend? Perhaps at some point, that will be known, but until then, Wilfred should be entertaining and an adventure to find out.

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