‘AJ Goes to the Dog Park’ Review: Straight-up Cartoonish, Gleeful Lunacy

Since Jones was associated with OK K.O., I pictured AJ Goes to the Dog Park as an extended episode of it, particularly regarding AJ Thompson himself. K.O. was a plucky, optimistic kid, and AJ’s character is fairly similar but in an older package. His man-child demeanor is delivered with such earnestness, you can’t help but be wrapped up in its childlike nature. The same also goes for the overall tone of this Fargo backdrop, as every side character that assists AJ on his quest bears a signature, hilarious quirk. Sometimes they come equipped with an artistically-crafted 2D-animated backstory. The film also includes an epic anime-style original song from Rebecca Sugar during the end credits.

As the narrative nears its conclusion, AJ takes a late and ambitious existential turn regarding his daily routine and the ability to accept a change in life that, despite being unevenly executed, I cannot help but admire for its boldness.