Aug 17, 20202 min read

DJ Hound Dog - Film Review

★★★

Directed by: #MigelDelgado and #JonJacobs

Starring: #JonJacobs, #CharlotteLewis, #TinaWiseman, #TerryCamilleri, #IvelinGiro

An aspiring DJ stands, back-turned with visual reference to the late Elvis. Partying people emerge in the bottom, with bold text reading 'DJ Hound Dog.' — Poster for DJ Hound Dog

From Miami to Ibiza, a chronicle of the meteoric rise to Fame of DJ HOUND DOG and the terrible mess he makes of his love life. Featuring an all star cast of the Worlds Greatest DJ's.

Irish born aspiring DJ, Hound Dog, lives in Miami. An avid fan of classic rock ’n’ roll music, juggling his romantic ventures whilst attaining a reputation in the clubs, and striving to weave a little Elvis and Buddy Holly into his DJ sets. This is a very chaotic film in the sense that it showcases the crazy thrill that is the dance music scene. Shot on grainy film with attention to the documentary style, DJ Hound Dog mixes together fiction and biopic, like the famous Elvis projects ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘This Girl Can’t Help It.’

Although released originally back in 2003, the film remains fairly intact with a high-energy soundtrack (now streaming on major platforms) and cameos from now world-famous DJs. Shot on location in Miami and Ibiza, there’s a rough edge to the film. Lots of club action intercut with more mature scenes, and heart-racing electronic music pumping over top. All the actors are fantastic, with Jon Jacobs’s rugged and entranced Hound Dog in the lead, bumbling around the electric atmosphere, springing from one area to the next in hope of becoming something greater. The supporting team add a well needed sense of realism to the fictionalised story, and it’s honestly one of the better parts of the film. Where DJ Hound Dog lacks, the acting makes up for it.

Speaking of, the story is invigorating, I’m sure, for the hardcore dance fan. But for the more average viewer like myself (though I’ve explored that scene before), this is a pretty tedious watch. The film, even with its director’s edit and restored music, feels dated — especially grounded in its early noughties setting. Think of the likes of ‘Kevin & Perry Go Large,’ but less focused on gross humour and more on a single character’s journey through the world of partying, all the while mixing in a classic 50s era vibe.

Slogging at several points throughout, it’s safe to say that DJ Hound Dog is a well crafted and acted film, but it’s not the attention grabber it needed to be for general audiences. That said, I’m sure it has and will gain a cult following of loyal fans.

Watch the trailer for DJ Hound Dog below.