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It's a dog's life for Coco (Juan Villegas), a middle-aged, out-of-work mechanic who gets by flogging handmade knives in Argentina's parched Patagonia region. But a new door opens when he's given Bombon, a hulking game hound of noble breeding. As man and mastiff hit the canine competition circuit, a gently uplifting tale of starting over, self-fulfilment and sexual awakening emerges. Just the right side of sentimental, Bombon El Perro is another sweet little story from Historias Minimas helmer Carlos Sorin.

In fact, at times it feels a bit like an offcut from the earlier, multi-stranded movie. There's not a terrific amount of dramatic tension here: Sorin's storytelling is often as self-effacing as his (human) hero. But there is the same rich sense of setting and character that made Minimas a minor marvel. The world of pooch parades is captured with a similar eye for detail (if not daftness) as mockumentary Best In Show. And the two-legged cast - non-professionals to a man - all deserve commendation. There's a nice counterpoint between the bashful Villegas (Sorin's former car-parker!) and his boisterous new mentor Walter (Walter Donado), while restaurant warbler Rosa Valsechi hits a warm note.

"THE DOG'S COMIC TIMING PUTS HALF OF HOLLYWOOD TO SHAME"

But of course, it's the headline canine who scoops first prize. He's a rare breed of movie mutt: too much of a brute to be cute, but he'll tickle your belly all the same. His deadpan comic timing puts half of Hollywood to shame. And though this slim but likeable tale is light on surprises, there's a terrific one in store when Bombon finally comes of age.

In Spanish with English subtitles.