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At its core,Dog Manis a warm and funny animated film about fathers and sons. However, the mix of simplistic animation and big gobs of absurdity makes book series so popular. The almost refreshing humor is the way it is tailored to a younger audience, who should be its demographic.
However, while not close to being perfect, Peter Hastings’sDog Manadaptation of the uber-popular children’s graphic novel series has a lovely third act that hits home, bringing the story—and undoubtedly adults and their children—together.
The silliness and playfulness ring true, enhanced by the strong family messaging.
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Dog ManReview and Synopsis
The story begins by following a bumbling police officer named Knight and his trusty canine partner, an indeterminate breed named Greg. While in hot pursuit of the feline Petey the Cat (voiced byThe King of Staten Island’sPete Davidson, very funny here), they fall into a trap, with the tabby cat leaving behind a bomb (albeit of the paint variety).
Either way, the blast appears to injure both severely. Which, honestly, was surprising considering the demographic.
However, combining them is the only way to save the duo; hence, “Dog Man” is born. Like most “superheroes,” this canine crusader is misunderstood due to incessant media coverage. Soon after, Petey escapes prison, and the Chief (One of Them Days’sLil Rel Howery) is put under pressure by the Mayor (Saturday Night Live’sCheri Oteri) to bring the facetious feline to justice.
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Dog Manis a Warm and Mildy Funny Film About Fathers and Sons
Dog Man is in dogged pursuit of Petey. However, to take over the city, Petey comes up with the idea of cloning himself. Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins), his childlike version, forms a secure attachment and emotional responsiveness with the supervillain. His father then abandons Li’l Petey, and Dog Man takes him in, changing their dynamic forever.
The movieis an adaptation of the graphic novel by Dav Pilkey of the same name. The adaptation does a good job of blending the book’s absurdist humor, which is evident throughout the children’s animated feature. The silliness is perfect for kids while not talking down and offers clever puns for adults.
At my Saturday morning screening, the children seemed to enjoy the humor more than I thought they would, a sign of a solid execution when it comes to the target audience. This has already been built since this is technically a spinoff and part of the Captain Underpants Universe (the CUU, anyone?).
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IsDog ManWorth Watching?
Hastings, known for his animated television work such asAnimaniacsand for adapting franchises likeKung Fu Pandaand Lilo Stitchinto episodic form, provides the vocal effects for the titular character, delivering barks and expressions to maintain the canon that the protagonist cannot speak.
Hastings has a real knack for simplicity and an almost whimsical playfulness in his voice work. Davidson delivers the movie’s most prominent amusing lines, which is fitting given that he plays the most absurd character. He also brings heart to the voice work, enhancing the themes of fathers and sons in the movie’s poignant third act.
Dog Manis worth watching, despite its flaws. The film follows a generic playbook—you know what will happen, but kids will still be in suspense. While the film has humor, there are only a few laugh-out-loud moments. However, the animation provides plenty of humorous visual gags. Overall, the subtle themes that come to the surface—identity, legacy, and unspoken love tied to fatherhood—carry the day.
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You canwatch Dog Man only in theaters January 31st!
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M.N. Miller
Film & Television Critic
Articles Published :336
M.N. Miller is a film and television critic and a proud member of the Las Vegas Film Critic Society, Critics Choice Association, and a 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes/Tomato meter approved. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Mansfield University and a Master’s from Chamberlain University. However, he still puts on his pants one leg at a time, and that’s when he usually stumbles over. When not writing about film or television, he patiently waits for the next Pearl Jam album and chooses to pass the time by scratching his wife’s back on Sunday afternoons while she watches endless reruns of California Dreams. M.N. Miller was proclaimed the smartest reviewer alive by actor Jason Isaacs but chose to ignore his obvious sarcasm. you may also find his work on Hidden Remote, InSession Film, Ready Steady Cut, Geek Vibes Nation, and Nerd Alert.
