Review: Dog Man – The Perfect Kids’ Movie

Dog Man’s Bark Hits the Big Screen

If you’re a comic enthusiast or a parent, you likely know Dog Man. This graphic novel sensation by Dav Pilkey stemmed from the famed Captain Underpants series. Dog Man is a whirlwind of humor tailored for young minds, bursting with silliness. Now, DreamWorks Pictures brings this hilarity to the big screen, spinning one of its earliest tales.

The Creation of a Hero

Peter Hastings wears dual hats as screenwriter and director, seamlessly weaving multiple book narratives. The story begins with Officer Knight and his partner dog, Greg. Their attempts to catch the diabolical cat, Petey, end in catastrophe. Only experimental surgery could save them, resulting in the fusion of Greg the Dog’s head with Officer Knight’s body. Thus, Dog Man emerges as a kung fu-fighting hero, known for solving crime and loving a good game of fetch.

Dog Man (voiced by Hastings) constantly battles with Petey the Cat, voiced by Pete Davidson, who is always one step ahead. A twist arises when the mayor, played by Cheri Oteri, stops Dog Man from capturing Petey. However, the narrative flips when Lil’ Petey, radiating innocence, enters their world.

A Villain’s Redemption?

While chaos reigns with Petey and the revived telekinetic fish Flippy, kids’ laughter echoes throughout theaters. The excitement reminds us of seeing beloved comic characters on screen for the first time. The film’s unique animation, mimicking stop motion, was a smart choice. It resembles tactile adventures akin to Wallace and Gromit, inviting interaction through play.

Visually, Dog Man uses onomatopoeias and comic book aesthetics, creating a dynamic allure. Although I delved into wikias for greater understanding, Dog Man’s tale of good and mischief remains engaging. Petey’s relationship with Lil Petey provides emotional depth not typical for a villain. But Dog Man himself is straightforward—purely good.

Kid-Friendly Triumph

This film doesn’t cater to adults. Instead, it sparkles for children and fans of Dog Man alike. The spotlight shines when Lil Petey arrives, morphing the tale for all ages. Lil Petey’s wisdom and charm make an inspiring impact, rivaling Naruto’s famed Talk No Jutsu. Dog Man emerges as a standout in cinema made for kids, not bending to adult preferences.