Weird AF ‘Dog Man’ Movie: Sweet, Wacky Spin-off for Kids

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In a wildly entertaining film version of Dav Pilkey’s hit series “Dog Man,” which is a spin-off from his beloved “Captain Underpants,” we find a peculiar adaptation that combines absurdity with warmth, targeting younger audiences. The narrative could easily be plucked from a horror script. A dedicated police officer and his devoted canine companion are inexplicably merged following an explosion orchestrated by their seemingly arch-nemesis. Indeed, our four-legged protagonist, now ambulating on two legs with thumbs for opposable digits, communicates only through barks and yips. Yet, he remains the most competent officer and the truest friend to the residents of Ohkay City.

For those new to the world of Dog Man, a brief introduction will help clarify some confusing parts in the initial act. In this story, specific locations are usually referred to as streets or warehouses unless they hold significance for the plot. This includes the villain’s hideout, which is described as a place with neon lights and signs guiding you there, making it comically hard to find, adding to the strained humor.

Supa Copz

The story truly kicks off when Officer Knight and his dog Greg are merged together. This unique character, Dog Man, brought to life by writer/director Peter Hastings (through either voice acting or barking), resembles a patchwork Frankenstein. However, the malicious orange cat Petey (played by Pete Davidson) remains at large and is determined to complete his mission. Meanwhile, Chief (Lil Rel Howery), often envious of Dog Man’s popularity, faces an ultimatum from the stern Mayor (Cheri Oteri). Either find a solution to keep Petey locked up permanently, or both the Chief and he will be out of work.

In the meantime, Petey is struggling to find a solution as the annoyance from Dog Man persists. He ponders over what new device he could create to eliminate this persistent curse once and for all. So far, nothing has been successful. However, an idea to clone himself brings about unforeseen consequences that necessitate significant changes not only for Petey but also for his drooling adversary.

In an unexpected twist, the movie “Dog Man” delves into the hardships that a half-human, half-canine character might encounter. The heart-wrenching moments where our forlorn hero pines for his ex-girlfriend truly tug at one’s heartstrings. It’s not entirely surprising that the story chose to part ways with her character; after all, maintaining a light-hearted tone while depicting a dog licking human faces could have led to some rather awkward interpretations.

David Hastings, a renowned figure in animation production (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and direction (The Country Bears)), seems to have tossed a somewhat mischievous bone to keep the adult audience engaged. This tactic works effectively at first, but the comedy eventually becomes too absurd for its own good.

In the style of Captain Underpants, Dog Man’s visual effects take their cue. The movies share comparable CGI characters with sketched details, but Dog Man elevates 3D rendering and point-of-view angles. The pursuit scenes are quite dynamic as Petey, Dog Man, and other foes wreck Ohkay City, much like a rampaging Godzilla. The violence remains cartoonish, devoid of graphic depictions of destruction. Supporting characters in CGI form scatter for cover but never find themselves truly endangered. It’s evident that several action-packed showdowns are geared towards commercial success, with future video games and toys possibly in the pipeline.

Love Conquers All, Et Cetera

It seems to me that Hastings’ script is overly complex, as it appears to have merged various elements from the comic books. There’s a noticeable departure from the main plot, which leads the story on an unexpected path. The movie conveys a lesson about how one’s upbringing impacts life choices. In essence, Petey reflects his surroundings. His resentment and bitterness stem from his abandonment experiences.

In the world of Dog Man, Hastings presents Petey and Dog Man learning valuable lessons from a common source that helps resolve their ongoing disputes. It’s suggested that deep within them lies an inherent goodness, which can flourish with nurturing. The story carries a theme that love has the power to overcome all obstacles, but sometimes it may feel heavy or drag on. Even though Dog Man clocks in at just under 90 minutes, there are moments where the pacing could be smoother.

Come for ‘The Bad Guys’ Short, Stay for the Weirdness

In an unexpected twist, the “Bad Guys” manage to steal the show with their amusing short film that precedes the main feature. Despite being a prelude, it outshines the main event in terms of entertainment value and simplicity. Typically, opening acts can overshadow the main performance, but here, the situation is quite the opposite. By the time Dog Man begins, you’re already feeling upbeat and giggling thanks to their antics. Although the laughter might not be as hearty later on, the cheerful atmosphere remains intact.

Dog Man is primarily geared towards young readers who enjoy the series, but it may not hold much fascination for those past elementary school. However, it’s far from being dull or unengaging after a certain point in life. The quirky factor remains consistent throughout, making it at least unique.
The stitched neck of Dog Man did give me the chills.
Dog Man is an animated production by DreamWorks Animation, set to hit theaters on January 31st, distributed by Universal Pictures.

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2025-01-29 20:02