INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Dog Man. Please note that this is just one of the many movies I will have watched each year, and my initial grade for this film may change over time, for better or worse. To stay up to date on my thoughts about other movies and any potential changes in my opinion on this one, follow me on Letterboxd.
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PLOT
Via Letterboxd: When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve - and fetch, sit, and roll over. As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief, he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat.
REVIEW
I vaguely remember when I was a kid, and the Captain Underpants book series was all the rage among some of my classmates. In the decades since, Captain Underpants even made its way to the big screen with an animated film adaptation in 2017. Naturally, I’ve grown much older since those days and had no idea that Dav Pilkey, the author behind the series, didn’t stop there. Turns out, he’s continued creating stories that follow a similar formula; absurd goofy comedy geared towards a young kids, unique world-building, and a distinct artistic style that stands out from other kids books.
One of his more recent successes is the Dog Man series, a wildly inventive story about a crime-fighting hero who had the body of a man and the head of a dog; a Frankenstein-like creation that walks on two legs, fights crime as a cop, and embodies the chaos of Pilkey’s trademark style of humor. Now, eight years after Captain Underpants got its big-screen moment, Dog Man gets its turn.
I’ll admit, I didn’t go into my Saturday morning press screening with much enthusiasm. The trailers didn’t grab me, and the whole concept felt like it skewed too young for my tastes; something better suited to elementary schoolers than a Saturday morning for a jaded adult like me. From the start, the first act did little to change my perception. The premise felt too far-fetched for me to suspend my disbelief, and the humor leaned heavily into slapstick and juvenile jokes that didn’t land. The pacing was frantic, almost chaotic, with little room to breathe between plot points or gags. By about the twenty minute mark, I was already mentally drafting a less-than-glowing review, convinced this was destined to land squarely in C-tier territory for me.
And then…the second act hit.
The marketing for this movie has heavily leaned on showcasing its rough first act. Because of this, I was completely caught off guard by where the film goes in the second act. What starts as a wacky, silly and goofy kids' movie featuring Dog Man continuously foiling Petey the Cat’s antics evolves into something much more meaningful. The plot unexpectedly deepens, weaving in themes of family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, community, and even faith in humanity. It’s a surprising shift that adds emotional weight to the story, transforming it from pure slapstick chaos into something with some real heartfelt ambition.
This tonal evolution pulled me in. At first, I struggled to connect with the movie’s vibes. But as the story found its footing, I found myself not only invested in the protagonists but also sympathizing with the antagonist in ways I didn’t expect. It’s rare for a film aimed at kids to explore the vulnerabilities of its villain with such care, and it was a refreshing touch that elevated the narrative.
A lot of credit goes to the stellar voice cast, who breathe life into these quirky characters. Director Peter Hastings lends his voice to Dog Man. Pete Davidson’s performance as Petey the Cat deserves special mention, he brought so much nuance to the role that I didn’t even realize it was him until the credits rolled. Isla Fisher is delightful as Sarah Hatoff. Ricky Gervais, to my surprise, delivered a restrained and endearing take as Flippy (for once, he wasn’t grating to hear!). And Lil Rel Howery injected great personality and humor into the Police Chief, adding another layer of fun to the ensemble.
Another standout aspect of the film is its stunning animation. The artistry on display is nothing short of amazing. The character designs are vibrant and unique, staying true to the scrappy charm of Dav Pilkey’s books while elevating them with cinematic polish. The production design is equally impressive, creating a world that feels alive, colorful, and bursting with personality. Even during the rough patches of the first act, the animation alone kept me engaged. From dynamic action sequences to inventive uses of visual effects, the film continually finds ways to surprise and delight visually. It’s the kind of attention to detail that you can tell the animators poured their hearts into, and it pays off in a big way.
Ultimately, this film is much more than the chaotic kids’ comedy it’s marketed as. It has depth, heart, and creativity that will surprise anyone who gives it a chance. What starts as a cartoonish romp transforms into a meaningful story about connection, growth, and finding hope in the unlikeliest of places.
That said, I can’t pretend that the movie’s flaws completely vanish in the second half. The humor remains firmly geared toward younger kids. For adults, this style might feel a little grating or overly simplistic at times. Additionally, the pacing doesn’t fully smooth out; it still leans heavily into a frantic, almost episodic rhythm that occasionally sacrifices depth for speed.
If you don’t have much patience for kids’ humor or a healthy dose of sentimentality, this might not be your cup of tea. It unapologetically leans into its youthful energy and heartfelt themes, which may not resonate with those looking for something more understated or mature.
That said, flaws and all, Dog Man managed to win me over, making it the first pleasant surprise of 2025 for me. Clocking in at around 90 minutes, it’s a compact, entertaining ride that’s sure to keep younger kids engaged while also delivering a nuanced message about seeing the good in others. It’s a film with heart, humor, and a clear understanding of its audience, and while it may not reach the lofty heights of certain animated classics, it succeeds at what it sets out to do.
My initial grade? A straight up B. It’s not perfect, but it’s far more thoughtful and charming than I ever expected, and that alone earns it a recommendation from me.
GRADING