Review: 'Dog Man' is the cat's meow

2025 Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation.

The major bone that I have to pick with "Dog Man," is that the titular character is actually the least interesting of the bunch. But that doesn't stop it from being a successful, if not all that stellar, family-friendly adventure.

Grade: B

"Dog Man" is a character that first appeared in the popular graphic novels, "Captain Underpants," and was spun off as a stand-alone series in 2016. Since then, there have been more than a dozen "Dog Man" books released, having sold millions of copies. There's even a video game and now, the inevitable leap to the big-screen.

Dog Man (who barks and howls, and is the only animal in this universe incapable of English) is literally the result of a life-saving surgery that joined a dog's head to a man's body. That man happened to be a cop in OK City, so Dog Man becomes the town's lovable hero...even if his always-yelling Police Chief (voiced by Lil Rel Howery) isn't all that impressed. But when the evil Petey the Cat (voiced by Pete Davidson) comes up with a plan to clone himself as part of his plot to rule the world, things don't exactly go the way any of them expect.

While it is animated, it has that jittery "stop-motion" look popularized in other recent films like "The LEGO Movie," and it's clear that "Dog Man" is trying to channel some of that film's hip irreverence. It's not nearly as clever or as good, but it's relentless energy eventual wins you over (or pummels you into submission). It's funny enough, and there's no doubt that children and/or fans of the graphic novels will love it. But this is not top-tier. Passable and fun, sure. But destined to be a classic? Woof.

With the main character incapable of dialogue, Dog Man sort of drifts to the peripherals of the story. This movie could have easily been called "Petey the Cat," as the character is much more interesting and goes on a far-deeper journey than his canine counterpart. You sometimes forget that Dog Man is even there, or that this is his movie. But I'm sure there will be more to explore in the countless sequel films that will follow this one, should it be a box office hit.

"Dog Man" felt somewhat disposable, but it's a silly diversion and something that the whole family can enjoy. Hey, at this time of the year, I'll take it.

Grade: B

Genre: Family, Animation, Comedy.
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes.
Rated PG.

Starring (voices of): Pete Davidson, Poppy Liu, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Billy Boyd, Stephen Root.

Co-Written & Directed by Peter Hastings ("The Country Bears").

"Dog Man" is in theaters on Friday, January 31st, 2025.