Dog Man
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
In opening up the discussion on the cultural phenomenon of Dog Man, you should take a step back and familiarise yourself with Captain Underpants. Children’s comic book author Dav Pilkey has been working on projects over the years that have captured children's imaginations of multiple generations and impacted parents' budgets worldwide. Along with many of his other titles, the Captain Underpants series was a huge hit, but the spin-off of Dog Man took Pilkey’s fame to new crime-fighting heights.
Thankfully, I entered the theatre for the screening of Dog Man with my grandson, a resident expert on the subject. As we travelled to the event, George explained all of the nuances of this crime-fighting man with a dog’s head grafted on after a near-death experience when trying to apprehend the villainous orange cat named Petey (Pete Davidson). Yes, it is a bizarre concept, but understand that the comics are written from the perspective of George and Harold, nine-year-old boys who develop this world. A city where Dog Man (Peter Hastings) fights crime alongside Chief (Lil Rel Howery) and must do all he can to keep Petey and his family from taking over the city with the help of numerous robots and telekinetic Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais). In this world, value is placed on tennis balls, ridding the world of squirrels and seeing the potential good in everyone, especially the villain’s clone, Li'l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon).
For all those reading this and find yourself struggling to follow the logic or any of the storylines, the key to enjoying this film and unpacking its appeal is to find a pre-teen boy to go along with you, have him explain every element of the tale and all will be made clear. Dreamworks has tapped into an imaginative reality created by Dav Pilkey and director Peter Hastings that goes beyond comprehension. Yet, they unapologetically acknowledge their audience and give them everything, I mean everything, these young boys want in a crime-fighting hero. There is no need for reason to apply to this film and timelines don’t need to make sense in this world, which moves along with logic that only makes sense in the minds of those who adore this book series and its unlikely canine protagonist. Like a new roller coaster at the local theme park, if you allow yourself to get on the ride and let it take you where it wants to, this could be a thrilling afternoon of family entertainment.
Despite being confused and wondering what had just happened as the closing credits rolled, I turned to my grandson. He looked at me with an enthusiastic look, shook his head with satisfaction and said, “Now, wasn’t that a good movie, grandpa?” All could say, “Yeah, through your eyes, today that was a good movie, George.” Dog Man is one of those films that is comfortable in its own skin and delivers precisely what it is meant to provide. It is a film about dogs, cats, tennis balls, robots, telekinetic fish, and laughs for all the children who have loved these books over the years. This review can be wrapped up in that one-sentence review from my grandson, and all I could do was agree and enjoy the conversation on the train ride home.
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What do parents need to know about Dog Man?
The best advice for anyone taking their child to this film is to read one or more of the Dog Man books. Better yet, let your son or grandson read it to you. It will make no sense because the story comes from the nonsensical minds of pre-teenage boys. Still, when you hear their enthusiasm and excitement about the storyline, it is no wonder this film will have so much laughter during your screening. If there are any warnings for children, this isn't really for little children. From experience, all those under the age of five will struggle to keep up with this film. Otherwise, this is the film for you this season for all those with tweens in the house.
Some conversation suggestions for your own Dog Man fan…
Surprisingly, there are some meaningful and worthwhile discussion points for parents to ask of the kids on the car ride home after the film.
Why is Lil’ Petey able to be liked by everyone? (Innocent love for others)
John 13:34b - Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
What’s important about family and forgiving one another? (Family members make mistakes, but forgiveness helps to love one another)
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
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