Dog Man is a lively and action-packed adaptation of Dav Pilkey's beloved graphic novels, delivering plenty of humour and heart. The story follows Dog Man, a half-human, half-canine police officer created through an unusual medical procedure, as he battles his arch-nemesis Petey the Cat. Things take an unexpected turn when Petey clones himself, creating Lil Petey, a kind-hearted kitten who bonds with Dog Man. As the unlikely trio is forced to work together when Lil Petey is kidnapped, the film explores themes of family and redemption while keeping the action fast and the jokes constant. The animation stays true to the book's exaggerated, sketch-like style, though its quality feels closer to a TV movie than a full theatrical release. The voice cast, including Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery and Lucas Hopkins Calderon, adds charm and energy, helping bring the colourful characters to life.
While Dog Man succeeds in capturing the book's silly and chaotic tone, its relentless pace and non-stop gags may be overwhelming for older viewers. The humour is aimed squarely at children, with plenty of visual slapstick and absurd moments that will keep younger audiences entertained, but it may lack the depth to fully engage adults. At under 90 minutes, the film is short enough to hold kids' attention without dragging, making it an easy and enjoyable watch for families. Though it may not reach the heights of the best animated films, its strong voice performances and faithful adaptation of the source material ensure that fans of the books will find plenty to enjoy.
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