Review by Jon Donnis
Dog Man brings Dav Pilkey's beloved graphic novel series to the big screen in a fast-paced, action-packed animated comedy that delivers plenty of laughs and just enough heart. With its bright visuals, chaotic humour and a charming voice cast, the film successfully captures the spirit of the books, offering young audiences a fun-filled ride while throwing in a few clever jokes for adults. However, its relentless energy and non-stop gags may prove overwhelming for older viewers, making it a film that works best for its target audience.
The story follows the bizarre creation of Dog Man, the result of an unusual medical procedure that fuses Officer Knight with his loyal police dog, Greg. Now part man and part canine, Dog Man is determined to serve and protect, despite being just as easily distracted by belly rubs and tennis balls. His main adversary is the self-proclaimed "world's most evilest cat," Petey, voiced by Pete Davidson, whose latest scheme takes an unexpected turn when he clones himself, creating the mischievous but sweet-hearted Lil Petey. The kitten quickly bonds with Dog Man, leading to an unlikely found-family dynamic that becomes central to the film's emotional core. When Lil Petey is kidnapped by a greater threat, Dog Man and Petey must reluctantly work together, discovering that even sworn enemies can find common ground when it matters most.
Visually, the film embraces the exaggerated, sketch-like style of Pilkey's books, using bold colours and playful animation to bring the pages to life. While the art direction stays true to the source material, the animation quality itself feels closer to a TV movie than a theatrical release, which may be disappointing for those expecting something more polished. That said, the voice cast more than makes up for it. Peter Hastings provides expressive barks and grunts as Dog Man, while Pete Davidson's comedic timing as Petey steals the show. Lucas Hopkins Calderon brings warmth to Lil Petey, while Lil Rel Howery's gruff but well-meaning Chief adds extra charm to the mix. Isla Fisher, Billy Boyd and Ricky Gervais round out the supporting cast, all contributing to the film's lively, energetic tone.
The humour is packed with absurd visual gags, slapstick moments and ridiculous one-liners that will keep kids entertained throughout. The film thrives on its goofy, self-aware style, embracing Pilkey's intentionally nonsensical storytelling. However, this relentless pace can be both a strength and a weakness. While children will love the non-stop action, older viewers may find it exhausting, as the film often prioritises jokes over narrative depth. At times, it feels like a string of rapid-fire gags rather than a fully developed story, which may limit its appeal beyond its younger audience.
Despite these drawbacks, Dog Man has plenty of charm and heart, particularly in its exploration of family and redemption. Lil Petey's relationship with both Dog Man and his villainous "father" Petey gives the film an emotional weight that helps ground the chaos. Clocking in at under 90 minutes, it knows not to overstay its welcome, making it an ideal watch for kids with short attention spans.
While it may not have the sophistication of some animated films, Dog Man is a fun and faithful adaptation that delivers exactly what fans of the books would expect. The lively performances and absurd humour make it an enjoyable experience for younger audiences, even if it lacks the depth or polish to become a true classic. I score Dog Man a generous 8 out of 10.
In Cinemas now
