Unleashing Potential: A Deep Dive into ‘Dog Man’ – What the Film Misses” | InSession Film

Director: Peter Hastings
Writers: Peter Hastings, Dav Pilkey
Starring: Pete Davidson, Poppy Liu, Lil Rel Howery

Synopsis: Meet Dog Man, a unique hero who is part dog and part man. His mission? To protect and serve while chasing down the sneaky villain, Petey the Cat.

Dav Pilkey’s beloved Captain Underpants series wrapped up in 2015 after thrilling young readers for nearly twenty years. Kids couldn’t wait for Scholastic Book Fairs to grab these interactive graphic novels. After the last book, fans wondered what would come next. Luckily, Pilkey quickly introduced Dog Man, which hit the shelves in 2016. In just nine years, this spin-off has celebrated over 13 new books and is now making its way to the big screen.

The movie Dog Man tells the origin story of our quirky hero. After an accident injures police officer Knight and his dog, Greg, surgeons unite their remaining parts to create Dog Man—a cop with a human body and a dog’s head.

While the film aims for a fast-paced adventure, it doesn’t quite capture the charm of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. This new film feels like what fans expected from the earlier adaptation, with its vibrant graphics and humorous tone. The original Captain Underpants movie expanded its characters and story arcs beautifully, but Dog Man falls short. The pacing can become overwhelming, and some of the elements that make the books so enjoyable get lost along the way.

In the story, Dog Man chases after Petey, the orange cat with a knack for mischief. However, the rapid storytelling often leaves little room for the audience to fully engage. Fun side characters, like Chief and Sarah Hatoff, add a bit of humor, but the epic confrontations between Dog Man and Petey can feel repetitive, making the excitement wear thin.

Things take a turn when Petey tries to clone himself and instead creates a child version, Li’l Petey, voiced by Lucas Hopkins Calderone. This shift slows down the action, allowing viewers a moment to breathe and reconnect with the story. The film explores themes of friendship and joy as Dog Man helps Li’l Petey learn about life.

Eventually, the plot thickens when Flippy, a telekinetic fish revived by Petey, sets out to cause chaos. Dog Man and Petey must join forces, leading to reflections on what truly matters. Although there are attempts at emotional depth, the characters’ development feels thin, leaving their moments a bit flat. In contrast, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie successfully translated its source material into a relatable story for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Visually, the film excels, showcasing delightful 3D characters that pop off the screen. While the story may falter, Peter Hastings manages to bring Dav Pilkey’s imaginative world to life. Viewers will appreciate the vibrant animation, especially if they are familiar with the books. The chaotic visuals convey the energy and silliness that fans expect, even if the plot struggles at times.

In the end, Dog Man provides a fun experience for younger audiences. The animation keeps the spirit of Dav Pilkey’s work lively, especially once Li’l Petey comes into the picture. Yet, the disjointed narrative and relentless pace might leave some feeling overwhelmed. It’s an entertaining watch, but those unfamiliar with the franchise may find it lacking.

Grade: C