Dog Man Review
January 2025 really feels unique for how many films that utilize sentient animals (ending with “Man”) as hooks. Earlier this year, Robbie Williams’ Better Man developed a cult following hot off its Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. A few weeks later, Blumhouse’s Wolf Man crept into theaters as James Wan and Leigh Whannell gave us some good scares. Surprisingly, in the best way possible, there’s one more film to round out that trifecta: DreamWorks’ Dog Man. As a family movie, it’s very refreshing, but as an animated movie, it certainly goes buck wild.
Dog Man, which is based on Dav Pilkey’s graphic novels, follows the canine cop’s heroic endeavors. Due to an explosive accident, both Knight, the human, and Greg the dog undergo a life-changing surgery. With Dog Man birthed into the world, he begins endlessly battling his rival and nemesis, Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson). However, when an unexpected arrival, Li’l Petey, comes into the picture, Dog Man and Petey’s dynamic takes on these unusual changes.
If you’re a fan of Dog Man, then you know that he doesn’t usually talk that much. However, the way that director Peter Hastings uses (and voices) him gives fans some very hilarious moments. Most of the jokes involving Dog Man are hilarious, especially given his interactions with the over-the-top Chief (Lil Rel Howery). As his primary way of communication is through barks and growls, some may think he’s unable to fully convey his emotions. Yet, the editing, with some specific moments, really helps us connect with what he’s actually going through. He doesn’t want to let go of the thing that connects him to the past, and Hastings shows this nicely.
As for Petey the Cat, he takes on a huge transformation that fans will be able to recognize. Initially, he acts like the main villain of the film, which does follow in vein for what he also does in the books. However, he’s so comically evil to the point where you can’t help but enjoy what he does. There’s a whole meta-action montage with Petey using his complicated inventions to take down Dog Man, some of which adds to the film’s comedy perfectly. Furthermore, his pessimistic banter with his “assistant” Butler (Poppy Liu) also lends some funny moments as she wants nothing to do with it!
It’s when Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins) gets introduced that the film starts to take a turn. When he’s first introduced, it’s mostly played for laughs as his naivete about Petey’s plans gets the two into some playful messes. He’s a chaotically good counter to Petey’s dastardly personality, but by the second act, there’s this drastic change. There’s this change in Petey that sees him embodying this fatherly figure for Li’l Petey in his own goofy, yet sweet way. For fans, this bit was an exciting prospect in the book, but for those going in blind, this bond has its own subtle speciality about it.
However, by the third act, Dog Man’s tone almost takes this 180-turn. The lightheartedness of the film dims down for more dramatic tension when Li’l Petey finds himself in the hands of Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais). The visual overlays really make this clear, where these burning hues make you feel on edge. Plus, with all the grand “kaiju”-esque action, it really starts to feel like somewhat of a monster flick. Yet, it still retains that family-friendly element, so even though it gets a little dark, you know everyone will be okay.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Dog Man’s story doesn’t incorporate some mature themes. In fact, its most important theme is that there’s good in everything, but we have to make the small changes first. Through Petey and Li’l Petey’s relationship and how Petey develops this familial bond with Li’l Petey, this message is intricately woven. On the more subtle end, Dog Man being conflicted about whether to hold on to this item from his past also builds on this. He doesn’t really see the good in Petey because of their long lasting rivalry, which is tethered by this little ball he has. These two arcs find themselves wrapping around each other in this fun back-and-forth, even if the breakneck pacing of the film feels brisk.
Overall, Dog Man is a very entertaining and hilarious movie that happily celebrates one of Dav Pilkey’s iconic characters. Plus, it does a good job delivering an important message about being optimistic and finding the good in everything. With the slick animation and visual designs by DreamWorks as well, this film is certainly a good follow-up to the Captain Underpants animated franchise.
Dog Man arrives in theaters Friday, January 31.
Rating
★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.