Rating: 8.5/10
**This review contains spoilers.**
DreamWorks Animation’s much-anticipated “Dog Man” has finally arrived in theaters. Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novel series is brought to the big screen in a wild, action-packed adventure that’s just as goofy and heartfelt as its source material.
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Written and directed by Peter Hastings — developer and executive producer of “The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants” — the film adapts storylines from the first three “Dog Man” books while capturing the signature humor and charm that have made the series a hit for nearly a decade.
At the heart of the story is Dog Man himself, a half-man, half-dog police officer created when Officer Knight and his loyal canine, Greg, were caught in an explosion and surgically fused together, developing the precinct’s “supa cop.”
Now, with the smarts of a human and the instincts of a dog, Dog Man sets out to fight crime, facing off against his arch-nemesis Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson) and the villainous Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais).
Alongside them are Chief (Lil Rel Howery), intrepid reporter Sarah Hatoff (Isla Fisher) and Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), Petey’s innocent and ever-optimistic clone/son.
The film’s animation is a standout, embracing the hand-drawn sketchbook style of Pilkey’s original comics. DreamWorks cleverly leans into the DIY aesthetic of “Dog Man,” making the film feel like it was plucked straight from the pages of George and Harold’s homemade comics.
The vibrant colors, exaggerated expressions and action-packed sequences give the movie a kinetic energy that keeps audiences engaged, whether longtime fans or newcomers.
While “Dog Man” is packed with zany humor, it also delivers strong emotional moments, especially in the relationship between Petey, Dog Man and Li’l Petey. The film explores themes of redemption, perspective and how those with a troubled past can find their way toward good.
Davidson’s performance gives Petey an edge of reluctant villainy, but it’s Li’l Petey’s unwavering belief in him that brings surprising depth to the story. His presence serves as a bridge between Dog Man and Petey, former arch-nemeses who are forced to work together.
Petey is initially framed as the primary antagonist, but as the story unfolds, we see a redemption arc that is central to the film. While Flippy is the more immediate threat, “Dog Man” spends significant time exploring Petey’s journey — one of self-doubt, moral struggle and, ultimately, transformation.
The film challenges the notion that villains are simply “bad.” Instead, it poses a question: Are people — or cats — truly evil, or are they just shaped by their circumstances?
While the good versus evil trope can sometimes feel overused, “Dog Man” refreshes it by showing that redemption isn’t just a convenient narrative tool — it’s an ongoing process that requires effort, trust and, in Petey’s case, a very persistent, very adorable kitten clone.
The final 20 minutes of “Dog Man” go full-throttle into action-movie territory where Mecha Flippy, a psychokinetic villain fish, kidnaps Li’l Petey and threatens to destroy any “do-gooder.”
What ensues is a turn of events that could only happen in a “Dog Man” story, involving a volcano, a giant mecha mailman and several sentient buildings. The only way to stop him is for Dog Man and Petey to team up.
The subsequent delightfully chaotic battle, filled with homages to classic action films, included lines like “Get away from him, you fish” and the hilarious “Flippy ki-yay!”
Li’l Petey, never one to stay on the sidelines, escapes inside the mech suit known as 80-HD and jumps into the fight, adding to the over-the-top spectacle. It’s ridiculous, it’s thrilling and it perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of “Dog Man.”
With its mix of slapstick comedy, heartfelt storytelling and wildly inventive action sequences, “Dog Man” is a worthy adaptation that will delight both kids and nostalgic fans of Pilkey’s books.
The cast delivers striking performances — especially Davidson as the snarky yet redeemable Petey and Gervais as the hilariously sinister Flippy — while the animation brings Pilkey’s world to life in an engaging and visually dynamic way.
At its core, “Dog Man” is a film about choosing love, believing in second chances and embracing the silliness in life. Whether you’re here for the absurdity or the surprisingly touching moments, one thing is certain — this hero is paws-itively unforgettable.
