DreamWorks Animation has unleashed Dog Man, a barking mad, tail-wagging adventure that is equal parts absurd, hilarious, and downright paw-some. It’s a movie that throws everything at the kennel wall, and while not every gag sticks, the ones that do will have audiences howling with laughter. For families and fans of Dav Pilkey’s beloved books, Dog Man is a real treat—fetching up plenty of action, slapstick, and heart in one delightfully animated underdog story.
Part dog, part man, and all hero, Dog Man follows the misadventures of a loyal police pup who, after an unusual life-saving surgery, becomes a crime-fighting canine-human hybrid. While he’s determined to impress his gruff Chief (Lil Rel Howery), his biggest challenge isn’t just chasing down crooks—it’s proving he can sit, stay, and save the day. Meanwhile, his archenemy, the mischievous Petey the Cat (voiced to purr-fection by Pete Davidson), is up to no good, attempting to clone himself for maximum chaos. But when Lil Petey, his pint-sized copy, turns out to be more cuddly than criminal, the film takes an unexpected turn into a surprisingly touching story about found family.
From its opening moments, Dog Man is barking up the right tree, with gloriously over-the-top animation that bursts with energy. It’s got the same playful, rubbery movement that made Captain Underpants a hit, and the film’s vibrant color palette ensures it remains visually exciting. There’s a doggone good balance of frenetic action and slapstick comedy, making it feel like a true throwback to classic Looney Tunes-style antics.
The voice cast is one of Dog Man’s strongest assets. Pete Davidson’s performance as Petey is fur-midable, bringing just the right level of sarcasm and self-awareness. Isla Fisher shines as news reporter Sarah Hatoff, and Stephen Root delivers some scene-stealing moments as Grampa. Ricky Gervais as Flippy the fish? Pure catnip for fans of his snarky wit. But the biggest surprise is Davidson, who delivers some of his best voice work yet, making Petey both hilarious and oddly lovable.
As much fun as Dog Man is, it’s not quite the ulti-mutt animated classic. Some of the jokes feel a little overplayed, and while the story zips along at a breakneck pace, it occasionally loses its leash, bouncing from one zany set piece to the next without much time to breathe. The film is undeniably entertaining, but at times, it feels like a hyperactive puppy—adorable, but exhausting.
That said, it’s hard to stay mad at Dog Man when it’s so eager to please. It’s the kind of film that knows exactly what it is: a tail-wagging, action-packed ride designed to make kids giggle and adults smile.
Dog Man is a real underdog success, delivering big laughs, energetic animation, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about family and redemption. It may not be top dog in the animated movie world, but it’s certainly no dog’s dinner either. If you’re looking for a fun, old-school animated romp that the whole family can enjoy, this one’s worth digging into.
DOG MAN AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO BUY OR RENT STARTING MARCH 10 FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
For more information on DOG MAN, please visit:
Website: https://www.dreamworksdogman.com/
Facebook: @dreamworksdogman
Instagram: @universalathome | @dreamworksdogman
#DogManMovie
