Based mostly on the favored graphic novel sequence by Dav Pilkey and spun off from his “Captain Underpants” franchise, “Canine Man” will get the big-screen therapy in an adaptation that captures the spirit of the canine hero. Nevertheless, whether or not it resonates absolutely might rely upon how a lot you’re a fan of the books. As somebody who’s, I’d argue that the story lands a lot better on the web page whereas the 90-minute film, whereas enjoyable at occasions, usually feels extra suited to a tv or streaming format with bite-sized, 20-minute episodes.
Because it stands, “Canine Man” has the texture of a “Saturday Evening Dwell” sketch that’s been stretched right into a feature-length manufacturing. Whereas the a lot better “Captain Underpants” film discovered a pleasant steadiness, this one misses the mark, missing the vibrancy and constant laughs of the unique supply materials.
Director Peter Hastings has assembled a powerful ensemble solid, together with Lil Rel Howery, Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher, and the formidable Ricky Gervais voicing an evil robotic (and psychokinetic!) fish. Whereas these voices give the movie star energy, the humor and power that characterize the books are sometimes absent. The story has loads of dog-chasing-a-squirrel enthusiasm that can undoubtedly energize youthful viewers, however mother and father would possibly battle to search out a lot to snicker at—apart from the occasional winks to “Die Exhausting” and “Apocalypse Now.”
Visually, the movie pops with a storybook-like high quality, giving it a strong cinematic sheen. Nonetheless, it does not fairly measure as much as the attraction of the current DreamWorks animated movie “The Wild Robotic,” which had extra visible richness. Nonetheless, the origin story—the place a policeman’s physique is stitched onto the pinnacle of a canine after a bomb explodes—provides occasional bursts of enjoyable, particularly because the movie performs with animated conventions. Phrases like “Dun, Dun, Dunnn” manifest out of skinny air in daring, comic-book type lettering and absurd buildings are whimsically described as “dwelling spray factories.” It’s the sort of wacky premise that solely animation might convey to life.
Nevertheless, there’s rather a lot taking place right here. Along with the standard Canine Man antics, the movie introduces a bunch of subplots. The first antagonist, Petey the Cat (voiced by Davidson), resides in an evil lair adorned with huge “Petey’s Hideout” indicators. He additionally has a cute, unintentional clone, Li’l Petey, created after Petey ordered a cloning machine on-line. There’s additionally a one involving the chief of police (voiced hilariously by Howery) and his not-so-secret crush on an area TV reporter (Fisher), who, together with Canine Man, is attempting to stop Petey from breaking out of jail as soon as once more. As if that weren’t sufficient, the movie throws in a psychokinetic fish named Flippy (Gervais having a blast) and a military of buildings that come to life.
On the web page, these chaotic moments move seamlessly, permitting readers to take their time with the jokes and set their very own rhythm. However within the movie, most of that will get rushed, and a few artistic choices really feel pressured. For example, Canine Man’s temporary moments of melancholy about his former life by no means really feel absolutely developed and appear included merely to pad the runtime. Different facets, such because the stereotypical shouting police chief, come off as makes an attempt to drum up laughs by any means obligatory—particularly within the overstimulating third act, which leans closely on fart and bathroom humor.
Whereas some voice performances miss the mark, the one actor who appears to know the campy nature of Pilkey’s supply materials is Gervais, who delivers his function with gusto. Davidson, however, appears content material to coast by way of his strains with out a lot enthusiasm. That mentioned, there’s definitely a spot within the animated world for a hero like Canine Man, and regardless that the movie’s broad strokes on themes like friendship, parenthood, and teamwork might not be revolutionary, they nonetheless provide one thing for younger viewers. The ebook stays superior, however as most children (and fogeys) will agree, we already knew that.
DOG MAN is now enjoying in theaters.