‘Dog Man’ Reviewed By a 9-Year-Old Superfan

I wouldn’t dare say my nine-year-old has a better grasp on movie criticism than I do. For one, the backlash on social media would be harsh if I admitted that! And secondly, I don’t believe that’s always the case. (For instance, her take on Last Year at Marienbad was far from spot-on.)

These days, I find myself more captivated by my daughter’s perspectives on children’s movies rather than my own. Since she is the intended audience for these films, it makes sense that they resonate with her more. She is a remarkably insightful and expressive young girl. In 2023, when she was just seven years old, I found our post-movie discussions to be significantly more engaging than the movies themselves. This sparked my interest in writing about them, starting with Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, and moving on to all the 2024 children’s films we watched together (alongside her younger sister), such as Despicable Me 4, Wicked, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

In 2023 and 2024, the Dog Man graphic novels by Dav Pilkey became our favorite bedtime stories. Given that we’ve read every single one together, I was eager to hear her take on the Dog Man movie. The series is known for its playful humor, corny jokes, and surprisingly deep themes about morality, compassion, and suffering. I read each book aloud to the kids, and they enjoyed them so much that they’ve since reread many of them independently. They genuinely adore Dog Man.

Following the private viewing of the “Dog Man” film, over some classic hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya, we shared our individual impressions. Was the essence of the books preserved on screen? Were there any missteps? What message does this movie convey about heroes and villains? As a cinema enthusiast, these thoughts crossed my mind too.

Occasionally, our dialogue veered towards my nine-year-old mercilessly teasing me for my perceived foolishness (a regular occurrence I’ve grown accustomed to, alas). At different moments, however, the talk transformed into a profound and surprising discourse on the topics of grief and loss. What you are about to read is a minimally altered account of this heartfelt exchange.

Note: The phrase “my nine-year-old” can be replaced with “the child” or “the kid” for a more casual tone, as appropriate for a first-person movie critic perspective. For example: “At times, the conversation veered towards the kid mercilessly teasing me for my perceived foolishness (a regular occurrence I’ve grown accustomed to, alas). At different moments, however, the talk transformed into a profound and surprising discourse on the topics of grief and loss.

DAD: So what did you think of the movie?

It was super good.

But was it “supa” good?

“Supa.” [Laughs]

Did you think that they did a good job capturing the books?

Indeed, the story presented everything crucial to its narrative. Some minor details may have been omitted, such as providing more insight into Lil’ Petey’s grandfather, who appears frequently in the books. However, overall, I found it engaging and well-executed.

Absolutely, I appreciated the way they managed to convey the ambiance of the books. The scenes seemed reminiscent of the novels themselves, with dialogues taken directly from them. By the way, how is your hot dog? Aren’t you having it?

Yeah. It’s just hot.

I see. It was great to see so many characters in the movie. They managed to include numerous characters from multiple books. However, Li’l Petey and 80-HD weren’t introduced until later novels, not in the initial ones.

The first two books were all about Dog Man.

Right.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you, when Little Pete enters the scene, it’s like he adds that extra touch of magic that elevates everything. His presence just seems to enhance the entire experience for me.

He’s kind of the best character.

[with mouth full of hot dog] Mmmhmm. [imitating Li’l Petey] “Whyyyyyyyy?”

They did that multiple times. One of our favorite running gags from the books.

Yeah, that’s really funny.

Not when you do it to me.

Yes it is. You know it is.

Okay, it’s a little funny.

When we’re reading books, we give each character their own unique voice. Personally, I thought I did a great job with Petey’s voice. What did you think about the voices in the movie? Were they well-done?

A few of the characters had accents. Like Sarah Hatoff. [Voiced by Isla Fisher]

And Flippy. [Voiced by Ricky Gervais]

In my opinion, Petey’s voice in the show was slightly different from what I had pictured. However, when reading the books, we get to shape each character’s voice ourselves. It doesn’t have to match exactly with how it’s portrayed. But I must say, they did a fantastic job. I found myself particularly fond of Chief, voiced by Lil Rel Howery.

You liked Chief’s voice?

In every book, Dog Man jumps on Chief and Chief’s always like “No, get off me! Bad Dog Man!”

And that was in the movie too.

I really liked that.

I’d like to ask you about the “Living Spray” from the movie. In this factory, they produce a substance called Living Spray which has the power to animate objects. Naturally, it brings various creatures and even structures to life, including Flippy and buildings. But here’s the catch: it seems like these living creations often turn out to be malevolent monsters that wreak havoc on the city. So, my question is, why create a substance that causes destruction instead of promoting peace and harmony? Doesn’t it seem like a risky or even dangerous idea?

[sigh] Dad. This is a book, a made-up book. Living Spray isn’t real.

Oh.

Also, what else would make Flippy alive?

That’s true.

Speaking of Flippy, in the beginning they don’t really talk about Flippy — [getting more animated]

Just be careful. Don’t, don’t —

[waves hot dog more dramatically] He’s a dead fish, but like —

You’re waving around your hot dog. I just don’t want you to drop it before you can finish it.

[Puts down hot dog] They don’t even explain what happened to Flippy.

While they offer some insight, I concur with you; it was somewhat confusing. It seemed like they hurried through introducing Flippy. He deserved his own film rather than being included as a secondary character in a movie where he was merely portrayed as the villain as an afterthought.

It’s similar to not having read the books and then finding yourself puzzled, as if you’re asking “What?” or “What’s going on here?

If you haven’t read the books, I believe parts of Dog Man might be a bit puzzling due to its rapid pacing through plot and characters. A thought I have, and I’d love your take on it: While the title suggests that Dog Man is the main character, in my opinion, Petey seems more intriguing. What do you think about this assessment?

Petey and Li’l Petey. I think this is because you can’t always see how Dog Man is changing.

Well, he can’t talk.

Yes, you can indeed perceive his emotions. He emits howls and whimpers, revealing his turmoil. Considering the hardships he’s endured, it’s quite evident that he carries a heavy burden.

Absolutely, Dog Man originally was a human who underwent a transformation where his human head was changed to that of a dog. You’re correct in saying it’s quite an extraordinary change.

No! I mean how much Petey has gone through.

Oh.

His Dad left him!

Yes, you’re right. That’s a lot to go through also. He’s a tragic figure.

His tale is quite challenging; not every aspect is joyful, yet it’s captivating to observe such a unique character. As for Li’l Petey, he’s more of a helper than anything else. He’s incredibly brave and generous. I believe the title Dog Man originated from the first book as it primarily focused on him.

A striking observation I made between the books and their film adaptations is that the books include a framing story where we learn that Dog Man is a comic book created by two children named George and Harold. The movies, however, do not incorporate this aspect in any way. Did it frustrate you at all that this detail was entirely omitted from the movie?

I didn’t delve into the world of Captain Underpants until after I had finished reading Dog Man. To be honest, the stories involving George and Harold didn’t particularly grab my attention. However, it seems that the focus is on the Dog Man movie, so it’s unclear what elements from the Captain Underpants series would be relevant to include. Perhaps they might depict a scene where George and Harold are turning pages, but that’s about it!

They could. It would explain why the world of Dog Man is so silly and strange and kid-like.

Meh. It’s great as a movie.

So you didn’t miss them.

To be honest, it’s the story itself that truly captivates me. If George and Harold are absent in a tale, I won’t mind at all. While reading, I occasionally jump ahead to get straight to the heart of the matter, so the start isn’t always essential for me.

[Exaggerated gasp] You … skipped … the George and Harold parts, didn’t you?!?

[Laughs] Well…

You’re in big trouble.

The first time we went over everything as a whole, it’s clear we read through those parts. Now, since I’ve become accustomed to them and they don’t significantly contribute to the plot, I could potentially move on without reading further.

So that’s why they could cut them out.

Yeah, or maybe they said “This movie is long enough.”

Did you have a favorite part in the movie?

I liked it all.

You liked it all?

I really liked it when Li’l Petey says “Whyyyyyyy?” I feel like that’s Li’l Petey’s catchphrase.

Is there any part of the movie you didn’t like?

It seemed unclear to me how the movie portrayed Flippy. Can you share your thoughts on the film with me instead? Instead of me constantly asking for your opinion, why don’t we discuss our own perspectives about it?

I found the movie enjoyable initially, but my interest peaked when Little Pete was introduced. It’s reminiscent of the books, which are charming at first, but gain depth once Little Pete appears and Pete becomes a complex character. In fact, they become more than just amusing; they also carry a thoughtful message. For instance, have you observed the device that Little Pete uses to save the day?

In this version, I aimed to maintain the original’s tone while making it slightly more conversational and easier for readers to follow.

I’m not sure…

What does he always give to people to cheer them up?

[Laughs] Comic books.

In this film, comic books serve as a powerful tool, and I find it fascinating that they can aid individuals in coping with their issues, navigating life’s complexities, or empathizing with others. It’s intriguing to me that such seemingly trivial comics could have such a profound impact. For me, as a child, comics were more than just entertainment; they provided comfort and guidance. While any medium can serve this purpose, the fact that Dog Man is derived from children’s comics makes this concept even more compelling.

It seems we’re delving into the morals portrayed in the film. One additional message that resonates with me is subtly conveyed – although not explicitly shown on screen, it’s detailed in the book. Petey’s mother passes away when he’s young, and his father abandons him, leaving him feeling quite lonely. It’s a painful experience to be abandoned by someone. However, life continues, and we must learn that such events occur. The memories of our loved ones may fade over time, but they will never truly disappear.

Is there a character from any story or series that resonates with you, or seems to embody aspects of your personality and feelings?

I think people can identify with Petey’s situation because we’ve all experienced losing someone or something dear to us, which leaves a lasting impact on us, often negatively. It seems inevitable that such an event happens to most of us at some point in our lives. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to feel the emotions we experience during those challenging times.

Absolutely on board with your thoughts. It’s perfectly fine for us to experience our emotions. Emotions play a crucial role indeed. So, do you find any character resembling me that you’d like to share?

Chief.

Chief? Why Chief?

He’s so funny and you’re so funny.

Oh, thank you. It’s not because he yells at Dog Man all the time?

He doesn’t yell at him all the time. I feel like it’s more of a protective thing.

Perhaps, it could be rephrased as: “Hmm, you might be right. Perhaps Chief is scolding Dog Man because he cares for him deeply.

You and your mother often caution you and your sister with phrases such as “No, no, no, you can’t do that! It’s not safe.” Sometimes, these restrictions may seem unjust to us. However, I suspect it’s because they prioritize our well-being and safety.

Now you’re getting it.

The Scariest Kids Movies in History

10. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

This cherished movie adaptation is derived from the children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” penned by Roald Dahl. It portrays a heartwarming narrative about a destitute young lad whose dreams become reality. However, upon reflection, it can be seen as a rather ominous story involving a quirky candy factory owner who selects his heir through the elimination process of several children. Seems less suitable for family viewing now.

9. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Walt Disney’s inaugural full-length animated film left no stone unturned when it came to creating a chilling atmosphere. The Haunting Trees and the malevolent queen with her sinister plans to imprison an innocent young girl’s bleeding heart in a casket were certainly disquieting elements. However, the Seven Dwarfs provided some much-needed comic relief.

8. The Last Unicorn

The 1982 animated film titled “The Last Unicorn” of both Japanese and American origin is teeming with peculiar scenes, such as meetings with a butterfly apparently under the influence, a menacing skeleton, and let’s not forget… an endowed tree. However, nothing was as terrifying as the Red Bull, a fiery red demon creature that lingers in our nightmares to this day.

7. James and the Giant Peach

Brimming with centipedes, spiders, and wicked step-mothers (oh dear!), James and the Giant Peach was quite the chilling tale for youngsters. The dark, imaginative style of producers Tim Burton and directors Henry Selick amplified the eerie narrative, causing a wave of fear among children as they watched. Does anyone else feel a shiver when they take a bite out of a peach?

6. Pinocchio

In a surprising twist, I found that the enchanting tale by Walt Disney, which I loved as a child, carries an undercurrent of darkness. For instance, Pinocchio’s demise appears quite real when he seemingly perishes, only to be miraculously brought back to life by the Blue Fairy. And then there’s Pleasure Island, where children are lured into gambling dens, smoking, and drinking, ultimately transformed into donkeys and sold off as laborers – a far cry from the innocent fun promised. It’s a rather unsettling reality hidden beneath the charming facade of the story.

5. All Dogs Go To Heaven

This movie is unique because it’s the one that depicts a dog going to Hell, whereas other beliefs suggest all dogs might reach Heaven. However, if you thought that was unsettling, wait until you see the dog-related crime syndicate and excessive violence. In the end, our protagonist Charlie sacrifices himself to save a child, but dies in the process. Since he did a good deed, he gains entry to Heaven. Yet, he still has to die, so is this a happy ending? Prepare for a childhood debate on life, death, and morality.

4. The Secret of NIMH

In a fascinating twist, the tale unfolds in the 1982 animated film The Secret of NIMH, which was loosely based on experiments conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health involving lab rats and their struggle with pneumonia and drug side-effects during the mid-20th century. Yet, you might wonder, how could such a plot make its way into a children’s movie? Indeed, it’s intriguing!

3. Watership Down

The 1972 novel “Watership Down” by Richard Adams narrates an epic journey undertaken by a group of rabbits to protect their warren from impending human danger. What we didn’t anticipate was the shocking violence depicted in this film, leaving us with vivid memories of ferocious rabbits that have forever altered our perspective on these seemingly harmless creatures. Now, bunnies may never again seem adorable to us.

2. Return to Oz

In a different tone: The film “The Wizard of Oz” had its scary parts, but its less popular follow-up, “Return to Oz,” was truly petrifying. Following her sending to electroconvulsive therapy by Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, Dorothy returns to a devastated Oz filled with new, unsettling characters. The Wheelers, a hybrid of human and bicycle, were even scarier than the Flying Monkeys. If you watched this movie as a child, you got the short end of the stick – no question about it.

1. Coraline

This animated film, titled “Coraline“, might be one of the scariest movies ever made for kids. The dark opening scene sets the tone for Coraline’s life, while the nerve-wracking encounter between Coraline and the Other Mother will leave you shaking. With its visually stunning graphics, this film is genuinely chilling, striking a nerve deep within viewers. Both children and adults may find it unsettling, as it tackles themes such as family and the value of cherishing what you have before it disappears. Despite being about an 11-year-old girl with blue hair, the movie delves into some heavy topics.

2025-01-29 20:26