Home > Movies > Movie Review > Underdog

Underdog

There's good reason to fear that this movie is here

By Geoff Berkshire, Metromix

August 3, 2007

Critic's Rating:

• Email
• Print View
• Share
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Reddit
  • Mixx
  • Mister Wong
  • Yahoo Buzz
  • Yahoo
• Add To Favorites
• Add to playlist

After an unremarkable police dog (voiced by Jason Lee) crosses paths with a mad scientist (Peter Dinklage), the beagle becomes canine superhero Underdog. With the help of his new owner (Alex Neuberger) he fights crime and takes down the bad guys.

Big question: Can a classic cartoon hold up in live action?

Skip it: The answer is immediately obvious once the animated opening comes to a close: no. The special effects used to make Underdog super are serviceable enough but this is cut-rate uninspired "family entertainment" all the way. All the actors would be wise to leave this off their resume but Lee's dull voiceover is particularly damaging.

Catch it: At least there's something unique about seeing a dog fly through one wall of an office building, tear through multiple cubicles and then bust back out the other side.

Bottom line: Saying this is a movie for kids is no excuse. No matter the age, everyone deserves better than “Underdog.”

Bonus: It's probably a good idea to skip the hot dog at the concession stand. As Jack explains to his concerned pup, hot dogs aren't actually made out of dogs, they're “just animal parts: noses, hooves, intestines.”

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.