[Review] — DOG MAN (★★★★★)

Hey everyone! I’m a bit late to the party, but I just had to share my excitement about the computer-animated film DOG MAN, now available exclusively on digital platforms! You can own it or rent it from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Trust me, this is a treat you don't want to miss—alongside the film, you’ll find exclusive deleted scenes, how-to-draw tutorials from the animators, hilarious recording booth bloopers, and so much more when you purchase from participating digital retailers like Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere. Plus, for those who love physical media, DOG MAN landed on Blu-ray™ and DVD on April 1, 2025.

For those unfamiliar with the story, DOG MAN is based on the wildly popular graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey. It’s directed by Peter Hastings, known for The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants and Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness. This film features an incredible cast, including Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers), Poppy Liu (Hacks), Stephen Root (Barry), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), and the one and only Ricky Gervais (The Office).

Now, here’s where the fun begins! From the creative minds at DreamWorks Animation, the geniuses behind How to Train Your Dragon and The Wild Robot, comes this fantastic adventure. When a brave police dog and his human partner get injured on the job, a wacky surgery fuses them together to create Dog Man! As he navigates his new identity and aims to impress his Chief (played by Lil Rel Howery), he must take on the mischievous Petey the Cat (voiced by Pete Davidson), who plots to clone himself and unleash an evil kitten to double his trouble. But wait! Things take an unexpected twist when that little kitten forms a surprising bond with Dog Man, revealing the power of family and friendship—even among foes!

When you purchase DOG MAN at participating retailers, you'll unlock a treasure trove of EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes with introductions by writer/director Peter Hastings, including fun moments like the “Sewer Ball Chase” and “Petey Robs Bank of Jim.”
• Meet the Pack: Go behind the scenes to see the talented actors bring the characters to life with their funniest lines!
• The Making of DOG MAN: Join ace reporter Sarah Hatoff as she uncovers the story and animation magic behind Dog Man’s big-screen debut!
• Howl to Draw Flip-O-Rama Style with head of story Anthony Zierhut, where you can learn to draw Dog Man, Petey, and Li’l Petey, and turn your creations into a Flip-O-Rama!
• Howl to Make Doughnuts for Dogs: A fun recipe to treat your furry best friend to some delicious, canine-friendly doughnuts!
• Feature Commentary with screenwriter/director Peter Hastings for some insider insights.

Now, I have to admit, my only familiarity with the DOG MAN graphic novels was spotting them on bookstore shelves. However, after seeing the marketing for the film, I was intrigued to dive into this whimsical story. The plot kicks off quickly with Officer Knight and his dog, Greg, merging into the heroic Dog Man, and it unfolds like a series of hilarious shorts, bouncing between Dog Man and his arch-nemesis, Petey—the self-proclaimed “world’s most evilest cat”—with Li’l Petey, the sweet kitten clone, tying the tale together.

To my surprise, DOG MAN has turned out to be a delightful experience! It’s packed with clever humor and that nostalgic slapstick charm reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes, all served up with stunning modern animation and a surprising amount of heart. If you haven’t seen or heard about DOG MAN yet, do yourself a favor and check it out! It’s a fantastic film for the whole family. Enjoy the adventure!

╌★★★★★