Dog Man (2025) Review: Entertaining for all Ages

Dog Man (2025) has everything: its themes are impactful, the story is full of action, and the striking animation does the source material justice.

Dog Man tells the story of a police officer and his loyal dog, who work together to fight crime. While attempting to capture Petey (Pete Davidson of Bodies Bodies Bodies), an evil cat who thrives on chaos, both man and dog are injured in a serious explosion. This results in the dog losing the use of his body and the man losing the use of his head. Naturally, the nurses decide that the only way to save both is to attach the canine’s head to the human’s body. And voila! Problem solved. Dog Man (Peter Hastings) emerges.

Pilkey’s stories are known for being full of heart, with realistic, thought-provoking themes and relatable characters. Thankfully, the sentiments reflected in the comics translate seamlessly to the big screen. Those unfamiliar with Dog Man may be pleasantly surprised by the earnest nature of the story and the richness of its underlying concepts. The film explores the importance of loyalty, friendship, generational trauma, and offering compassion to those around us. But most importantly, it shows how those with a dark past can change for the better and achieve redemption.

The latter is explored through Petey, who harbors layers of complexity and hurt that stem from his childhood. The character’s backstory reflects the trauma he carries from his father’s emotional abandonment and how this shaped his eventual path in life. However, after he makes a clone of himself, his son Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon), who might just be the most adorable, animated character you’ll ever see, is soft-hearted, considerate, and the key to breaking the generational trauma cycle.

In contrast to the relationship between Li’l Petey and his father, the mini feline has a beautiful bond with Dog Man. Their connection reflects the value of genuine friendships and how people find comfort in companionship amidst loneliness. Ultimately, Dog Man is the father Li’l Petey never had, and both share an optimistic outlook and see the good in the world. They gravitate toward one another as they share an unspoken understanding. The mature themes explored in the film are unexpected but highly effective and impactful.

Of course, this couldn’t have been achieved without the effort of the cast, who all do an exceptional job. Davidson is a standout and balances Petey’s sinister side and the character’s more tender moments through impeccable range and versatility. Lil Rey Howery also delivers a notable performance as Chief, demonstrating the character’s larger-than-life personality, which leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Dog Man’s biggest downfall is its attempts at humor aimed at an adult audience, as the jokes often feel somewhat random and out of place. Another drawback is that the film’s pacing can be inconsistent, particularly towards the end, when certain character arcs resolve too quickly and don’t feel earned.

Despite some flaws, Dog Man is undoubtedly a film that fans of the source material will enjoy and children unfamiliar with the comics will love. During my screening, the auditorium was filled with kids’ laughter, reflecting just how entertaining the story is for a younger audience. On the other hand, adult viewers will appreciate the narrative’s deep, meaningful themes. 

DreamWorks Animation has created stunning imagery that captures the true essence of the comic strip-style illustrations found in Pilkey’s graphic novel series and brings these cherished characters to life. Dog Man is a fun time at the cinema. The film is jam-packed with action, heart, and comedy and has a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Dog Man (2025) will be released in US theatres on January 31, 2025 and in UK & Irish cinemas on February 7, 2025.