'Dog Man' movie brings Dav Pilkey’s beloved hero to life

DreamWorks’ latest film blends action, humor, and heart while staying true to the spirit of the beloved graphic novels.

Dog Man, voiced by Peter Hastings. © DreamWorks Animation

By Novanka Laras

DreamWorks Animation’s latest film, Dog Man, delivers a vibrant, action-packed adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s best-selling graphic novel series. Directed by Peter Hastings, the film follows the origin story of Dog Man, a heroic figure born from a bizarre accident that fuses a brave police officer with his loyal dog. The result? A “supa cop” with the head of a dog and the body of a man, tasked with protecting the city while navigating his newfound identity.

Fans of Pilkey’s work will recognize the high-energy humor, exaggerated animation style, and larger-than-life characters that made the books a hit with young readers. However, Dog Man isn’t just a simple adaptation of a children’s series—it also introduces themes of love, redemption, and self-discovery, making it a film that can entertain both kids and the parents who accompany them to the theater.

A faithful adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved series

As the creative force behind Captain Underpants and Dog Man, Pilkey has long been known for his ability to engage young audiences with zany humor, fast-paced storytelling, and endearing characters. Hastings, a veteran animation director, ensures that the spirit of the books remains intact, with a movie that bursts with playful energy while incorporating meaningful character arcs.

The film introduces audiences to Dog Man’s primary antagonist, Petey the Cat, voiced by Pete Davidson. Petey is a classic cartoon villain—scheming, mischievous, and always on the verge of pulling off an evil plan—yet Davidson brings an unexpected dynamism to the role. His performance captures both Petey’s arrogance and his more vulnerable moments, making him more than just a one-dimensional adversary.

The heart of the story, however, takes an unexpected turn when Petey accidentally creates a clone of himself. Instead of producing a more powerful villain, he ends up with Li’l Petey, an innocent and affectionate kitten who has yet to learn about good and evil. Voiced by Lucas Hopkins Calderon, Li’l Petey’s introduction shifts the movie’s focus from a simple good-versus-evil narrative to one that explores the complexities of family, second chances, and the capacity for kindness.

Humor, nostalgia, and pop culture nods

While Dog Man is primarily aimed at children, Hastings weaves in several moments designed to keep adults engaged. Many animated films include references meant to fly over the heads of younger viewers, and Dog Man is no exception.

One particularly unexpected moment sees Dog Man returning to the home he shared with his former owner before the accident that transformed him. As he wanders through the now-empty house, he experiences haunting visions of his past life—a scene that closely mirrors a moment from RoboCop, when the cyborg hero revisits his former home and struggles with lost memories. While the reference may go unnoticed by the film’s younger audience, it adds an unexpected emotional layer to Dog Man’s character, reinforcing his struggle to adapt to his new identity.

Other references lean into the film’s self-aware humor. In one standout moment, a character shouts, “Get away from her, you fish!”—a playful twist on the famous Aliens line. While some of these winks at pop culture feel forced, they largely contribute to the film’s fast-paced comedic style.

Visually, Dog Man embraces an animated aesthetic that remains faithful to Pilkey’s illustrations. The film employs exaggerated expressions, split-screen effects, and playful typography, enhancing its cartoonish feel. The animation may not push the boundaries of CGI filmmaking, but its vibrant energy and attention to comedic timing make it an engaging watch.

A story with heart at its core

Beyond its humor and action, Dog Man succeeds in delivering a story with emotional depth. The dynamic between Petey, Li’l Petey, and Dog Man forms the core of the movie, as two former enemies find themselves in the unexpected position of caring for the same innocent kitten. As Petey grapples with his own moral conflicts and Dog Man continues his heroic journey, the film reinforces the idea that people (or cats, in this case) are not defined by their past mistakes.

These themes are reinforced by supporting characters, including Dog Man’s allies in law enforcement, a ragtag group of animal heroes, and Flippy, the ultimate villain of the story. Voiced by Ricky Gervais, Flippy provides the film’s climactic battle, adding an extra layer of chaos as the story builds toward its action-packed finale.

The impact of Dog Man on young audiences

One of the reasons Pilkey’s books have remained so popular is their ability to inspire reluctant readers. The Dog Man series, with its mix of comic-book-style storytelling, humor, and accessible language, has helped countless children develop a love for reading. The movie adaptation captures this same sense of excitement, making it a perfect entry point for young audiences who may not yet be familiar with Pilkey’s work.

Moreover, the film’s themes of kindness, redemption, and found family provide positive messages for kids. While Dog Man doesn’t shy away from its goofy antics, it ultimately reinforces the idea that even the most unlikely characters can change for the better.

A family-friendly adventure with broad appeal

With a runtime of 89 minutes, Dog Man moves at a brisk pace, ensuring that younger viewers stay engaged without losing interest. Hastings’ direction keeps the film lively and energetic, balancing its comedic moments with just the right amount of heartfelt storytelling.

For longtime fans of the Dog Man books, the film is a faithful adaptation that captures the humor and heart of the original series. For newcomers, it serves as an entertaining introduction to Pilkey’s world, potentially sparking interest in the books that inspired it.

Dog Man is more than just another animated kids’ movie—it’s a fun, engaging, and surprisingly thoughtful film that stays true to the essence of Dav Pilkey’s beloved graphic novels. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming character arcs, it offers something for both young audiences and the adults who accompany them.

While it may not reach the artistic heights of some of DreamWorks’ other animated hits, Dog Man succeeds in delivering an entertaining, family-friendly adventure with broad appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the books or discovering Dog Man for the first time, this film proves that even the goofiest of heroes can make a lasting impact.