Dog Man, the latest film from DreamWorks Animation, is hitting theaters nationwide on January 31, 2025. In the long line of movie offerings that appeal to younger viewers, this is a cute, colorfully-animated, and fun film.
And it’s strong themes of friendship, overcoming evil with good, teamwork, responsibility, and restoring family bonds, may even push it into the “wonderful family-watch” breed.
Parents/DreamWorks Animation
About ‘Dog Man’
In this action-packed animated comedy, a character named Petey the Cat (not to be confused with the title character in the children’s book series Pete the Cat) is on an evil mission to destroy “do-gooders.” The only one who can consistently stop him is Dog Man, who, as a result of a botched surgery, is a half-human half-dog police officer. With a heart of gold and a heartwarming zeal to please his Police Chief, Dog Man consistently throws a wrench into Petey’s plans.
But after a series of unexpected twists causes them to have to join forces to save someone important to the both of them, they soon discover the power of family.
Based on the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series, Dog Man, directed by Peter Hastings and written by Dav Pilkey, invites families to consider the impact of one’s choices.
With a fun and lively voice cast starring Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live), Lil Rel Howery (Harold and the Purple Crayon), Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango), Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty), Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings franchise, Seed of Chucky), the comedian Luenell, and Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras), the colorful characters in Dog Man truly allow for some weightier topics to hit home in a relatable manner.
Family-Friendly Themes of ‘Dog Man’
Here are a few stand-out themes about responsibility, love, and family in the film.
DreamWorks Animation
Parenting is unpredictable, no matter how well you plan
Petey the Cat is brilliant and has a science lab full of robot creations, secret inventions, and even a cloning machine. Yet, he uses his intellect for evil, selfish pursuits like wanting to take over the world.
In an attempt to clone himself so he can spread more evil, he mistakenly clones an innocent kitten named Lil Petey, instead. Lil Petey has an honest heart and carries the untainted perspective of a pure, impressionable small child. Petey the Cat tries to demand his “money back”, declaring Lil Petey is a drain on the life he wanted–to spread negativity and destruction. But now, he has a kitty [kid], and a whole new responsibility.
This dynamic was simple, yet profound in showing how the realities of parenting often mis-align with our original vision, changing our lives.
What you pour into your child is what’s going to come out
With Petey the Cat being so self-centered, it naturally turns into neglect for Lil Petey–both through his inaction and his words. “I don’t need a kid. I don’t want a kid. I got my own stuff to do, and it’s important!” Petey yells at one point.
But when Dog Man rescues Lil Petey one night, he pours affection into him, causing his heard to get even bigger and leading to a bond between him and Dog Man. We eventually see Dog Man teaching Lil Petey how to play piano, reading to him at night, and modeling exemplary behavior.
While Petey the Cat angrily ponders, why Lil Petey won’t be “mean and rotten-hearted, like me,” Dog Man’s kindness investment is paying dividends.
DreamWorks Animation
Healing family bonds sometimes starts with a simple choice
Petey the Cat’s father, called Grampa in the film, was always negative and condescending toward Petey. He even abandoned him when he was younger, which evidently played a role in Petey’s outlook on life and choices. When Petey the Cat shares this with Lil Petey, it’s Lil Petey’s optimism and views around forgiveness that really impacts both Petey the Cat and Grampa.
At one point in the movie, Lil Petey sweetly says, “Love isn’t just something you feel, Grampa, it’s something that you do.”
Sometimes, the innocence of kids can allow them to communicate the most clear-eyed, profound messages adults need to hear.
How ‘Dog Man’ Should Land With the Younger Pups
Dog Man is rated PG and is a great fit for younger viewers. At just 1 hour and 29 minutes long, it should land right in the sweet spot before the no-fidget time limit ends for the little ones.
There’s also lots of fun, humor, and light-heartedness, to keep them engaged as well. With topics that highlight how the actions of the “adults” directly impact the behavior of their kids, this movie has some good lessons in it for parents and guardians, too.
The movie provides many talking points for engaging younger viewers about emotional regulation (in this case, it’s Petey the Cat who needs emotional regulation though), not being afraid to ask questions about adult behavior (throughout the movie, Lil Petey consistently asks “Why?”), and even how to set boundaries with negative grandparents and family members.
DreamWorks Animation
Violence
- There are some robots that pop up that might be a little aggressive-looking, but to be honest, they’re cute and colorful in most instances.
- Petey the Cat abandons Lil Petey on the street, and Grampa Petey is condescending and steals from his son.
- A fish character named Flippy is aggressive, and at times does devious things in his pursuit of those who do good.
- There are also some kid-friendly explosions etc. here and there, but nothing too crazy at all.
Sexual innuendo
There isn’t much sexual innuendo at all, except for the fact that the Police Chief has a sweet crush on reporter Sarah Hatoff. It’s really sweet and the feelings between them are mutual.
Language
- There’s some condescending language and talk around doing evil.
- Petey the Cat initially speaks down to Lil Petey and resents him.
- There may be moments when smaller kids feel sad as a result of Petey the Cat’s behavior towards innocent Lil Petey.