Dog Man: A Hollywood Tail
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the graphic novels or a newcomer to the world of Dog Man, the movie adaptation presents a unique experience.While the quirky, kinetic energy of Dav Pilkey’s creations translates surprisingly well to the big screen, something feels amiss. It’s as if the Hollywood touch, like a ray from a clunky Pilkey robot, has smoothed out the rough edges and crammed the narrative.
Gone are the toilet humor,puns,and sly jokes aimed at adults,replaced by a blockbuster spectacle filled with explosions,heartwarming messages about fatherhood,optimism,and love. Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” graces the soundtrack, a far cry from the subversive spirit of the books.
Director Peter Hastings, who previously worked on the successful adaptation of “Captain Underpants,” attempts to weave together elements from several Dog Man books, resulting in a plot that feels convoluted even for devoted fans. The origin story, involving a policeman’s body stitched onto his faithful dog’s head, sets the stage, but soon introduces a whirlwind of characters: Petey the Cat, his adorable clone Li’l Petey, the chief of police, the mayor, the psychokinetic fish Flippy, the 80-Hexotron Droid-Formigon robot, a persistent TV reporter, and buildings that spring to life. The narrative heavily draws inspiration from “A Tale of Two Kittens,” the third book in the series.
While the graphic novels thrived on simplicity, the movie delves deeper into dog man’s psyche, exploring his melancholy over losing his former life. Fans get a glimpse inside his doghouse, complete with unexpected amenities like a piano, grandfather clock, and gramophone. Of course, there’s plenty of licking and squirrel chasing, punctuated by Pilkey-esque humor, like a volcano warning sign reading “No lifeguard on duty.”
at its core, the movie presents a timeless battle between good and evil, leaving li’l Petey to choose his path.His father, Petey, a supervillain grappling with despair, declares, “the world is a horrible place. That’s just reality,” prompting Dog Man to offer a beacon of hope. Will Li’l Petey succumb to darkness, or will love redeem Petey?
Efforts to capture the anarchic spirit of the comics, such as adding dramatic ”Dun, Dun Dunnn” moments, fall flat, feeling forced and lacking the genuine zaniness that defined the source material. Ricky Gervais, voicing the demonic fish, shines as the standout performer, almost stealing the show.However, the overall adaptation feels bewildering, leaving viewers with a sense of missed prospect. Petey’s parting words,”So long,suckers,” aptly summarize the film’s essence: a calculated cash grab rather than a heartfelt tribute to Pilkey’s beloved creation.
How did director Peter hastings balance adapting the unique visual style of Dav pilkey’s comics for the big screen?
Dog Man: Director Peter Hastings Talks About Bringing Pilkey’s Creation to Life
Director Peter Hastings, known for his work on the popular “Captain Underpants” adaptation, recently brought Dav Pilkey’s beloved comic series, ”Dog Man,” to the big screen. Archyde caught up with Hastings to discuss the challenges and triumphs of translating Pilkey’s unique brand of humor and storytelling to the cinematic realm.
Archyde: Many fans were excited to see “Dog Man” on screen, but some feel the movie missed the mark. What was your approach to adapting such a distinct comic series?
Peter Hastings: Dav Pilkey’s work is incredibly imaginative and visually rich. We wanted to capture the energy and humor of the comics while expanding the world for a wider audience. We drew inspiration from several books,weaving together elements from various storylines,especially “A Tale of Two Kittens,” to create a cohesive narrative.
Archyde: The films tone seems to lean towards a more mainstream, heartwarming approach compared to the comics’ anarchic humor. Was this a conscious decision?
Peter Hastings: Absolutely. We wanted to appeal to a broader audience, including families. While the comics definitely push boundaries, we aimed for a PG-rated film that celebrates themes of friendship, courage, and hope. We beleive those messages resonate universally.
Archyde: Ricky Gervais’s portrayal of Flippy, the demonic fish, has been praised. Did you have any hesitation casting him in such a quirky role?
Peter Hastings: Ricky Gervais is a comedic genius, and we knew he’d bring a unique edge to Flippy. His dry wit and ability to deliver lines with both humor and menace were perfect for the character.
Archyde: Some critics argue the movie feels overly convoluted, sacrificing the simplicity and charm of the source material. how do you respond to that criticism?
Peter Hastings: It’s natural for adaptations to evolve. We tried to honor the spirit of the comics while expanding upon existing storylines. While some details might have changed, we aimed to stay true to Dog Man’s core personality and themes. ultimately, we hope audiences appreciate the effort to bring this beloved character to life on the big screen.
Archyde: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Peter Hastings: Filmmaking is always a collaborative process, and hindsight is 20/20.Perhaps we could have explored Dog Man’s melancholy over losing his former life in more depth. Ultimately, we aimed to create a film that entertained audiences and celebrated the magic of Dav Pilkey’s creation.
What do you think? Did the “Dog Man” movie capture the essence of the comics, or did it stray too far from the source material? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
