“Underdog” DVD review
“Have no fear, Underdog is here,” the clever 1960s cartoon character used to say. But, when updated to a live-action film, the 2007 version is best left to preschoolers.
Former pro skateboarder/“My Name Is Earl” star Jason Lee voices the canine star Underdog, a police dog who is booted from the force after making an embarrassing mistake at a news conference. He finds himself in the laboratory of mad scientist Simon Barsinister (Peter Dinklage), who is aided by doofus henchman Cad (Patrick Warburton). In a scene with similarities to the origin of the 1960s DC Comics’ “Flash,” he’s accidentally splashed with chemicals that give him superpowers.
He’s found by security guard Dan Unger (James Belushi), a former police officer. Dan names the dog Shoeshine and takes him home for his son, Jack (Alex Neuberger). Alex learns of the dog’s superpowers and fashions him as Underdog, superhero dog. The mad scientist wants to make his own superhero dogs, so he aims to capture Underdog and re-create his powers.
It’s for the most part inoffensive, but adults will have a hard time making it through the film. Dinklage and Warburton are worth a few laughs, but you’d think each could find better material.
While the original “Underdog” was filled with dry humor, the live-action “Underdog” is in no way as funny. While the filmmakers work in a few nods to Underdog’s origins, “Underdog” is basically “Look Who’s Talking” with a canine superhero.
— Matt Price
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