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Underdog (2007)

Director: Frederik Du Chau

Time Out rating

Average user rating

16 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This live action version of the 1960s cartoon uses CGI to make its canine hero talk and fly, but that’s about the only modern touch in this plodding, old-fashioned caper. Misfit mutt Shoeshine (voiced by Jason Lee) gets a dose of a chemical formula that makes him ‘Underdog’ – so dubbed by his new human pal, insipid youngster Jack (Alex Neuberger).

Jack’s equally uninspiring father (Jim Belushi) gets dragged into the drama when evil scientist Dr Barsinister (Peter Dinklage) gets wind of Underdog’s conspicuous powers, which he’s using to help people, Lassie-style. Dr Barsinister, naturally, has other plans for his formula, involving a bomb plot on the city and general world domination.

A few amusing one-liners creep into the script – boosted in no small part by Lee’s delivery – but the plot’s too derivative to deliver. Children with a fondness for pooches and a lack of movie knowledge will be well enough served, but this isn’t one of those crossover comedies that’s going to get the parents chuckling.

Author: Anna Smith

Time Out London Issue 1954: Jan 30 to Feb 5

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User reviews of this film

oli said...

Posted on Mar 02 2008 12:27 it was amazin not crap

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leeches said...

Posted on Mar 01 2008 15:04 ITS A FILM WITH A DOG IN A CAPE, WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE?!?!?!?

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Will+Lucy said...

Posted on Feb 21 2008 19:22 This film looks so good-going to see it 2morrow!!!THE REVIEW LOOKS COOL...join us........xxx

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yoyoyo said...

Posted on Feb 20 2008 16:19 this film is phat yo! it is ultra in da death zone if ya know wat im saying sayin DO NOT SEE IT OTHERWISE YOU SHALL BE MAKING THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN YOUR LIFE!!!!

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olli moz said...

Posted on Feb 19 2008 20:59 goin watchin tomox=z snoggs and everythin

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robyn said...

Posted on Feb 19 2008 08:31 i am rele excited cant cant wait to go and see it cause its my birthday today 9

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moorzy said...

Posted on Feb 14 2008 20:45 goin 2 c this film my sisters are ganna luv it!!!

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poo said...

Posted on Feb 13 2008 08:51 it was rubbish
do not see it

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esther richards said...

Posted on Feb 11 2008 12:58 i really want to see this film but i am going to over her dead bodey

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Matthew Dulieu said...

Posted on Feb 05 2008 15:52 I Think it was a great film and the dog was so cool man,
this film rocks dude!!!

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suzy said...

Posted on Feb 03 2008 15:03 Not enough cats in it

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Lynda said...

Posted on Feb 02 2008 20:42 What a great film for kids and adults alike! There were some really funny lines. My son, my dad and I found it very enjoyable.

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goody said...

Posted on Feb 02 2008 16:14 i loved it al

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brinniboy tom said...

Posted on Feb 01 2008 21:32 i fink it wos a fat film the dog is wicked man

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honeybee said...

Posted on Jan 31 2008 14:03 Brilliant film both granddaughter and myself enjoyed voices belonging to animals perfect. Some really funny moments as well as thrills and ahh moments.

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