Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases

Updates:

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 2008-01-29 17:57:48

Time Out London Issue 1954: Jan 30 to Feb 5

Bookmark

User reviews of this film

oli said...

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

Report as inappropriate
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?!?!?!?

Report as inappropriate
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

Report as inappropriate
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!!!!

Report as inappropriate
olli moz said...

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

Report as inappropriate
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

Report as inappropriate
moorzy said...

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

Report as inappropriate
poo said...

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

Report as inappropriate
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

Report as inappropriate
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!!!

Report as inappropriate
suzy said...

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

Report as inappropriate
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.

Report as inappropriate
goody said...

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

Report as inappropriate
brinniboy tom said...

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

Report as inappropriate
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.

Report as inappropriate