Film Preview: Underdog (2007)

Trailers (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Posters (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Poster Rating: B

Review: Not too little, not too much. Though the preview and subject aren’t enticing, at least you can look at this poster without cringing.

Trailer Rating: B-; C

Review: The first question is: why? It barely worked for Scooby Doo but that’s because it had human counterparts that were main characters. It didn’t work for Garfield despite the same assurances. Not only does this dog look nothing like the classic cartoon, but Jason Lee doing the voice just seems wrong. The second question is: why not? They’ve destroyed every other great cartoon TV show, why not this one. This will be the next Flintstones or Garfield. Either is unfortunate.

The effects don’t look as terrible as I once suspected, but Lee’s vocal talents are not terribly well suited for the character of Underdog. When watching the second preview, I’m struck by the similarities to Garfield and how the plot seems like a retread of every super hero film yet made. Certainly the television cartoon was funny, but not this kind of funny. The film will easily appeal to kids, but adults, even those seeking nostalgia, won’t find much to like if this preview holds true.

Oscar Prospects:

I don’t see any likelihood of this film landing an Oscar nomination. It’s not animated, so there’s no reason to expect it in that category and no other category would dare touch this dog.