DC League of Super-Pets
Parents say
Based on 29 reviews
Kids say
Based on 12 reviews
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DC League of Super-Pets
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that DC League of Super-Pets is an animated comedy about Superman's dog, Krypto (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), who's worried about losing "best friend" status to Lois Lane. Expect animated fantasy violence and danger: crashing through ceilings, explosions, characters getting hit by a car, etc. But these scenes are quickly resolved with jokes and visual proof that no one is really injured. A turtle named Merton (Natasha Lyonne) is a bit spicy for this otherwise family-friendly film, using profanity (which is bleeped out) and on the prowl for love, with some innuendo-laced jokes. There are also jokes about dog poop, insult words ("dorks," "losers"), a kiss or two, a marriage proposal, and a suggestive reference to Lois Lane's staying overnight at Superman's house. The film's overall message -- that love is self-sacrificing -- may require parental explanation for kids to really get it. More likely to hit home are themes of courage and teamwork and the secondary message that if you choose to adopt and love a pet, it will love you forever. Characters and voice actors are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, sexuality, and body size and shape.
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What's the Story?
Superdog Krypto (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) fights crime in Metropolis alongside his owner, Superman (John Krasinski). When Superman is captured by a supervillain, Krypto must assemble a team to save his best friend. From invincible dog Ace (Kevin Hart) to fast turtle Merton (Natasha Lyonne), Krypto finds help via an unlikely group of fellow pets who've recently become powered. Together they form the DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS.
Is It Any Good?
DC corrects their history of making superhero stories too dark, violent, and mature for kids with this animated tale focusing on the heroes' crime-fighting furry friends. Ideal for elementary school-age kids, these Super-Pets aren't their parents' Justice League. In fact, the fantasy violence here has even less impact than the Bam! and Pow! of OG Batman. And, with comic geniuses Kevin Hart and Kate McKinnon doing most of the lifting in the voice cast, it's definitely the funniest big-screen DC movie.
Hart's Ace is a pit bull-boxer mix with the most compelling backstory of all the animals. Ace heroically saved a toddler's life, but his family misunderstood the situation and returned him to a shelter. His story is the heart of the whole film and is more meaningful than anything else that happens in the movie. While certainly funny, the story of DC League of Super-Pets is far too familiar: A villain appears, deploys an evil plan, and threatens superheroes' lives, but a ragtag group of heroes learn how to use their newly obtained powers and save the day. The film's real Kryptonite, though, is that it has too many characters to introduce: The Super-Pets may be animated in 3D, but they're written with just one. All of this means that it will likely be a bit tiresome for parents. But younger kids who haven't been hit with a dozen superhero projects per year will be delighted. And since superhero marketing begins with pre-K action figures, baby books, and parents who can't wait to share their love of caped crusaders, the existence of a funny film that's appropriate for little ones is, well, heroically justified.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Super-Pets use teamwork to defeat the villain. How do you use teamwork? Why is teamwork an important life skill?
How does Ace prove his integrity before he gets superpowers? Do we need powers to be a hero? Who are the heroes in your life? Why is integrity an important character strength?
It's said that for PB the pig to find happiness, "she needs to love herself as much as she loves others." What does this mean, and why is it important?
What's required to take care of a pet, and what do you get in return?
What's appealing about superhero stories? Which other ones have you seen, read, or played?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 29, 2022
- Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Natasha Lyonne
- Directors: Jared Stern, Sam Levine
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Superheroes, Adventures, Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Character Strengths: Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: action, mild violence, language and rude humor
- Last updated: July 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Justice League
Comic crew uses teamwork to fight evil; some violence.
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The Lego Batman Movie
Clever, creative, action-packed adventure/toy ad.
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The Secret Life of Pets
Adventure is clever and engaging, despite animals in peril.
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Big Hero 6
Awesome origin story is action-packed, deals with grief.
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PAW Patrol: The Movie
Brave, talented pups save the day in pre-K adventure.
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