Dog Gone Trouble
Peril, lots of potty humor in animated canine comedy.
Parents say
Based on 18 reviews
Kids say
Based on 11 reviews
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Dog Gone Trouble
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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 Dog Gone Trouble -- about a pampered pooch named Trouble (voiced by Sean "Big Sean" Anderson) who ends up lost after a beloved owner (Betty White) dies -- features dogs in peril. Younger kids may find Trouble's predicament sad, if not a little scary. Animated skirmishes with other dogs, oncoming traffic, a menacing animal tracker seen one time with a gun, and a gang of dancing squirrels are more funny than frightening. The same goes for a short stint in the dog pound, where one inmate plays soulful prison music with his paws. Expect lots of bodily function humor, especially "nut" jokes and references. There's a play on words that some kids might pick up on involving the confusion of "shedhouse" and "s--thouse." Insults include "stupid," "dumb," "idiot," "mutt," "pip-squeak," "punk," and "slimeball." The film's messages are that home is where the heart is, and love and family are more important than wealth and possessions.
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What's the Story?
Trouble the dog (voiced by Sean "Big Sean" Anderson) lives a pampered life in DOG GONE TROUBLE. He has a therapist whispering self affirmations in his ear, a stylist coiffing his fur, and a butler who mists his bottom. But that all changes after his beloved human, Mrs. Vanderwhoozie (Betty White), dies, and her greedy niece and nephew barge in demanding their inheritance, tossing Trouble out with the rest of their aunt's prized possessions. When Trouble falls out of a moving van, he finds himself lost in the woods and threatened by a gang of dancing squirrels. He befriends tough-as-nails stray Rousey (Pamela Adlon) and a pack of dogs at a local dog park, but little does he know he's being hunted by a hired animal tracker (Wilmer Valderrama). One day, struggling musician Zoe (Lucy Hale) finds Trouble on the road and takes him home. Will she be able to keep him?
Is It Any Good?
Animated dog films can feel a dime a dozen, but this one might stand out thanks to its diverse cast, star cameos, and sly humor. Starring Big Sean, Lucy Hale and Wilmer Valderrama, among others, Dog Gone Trouble also features appearances (and some singing) by Snoop Dogg, Jason Mraz, Betty White, chef Ludo Lefebvre, dog whisperer Cesar Millan, and Damon Wayans Jr. as a hilariously paranoid pooch. This is a feel-good film with a positive message and some laugh-out-loud silliness, especially the gang of choreographed dancing squirrels (which one dog slams as "off-Broadway beavers") and the supernaturally talented animal tracker ("Thurman always gets his vermin!"). There are familiar city scares, dog pound threats, stray vs domesticated dog taunts, dog-human affection, and a happy rags-to-riches ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the stipulations in Mrs. Vanderwhoozie's will in Dog Gone Trouble that whoever cares for her dog gets her estate. Can you imagine loving a pet so much that you would link your inheritance to him or her? Why or why not?
What other animated films about dogs have you seen? How were they similar to or different from this one?
Why are dog movies so popular? What do you think is the appeal?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 8, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: May 28, 2021
- Cast: Sean "Big Sean" Anderson, Pamela Adlon, Lucy Hale
- Director: Kevin Johnson
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Bolt
Super-dog adventure is fun, age-appropriate for kids.
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Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Remake has humor and heart; some peril, emotional intensity.
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The Secret Life of Pets
Adventure is clever and engaging, despite animals in peril.
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The Secret Life of Pets 2
Sequel reduces dark comedy, ups laughs, keeps rude humor.
For kids who love animal tales
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