Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swashbuckling adventure has mild violence, slapstick action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds
What's the Story?
In DOGTANIAN AND THE THREE MUSKEHOUNDS, the brave and skilled young swordsman Dogtanian (voiced by Tomas Ayuso) goes to Paris and joins the king's prestigious and loyal guard. When he learns of a plot to start a war with England, he and his friends use their courage and skill to try to stop the scheming Cardinal Richelieu (Stephen Hughes).
Is It Any Good?
Based on a popular 1980s cartoon -- viewers of a certain age will recognize the catchy theme song -- this a serviceable animated adventure that passes the time without leaving a lasting impression. Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds' action is age-appropriate, with lots of sword fighting but very little peril. As for how it looks, bar a few moments of visual flair, the movie has a standard mid-budget look of bold bright colors and characters, somewhere between Paw Patrol and a video game cutscene. The plot, however, is where the movie stalls.
It's possible this movie would have been a more fun experience if its creators had tossed away the 1844 source novel. The plot of a cardinal trying to increase his influence over France and disrupt the monarchy by sending a forged letter to the King of England in an attempt to start a war is explained as snappily as this sentence. In other words, it's not. About 10 minutes of the movie is needlessly given over to heavy exposition when a broad brushstroke would do. But when it's not explaining its plot, it zips along nicely, with light moments of gentle humor that serve the movie well. To its credit, the messages of companionship, trust, and courage are also wholesome and it writes in some female characters to carry out key day-saving moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cartoon violence and peril in Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
In what ways did the characters show courage, teamwork, and integrity. Why are these such important character strengths? Can you give any real-life examples when you've demonstrated any of these?
How did Dogtanian and the Muskehounds display loyalty to each other? Did you think they became more courageous knowing they could count on each other? Do you have a good friend or family member you can count on to help you?
Dueling is used to settle arguments and disputes in the movie. Do you think honor is important enough to get hurt over? What do you think honor means? What other ways could these disagreements have been resolved?
Did the film teach you anything about French history? Are you inspired to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 28, 2021
- Cast : Tomas Ayuso , Scott Cleverdon , Stephen Hughes
- Director : Toni Garcia
- Studio : Viva Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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