Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comic animated adaptation has cartoon violence, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marmaduke (2022)
What's the Story?
MARMADUKE (voiced by Pete Davidson) has once again unintentionally ruined things for the Winslow family thanks to his overzealous nature. The family thinks it might be time for obedience school, but before they can get on that, a world-class trainer appears at their door offering to work with Marmaduke. The trainer has been inspired by a TV personality who challenged him to take on this "impossible" job after a video of the dog's shenanigans went viral. He shows Marmaduke the ways of a champion and puts him in shows. Will Marmaduke be able to control his own worst impulses and believe in himself enough to be a champion?
Is It Any Good?
This film will likely appeal to the youngest of viewers, who might revel in the always-silly antics of the big dog and appreciate the movie's positive story, undemanding characters, and fart humor. Marmaduke is an irrepressible but loveable oaf, a winning combination that explains so many spinoffs of the classic comic strip.
This version, available in 3D, doesn't bring a lot of new ideas to the table. It puts Marmaduke in obedience training and up against world champions in dog shows. It's a setup for disaster, which comes in the form of a major incidence of intestinal discomfort from overeating. It's also a classic underdog setup for triumph, which the Great Dane of course perennially deserves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this film differs from other versions of Marmaduke or the comic strip. What's the appeal of this character?
What countries do the other championship dogs represent? What shorthand ways of representing those countries does the film use? Why can stereotypes be harmful?
What lessons does Marmaduke learn in his training? What do the Winslows learn? How about Guy?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 6, 2022
- Cast : Pete Davidson , Jason Anthony , J.K. Simmons
- Directors : Mark A.Z. Dippe , Youngki Lee , Phil Nbbelink
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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