Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Families need to know that Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat is a low-budget family adventure based on Bill Myers' book series. In this playful take on the kid-as-spy/secret agent movie, Bernie Dingledorf (Zachary Arthur) finds himself the hero. Only his friends and his dog can help him save the world from a terrifying gang of clowns led by Dr. Chuckles (Ryan O'Quinn). Once a happy clown, Dr. Chuckles has since turned bad, inventing "mean laughter" guns (they look like water guns) and taking over the world. There are a fair number of faith-based messages throughout, like "God doesn't make junk" and "Everyone has value." As for the clowns, many of them are truly scary-looking, but they act silly and cartoonish. Expect lots of comedic violence throughout, including toy guns that shoot "laughing bubbles," pushing and shoving, sword fighting with a curtain rod and broom, people crashing into things, "funny" electrocution, and a "freeze remote" that turns a boy into ice. Some bigger kids display bullying behavior toward smaller kids; the leader pushes a boy down and breaks another kid's viewfinder. A dog consistently farts for laughs. Language includes "twerps," "butt," "loser," "dufus," "wimp," "twit," and "shut your trap."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In SECRET AGENT DINGLEDORF AND HIS TRUSTY DOG SPLAT, Bernie Dingledorf (Zachary Arthur) is called upon to save the world from Dr. Chuckles (Ryan O'Quinn) and his gang of scary clowns. They have enchanted the world with "mean laughter" and the world can't stop laughing. Only Bernie, his dog, and his team of friends can save the day!
Is It Any Good?
This family adventure with some faith-based messages is a mixed bag. The positive messages are easy to understand and the playfulness is fun. Yet, the elements that keep Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat from being great are many. Generally, the story generously borrows from other intellectual property, including movies like the Spy Kids and The Dog Who Saved the Holidays, and video games like Plants vs. Zombies. Additionally, there are some questionable decisions, like when the smart and well-raised main character Bernie willingly goes with a complete stranger (a scary man in a clown costume) to his truck. The clown promptly ties Bernie up and drives away. Also, the film begins with actually scary clowns holding up a corner store with toy guns. Even though the clowns act goofy, some viewers might still simply find this scene frightening and disturbing. Lots of comedic violence also better translates on a different medium, like a comic, graphic novel, or book.
Finally, there's nothing surprising about the hero, the friends, or the dog. And the dog, Splat, by the way, is on screen maybe 5 minutes total and only appears occasionally to fart, which makes the title seem odd given the dog's limited involvement.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in family adventure movies. How do you feel about the violence in Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat? Was there too much? Not enough? Why?
How did Bernie feel about being a hero? How would you feel in his shoes?
Do you think there is "nice laughter" and "mean laughter"? What makes the difference?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 15, 2021
- Cast: Zackary Arthur, Paul Johansson, Jason Dolley, Shiloh Nelson
- Director: Billy Dickson
- Studio: Integrity Releasing
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: June 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Spy Kids
Just the right combination of fantasy and comedy.
-
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams
An imaginatively joyous adventure.
-
The Incredibles
Top-notch, action-packed fun for the entire family.
For kids who love family tales
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate