Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat
By JK Sooja,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cartoonish violence, creepy clowns in so-so adventure.
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Secret Agent Dingledorf and His Trusty Dog Splat
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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: October 8, 2022
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