Parents' Guide to

Underdog

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Not too many new tricks left for the old Underdog.

Movie PG 2007 84 minutes
Underdog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Jack9
Jack9 Adult
September 19, 2019
age 2+

Good for all ages

I love this movie! And I love when he says "there's no need to fear! Underdogs here!"

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Mom in Atlanta
Mom in Atlanta Parent
March 1, 2013
age 5+

Big thumbs up - family friendly and funny

It's a miracle! A good, clean, cute, current family-friendly movie. My boys (ages 5 and 8) loved it. Other than the word "stupid" throw in a couple of times and one joke about poop, it was completely clean. I have to remind myself that even Captain Hook called Peter Pan an "idiot" - so those words have been around in Disney movies a long time. Underdog is smitten for Polly (a cute spaniel!), but the "romance" part of a kids movie is not distracting and the female part of the romance story (a dog!) is not a princess in a tight corset with cleavage falling out. As in the old-time cartoons, Underdog likes to talk in rhyme and my kids thought it was hilarious. "Don't you worry, Underdog is furry!" And yes, a positive message woven in about not quitting, not giving up, and being a loving family. Big thumbs up if you're looking for something truly family friendly.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Jason Lee voices the titular beagle, who abandons his post as a police dog, gets zapped with superpowers by Capitol City's resident mad scientist, Dr. Barsinister (Peter Dinklage), and unexpectedly lands at the home of security guard Dan Unger (James Belushi) and his mopey teenager Jack (Alex Neuberger). Jack, who initially dismisses the new pet his dad names Shoeshine, soon discovers the rescue dog is anything but normal -- he's got superstrength and can inexplicably talk human. Together they decide to use Shoeshine's abilities to keep their city crime free. With a cape, an undersized "U" sweater, and a penchant for speaking in rhyme, Underdog is born.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (17):

UNDERDOG is back, but instead of capturing the kitschy fun of the long-running animated series, the rhyming canine has been rather blandly transformed into a gabbing live-action dog. Never fear, however, as most kids won't know the difference since it's parents and not children who remember the beloved original.

But aside from a couple of laughs coaxed from slapsticky antics, the predictable action seems squarely aimed at very young children. There's nothing remarkable about the special effects, nor does the story line build to a thrilling dramatic showdown. Underdog obviously saves the day, but it's not all that heart-stopping. Still, young ones love talking animals, and they'll overlook the film's shortcomings when they see a flying superdog.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of helping others -- especially the people you love. How does Underdog help bring Jack and his dad together? How do they help Underdog? Kids: What would you do if your dog had superpowers? Families who've seen episodes of the old TV show can also talk about how it compares with this version.

Movie Details

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.

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