Reviewing Disney's Underdog Movie

By Ron Cloer
 

Mixing nostalgia and movies can be as dangerous as throwing a cat into a dog show.  There have been cartoon remakes that make me want to stab my eyes out after watching them with a dialogue so abysmal that you cannot tell if it’s supposed to be funny or not.  Thankfully Underdog ISN’T one of those movies. 

The Underdog movie like the original is lovable and fun.  I’ve encouraged several people to watch it and their response is the same.  “I thought it would be horrible but I really liked it.”  Jason Lee plays Shoeshine/Underdog like his character on My Name is Earl with believability and awkwardness.  Creating a character that’s awkward and not overly polished makes it seem more real and less Ferris Bueller-ish.  Simon Bar Sinister played by Peter Dinklage was one of my favorites.  He’s a diminutive scientist who seeks to control with his intellect instead of his brawn.  Through an accident he bestows the down and out Shoeshine with super powers.  As Shoeshine’s life improves Simon’s life deteriorates physically and professionally.  The most disappointing character is Riff Raff mainly because his role is so minor and solely slapstick humor.

The CGI effects are very good, there are a few spots where the movement is a little strange but overall very good.  I had strong reservations about remixing the iconic theme song of Underdog but it was solid.  There are nods to the first Underdog show with lines like “There’s no need to fear” and “It’s a bird.  It’s a plane.  It’s a frog.”  But the best line is a toss up between…  

Shoeshine – “Right.  I’m going to learn manners from a guy who pees in my white porcelain drinking bowl?”

Or 

Underdog - "You never see dogs hurting each other over money."
Jack - "Well, you never see people sniffing each other's butts"
Underdog - "Touché"  

When Underdog and Jack are trying to work out his superhero identity there is a clever and funny scene where Underdog tries on costumes.  “I can’t feel my legs”  Disney being Disney adds a scene that mimics Lady and the Tramp with Underdog and his main squeeze Sweet Polly eating spaghetti that makes you say, “Hey that’s from…”

This is one of the rare movies that combine nostalgia and a new movie that actually works.  If you enjoyed the original and you’d like to introduce your children to Underdog this is a good start.  It’s not a deep, thought provoking movie but it’s a good show to watch with your kids.