So a couple days ago in the mail I got this promotional calendar for Disney’s Underdog, slated for release August 3, and it elicited a deep sigh. Really? This is what we’ve come to? (Mostly crappy) remakes of every television serial of yesteryear aren’t good enough by themselves, apparently; we also need live action soiling of cartoon properties. I mean, I know the Air Bud franchise has done quite well, but is the name recognition value of Underdog going to help drive this ostensibly like-minded property? Why not just call it Caped Canine or something?
Promising “state-of-the-art CGI visual effects mixed with live action to create stunning visuals,” the film stars Jim Belushi (of course), Peter Dinklage, John Slattery, Patrick Warburton and Brad Garrett, with Jason Lee providing the titular mutt’s voice and Amy Adams voicing his putative love interest, a spaniel named Polly Purebread. And in case you were wondering, yes, there’s a maniacal scientist. It’s an accident in his lab that graces our ordinary beagle with unimaginable powers and the ability to speak. Finally… Underdog’s backstory revealed! Whatever…
Without seeing a frame, I can tell you that this movie is indicative of Hollywood’s backwards-plotted thinking with regards to production. They’d rather churn out almost exclusively carbon copies of previous fare — preferably with some sort of franchise attachment to a videogame or TV show or book, no matter how old, forgotten or cultishly niche said product was in the first place. Because no one really puts their name or reputation on the line for those movies, for movies like Underdog; there’s plausible deniability if it fails, and no shortage of credit if it succeeds. Ergo, no Hollywood suit ever really loses their job, because there aren’t any tough decisions in making these films. In fact, looking at the adventuresome, heroically lit photos of a blank-faced Underdog soaring past international landmarks in this calendar, you almost get the feeling that someone just forgot to say no to this film. And yes, yes, I know it’s “just” a kids’ flick, but still… c’mon.
I understand what you’re saying about recycling old ideas. But the trailer, honestly, is kinda awesome. It makes Superman Returns seem all the more painful when a talking dog wearing a cape movie promises more gravitas AND fun. Plus, give it up for the tag line — one nation, under dog.
This is One Nation Under Dog! Do you believe in Dog?
I am a Christian Man and I find this tagline INCREDIBLY OFFENSIVE!! Did a dirty puke and feces-eating dog hop up on the cross when America needed someone to commit suicide for its sins? NO!!! Our beautiful, non-hebrew caucasion savior, JESUS did!!! This movie is produced by Disney, so I won’t be suprised if there’s dust that spells out the word SEX and a song and dance number by that brittish homo, Elton John… ONE NATION UNDER DOG? One nation going to HELL is what I say!
First of all I have to say that I find you BLATANTLY & INCREDIBLY OFFENSIVE in your ignorant ideas and racist statements. Second, way to go and pass judgment on others too! You are the epitome of what a “Good” christian is!
The way to just came across with your comment shows that you are nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You want to be grouped into an elite category but fail to follow any of the rules.
You are a joke and should be ashamed of yourself.
I’m insulted that you insulted all the dogs in this world!
Ten bucks say you don’t just have sex to procreate.
Wow the most hate filled person in the world just popped up to spew his hate at us. Well, Rev, my next painting is titled “One Nation Under Dog”, I’ll have to remember to get a testimonial from you when it is complete.
Dogs rule! Especially the Underdogs! “In Dog We Trust”
I didn’t lie! Here is my latest artwork titled “One Nation Under Dog”
http://www.poparf.com/bp_nation_under_dog.html
Enjoy,
Nathan
http://www.PopARF.com