Dog City: The Movie

Originally broadcast as an episode of The Jim Henson Hour in 1989, this Muppet-inspired spoof of a 1940s-era film noir (replacing humans with canines) gave rise to a mixed animation and puppetry TV series of the same name in the mid-'90s. The action centers on Ace, a mysterious mutt who comes to town to assume ownership of his late uncle's bar. Ace is accosted by local bulldog gangster Bugsy, but—like a reformed Western gunslinger who's sworn off violence—refuses to respond in kind until Bugsy threatens his new sweetheart, Colleen (a collie, of course). Filled with lowbrow puns, verbal riffs (including a version of the old Abbott and Costello “who's on first” routine), and amusing sight gags, Dog City is like an extended sketch from the earlier Muppet Show, although the only character held over from that series is Rowlf, the piano-playing narrator (voiced by Henson himself). While much of the humor is directed to adults who will recognize the cinematic references, kids will certainly appreciate the animal puppetry. DVD extras include a brief featurette on the original concept artwork, and a gallery of storyboard-to-screen art. Recommended. (F. Swietek)