Show Dogs is supposed to be a crime-fighting family comedy, focusing on the unlikely pairing of FBI agent Frank (Will Arnett) with an NYPD canine partner, streetwise Max (voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges). Man and dog go undercover at the Canini Invitational Dog Show in Las Vegas, where they investigate an international rare-animal smuggling ring. Utilizing tips from Max’s purebred informants, they’re determined to identify and incarcerate the dastardly perpetrators while rescuing a baby panda. But that involves Max’s registering as a Rottweiler entrant with Frank as his trainer and former winner French Papillion Philippe (Stanley Tucci) as his cynical coach. Plus, there’s the current champion Dante (Alan Cumming), confident Australian Shepherd Daisy (Jordin Sparks), flamboyant Persephone (RuPaul), volatile pug Sprinkles (Gabriel Iglesias), and dreadlocked Buddhist Komondor Karma (Shaquille O’Neal). Also featured are Natasha Lyonne as an FBI canine consultant and Omar Chaparro as a dog handler. Problem is: an integral part of every dog show is the judges’ physical examination. To practice, Frank touches Max’s private parts which, not surprisingly, arouses Max’s ire. Max is told that he needs to go to his “Zen place” to not feel violated when this happens—sending a terrible message to youngsters. Directed by Raja Gosnell, this cornball cartoonish combination of live-action with CGI was obviously intended to be amusing. But it isn’t. Not recommended. (S. Granger)
Show Dogs
Universal, 91 min., PG, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.98, Aug. 21
Show Dogs
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: