Charlie the Wonderdog isn’t a complete wash. It’s an animated film with its heart in the right place despite leaning on a familiar premise: cats versus dogs. The latter takes the heroic lane while it seems every purring entity is cast as villainous. At least the origin story avoids retreading the Superman template. Instead, the narrative centres on two pets who gain super abilities and how they choose to use them. One leans toward saving the day, the other toward domination, driven by a lifetime of mistreatment by his owner that fuels a lingering vendetta.
This bowser (voiced by Owen Wilson) has known nothing but love since entering Danny’s (Dawson Littman) life as a toddler. That emotional framing gives the film its strongest footing. Now much older, this tween is facing the quiet reality that his longtime companion is nearing his sunset years. This canine isn’t as spry as he once was, and the boy simply wants his best friend comfortable and cared for. That dynamic shifts when this dog is kidnapped alongside a neighbourhood cat (Caitlynne Medrek) and subjected to alien experimentation. They are returned with renewed vigour and the ability to talk.
The contrast between the two enhanced animals builds the film’s central conflict. While Charlie resists stepping into danger for Danny’s sake, instinct eventually takes over. There’s an implied Saint Bernard heroism in him, that rescue-dog reflex that surfaces once his powers awaken. After a few tentative saves, resisting the call to help proves impossible. Not even the mother blinks an eye, but she holds the key to why this is all happening.
The cat simply known as Kitten doesn’t even know why this is happening and takes the gift for granted. She has resentment for her master, and soon plans to have all cats rule the Earth. Her plan is megalomaniac, and puts other cartoon villain cats to shame. Fat Cat from Rescue Rangers better look out! Through a saliva-based control ability, she begins amassing pawns and soon gets Charlie’s attention. Although her purpose wavers between menacing and absurd, I was able to roll with it. And I would not be surprised if she would get distracted if someone waved catnip in front of her.
As for the alien agenda, the reasons why aren’t as well defined. Like many abduction tales where memories are a jumble after experimentation, this tale is no different. The reasons why they have the gift and as for why it gets taken away does make sense, but as for whether this bit is meant to mirror Lilo and Stitch, that’s hard to say. In particular, the significance of Charlie’s amulet remains underexplored. The crystal embedded within it appears to unlock his potential more so than altering his DNA. When this movie does not clarify which is more important, that’s where the confusion comes in.
Despite those narrative gaps, the adventure beats land often enough to keep momentum. The creative team wanted a DreamWorks-style work, and they came close. The sentiment is heartfelt. Visually, the animation is impressive, with character rendering and environmental work that sit comfortably alongside larger studio productions. The narrative bits concerning the aliens is akin to what Home, intoned.
Ultimately, the project feels like a proof-of-concept for Vancouver-based ICON Creative Studios, testing their ability to carry a full theatrical feature. Shea Wageman has the directorial and narrative skills following her work with Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. She just needs to finesse it. On a technical level, the work is visually appealing. On a storytelling level, the only stumble lays on building that rising action.
Owen Wilson’s performance as Charlie anchors the film. His laid-back delivery suits the character’s warmth, and he carries the emotional beats effectively. The bond between boy and dog is where the story resonates most. Their chemistry reminds viewers that beneath the superpowers and alien meddling lies a simple tale of companionship. Because once you’ve been best friends that long, separating them is the hardest trick of all.
3 Stars out of 5
Charlie the Wonderdog Trailer
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