Show Dogs

Show Dogs, a 2018 family-comedy movie, was directed by Raja Gosnell and written by Max Botkin and Marc Hyman. The film's cast boasts the likes of well-known actors such as Will Arnett, Natasha Lyonne, and the voice of the celebrated rapper, Ludacris. Show Dogs has a well-rounded couple of hours that will tickle your funny bone while delivering equal parts action and heart.

The special thing about Show Dogs is its unconventional duo, Max and Frank, one being a hardened Rottweiler police dog and the other, a human FBI agent. The movie captures this unlikely pair on an adventurous journey to solve a high-profile case. Max, impressively voiced by Ludacris, is a solitary canine cop from New York who is consumed by his job and his desire to bring the bad guys to justice. Frank, portrayed by Will Arnett, is a quirky yet devoted FBI detective who is determined to solve his cases, often pulling out all the stops to ensure he wraps it up just right.

The plot thickens as Max and Frank stumble upon an international animal smuggling scheme that swings them into an unexpected twist of events. A baby panda is stolen, and the clues lead them to the extravagant world of an elite dog show in Las Vegas. Here they concoct a plan – Max will go undercover as a show dog contestant with Frank as his handler, to infiltrate the dog show ring and navigate the glossy and competitive world buzzed by dog breeders and owners.

In order to fit into this elegant universe, Max must learn the subtle nuances of what it means to be a show dog. This includes getting familiar with layers of grooming, practicing the poised walk, and even understanding the meticulous manners and etiquettes of this high-end dog-eat-dog world. The comically mismatched pair embark on this journey together, filled with humorous and tender moments.

Accompanying Max and Frank as they navigate the fluffy fringes of canine high society is a colorful palette of animals, puppets, and humans. Among them is the dog pampering specialist, Mattie, played by Natasha Lyonne. Mattie not only aids them in their undercover mission but also serves as a compelling sidekick, adding warmth and dimension to the narrative.

Apart from this, Show Dogs offers a variety of different dog breeds, each bringing their unique traits to the table. These dogs are from different walks of life, including a former champion show dog named Philippe who becomes Max's coach. They provide hilarious moments filled with wisecracks and doggy puns that lighten the mood and keep the laughs coming.

Throughout the movie, the makers have woven many heartwarming messages about teamwork, acceptance, friendship, and embracing one's true self. Max and Frank, through their trials and tribulations, learn the importance and power of partnership. They are faced with several challenges which they navigate by having faith in each other and working as a supportive team.

Show Dogs also presents interesting visuals, from the vibrant cityscape of New York to the glitz of Las Vegas and, most importantly, the grandeur of the dog show arena. The film showcases remarkable CGI work to animate the numerous talking dogs that contribute significantly to the plot and humor of the movie. This blend of live-action and animation, coupled with a melodious background score, adds a further charm to the movie.

While aimed primarily at a younger audience, Show Dogs succeeds in providing wholesome entertainment for viewers of all ages. The film, with its sprinkle of humor, element of suspense, and its underlying message of acceptance, combined with the adventures of this oddball detective duo, provides a fun-filled, enjoyable ride.

In the crowded landscape of family films, Show Dogs stands out with its delightful blend of comedy, adventure, and warmth. It's a charming movie that offers the perfect canine-led escapade for a family movie night.