Occasionally, a film's trailer gives viewers a realistic preview. Such was the case with "Underdog". Here is a film with humor offered without the condescension and knowing winks delivered by Dreamworks Animation and its ilk. The story is a typical zap-the-hero setup and does not pretend to be otherwise.

The actors (human and animal alike) deliver professional performances. Peter Dinklage is delicious as the requisite mad scientist. James Belushi is surprisingly effective and believable as the dad. Unfortunately, Patrick Warburton has descended from acceptably quirky into shtick. Newcomer Alex Neuberger (in his second feature) gives his part a nice emotional balance and doesn't overplay his sidekick work.

The animal animation is nicely handled and devoid of gimmickry. This part of the movie industry deserves praise for continued development and polish.

Summers have blockbusters created by and viewed by blocks; Underdog reminds audiences that a simple, fun flick can be far more entertaining.

Loosely based on the 1960s cartoon, Underdog is not a five-star masterpiece or anything like that, but it is not anything absolutely terrible. I do agree the story is predictable, the scripting has its weak spots and the film I felt was a little too short, if anything I would have liked more bonding scenes between Underdog and Jack. The production values are however pretty good, the cinematography, sets and costumes are nice to look at at least, and the music was pleasant enough. The direction is decent, and there is enough amusing moments as Underdog flies, flies and flexes his super-muscles as well as trying out a variety of home-made superhero costumes and chasing "cat" burglars. The acting is not too bad, the actors all do good jobs with what they had. Underdog himself is really cute, and Jason Lee does a very good job voicing him, and Amy Adams is naturally sweet as Polly. James Belushi is always watchable and I liked him here as the dad, and Alex Neuberger is good as Jack. Whereas Peter Dinklage is a delicious villain, he is upstaged by a very amusing Patrick Warburton. Overall, definitely not outstanding but not awful either. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Rookie police beagle embarrasses himself in front of the mayor and the city. He is dognapped by Cad (Patrick Warburton). He trashes Dr. Simon Barsinister (Peter Dinklage)'s lab but gets bath in an experimental serum giving him superpowers. He is adopted by security guard Dan Unger (James Belushi) with his son Jack (Alex Neuberger). His powers includes the ability to speak. He rescues Jack's crush Molly (Taylor Momsen) and her dog Polly. Using his new powers, he fights crime under the superhero name Underdog.

The dog is fine but the kid is a bit of a dud. He needs to be much better. There is not enough fun for the really young and nobody else would actually like this. This is not good enough for anybody other than dog lovers. The only section I like is the fun montage of Underdog coming to the rescue. This movie needs more fun.