Everyone’s favourite Great Dane Marmaduke is back on screen; this time in a full-length computer-animated film. Directed by Mark A.Z. Dippé, co-directed by Phil Nibbelink, Youngki Lee and Matt Whelan, this film revolves around the Great Dane who might look like Scooby-Doo, but is not as smart. How he becomes a hero from just another lazy dog is what keeps this film interesting for audiences of all ages.

Marmaduke begins when the Winslow family’s pet Marmaduke lands into trouble with his destructive antics. After a video disrupting Billy’s party goes viral, a champion dog trainer ‘Guy Hilton’ vows to turn Marmaduke into a winner. Marmaduke’s owner falls for the huge prize money and sends Marmaduke away for training. Hardly ever away, Marmaduke tries his best to overcome the challenges but learns the lesson of life, the hard way.

He is tricked during the Championship event, eventually losing track and ending up as an embarrassment. However, Marmaduke learns from his mistakes and works hard to come out as the perfect dog, thanks to his friends. Does he manage to do well in the championship or does he cause more embarrassment, watch Marmaduke to find out how he fared.

The competition is also quite interesting since Marmaduke’s overconfident nemesis Zeus has a shampoo brand for himself while dogs from France, China, and Mexico give him stiff competition. The last time Marmaduke made an appearance on screen, Owen Wilson lent his voice to Marmaduke, however, Pete Davidson didn’t disappoint fans this time around. He is supported well by Oscar winner J K Simmons from the Spider-Man series, who lends his voice for Zeus, while David Koechner brings the Winslow patriarch to life with his vocals.

Marmaduke might have suffered delays due to the pandemic, but was eventually released earlier this month. The animation may not be that great, but the message it carries says it all. There is a champion inside everyone and looks rarely matter. Believe in yourself and you will be a winner, one day!

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 21st, 2022