There’s no need to fear…”Underdog” is here, in his own movie from Walt Disney Pictures. This is a live-action version of the 1960’s TV cartoon about a dog who is also a superhero.
In the movie a mild-mannered dog gets amazing powers when a scientific experiment he’s part of goes bad. He’s then picked-up off the street by a former police officer (played by Jim Beluchi). When his son (Alex Newberger) learns that the dog can talk, fly and do other incredible things they decide “Shoeshine” must become Underdog and fight crime in the city.
As in the cartoon Underdog’s #1 enemy is Simon Bar Sinister. And Sweet Polly Purebread is here also, though she’s not a TV reporter as she is in the cartoon.
The best thing about “Underdog” is the voice work done by Jason Lee. He has all the great lines, and the animators make you believe that a real- life dog is actually talking.
The movie is rated PG for some harmless violence. My dad loved the cartoon when he was a kid. I had never seen the cartoon. But we both liked the movie a lot.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Underdog” gets a C+.
It’s not a bird…or a plane…or a frog…or one of the best movies you’ll ever see. But it’s definately worth watching.
Lights Camera Jackson (a.k.a. Jackson Murphy) began his career as a film critic/entertainment reporter in 2006 at the age of 7. Jackson has written nearly 1,000 reviews of new releases. All together he has seen more than 1,500 films. In 2010, Jackson became the youngest person to win a NY Emmy Award, for his on-air movie reviews on Time Warner TV station, Capital News 9.
LCJ appears every Friday morning on WGNA-FM . His movie reviews are also posted on his website, his YouTube channel and the popular website Cultjer.com. He is also a contributing writer for Jerry Beck’s AnimationScoop.com. Jackson hosts the weekly internet pop culture news show “LCJ LIVE” (every Sunday at Noon ET). And “The LCJ Q&A Podcast” features interviews with celebrities and filmmakers. Among those who have joined LCJ on the show are comedy legend Gilbert Gottfried, “Wallace & Gromit” creator Nick Park, Emmy-winning game show host Todd Newton and Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody.
Lights Camera Jackson has been co-starring in photographs with his favorite celebrities since he was 6 years old. “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest appeared in the first. Seacrest was a VIP guest at a local telethon. Jackson, a big fan of “Idol”, approached Seacrest during a break and asked for an autograph. The “Idol” star eagerly obliged. Jackson and Ryan then posed for this photo.
Since then Jackson’s collection of photos with stars from film, TV, stage and sports has grown to over 400. Every one represents a special moment in the life/career of Lights Camera Jackson and includes its own unique backstory.