Tagline: One nation… under dog.
Underdog is a live action action comedy superhero film based on the 1960s cartoon series of the same name. The film was directed by Frederik Du Chau and stars Peter Dinklage as Dr. Simon Barsinister, Patrick Warburton as Cad Lackley, and Jason Lee as the voice of Underdog. The film also stars Jim Belushi, Alex Neuberger, Taylor Momsen, and Amy Adams.
The film was loosely based on the super-powered cartoon character of the same name and several other characters from the cartoon. It was produced by Spyglass Entertainment and DreamWorks Classics and released theatrically in the United States by Walt Disney Pictures. It was filmed in Providence, Rhode Island. Unlike the TV series, the Underdog character is portrayed as a regular dog rather than an anthropomorphic one.
The film was the third highest grossing film in box office on the opening weekend of its release, but the film received extremely negative reviews.
About the Story
The film opens with a slight introduction from the main hero of the film, Underdog, who introduces the audience to himself, Simon Barsinister (the main villain of the film), and his henchman Cad. The film then enters into Capital City town hall, where a beagle on the police bomb squad, sets off a false alarm after smelling a large ham in some boxes in front of where the mayor was giving a speech.
After being put down by his fellow police canines, the beagle leaves in shame and is abducted off the street by Cad, who takes him to Simon’s lab. Simon is bitter against the mayor, who has turned down his proposal for a type of genetic experimenting for the city, plans to prove him wrong by testing his new serum on the beagle. However, the dog escapes and runs amok in the lab, causing a fire and accidentally becoming exposed to a variety of DNA concoctions and chemicals Simon developed, which modifies his DNA and gives him the strength to break through the metal door to the lab. After witnessing his work’s “success” a burning monitor falls onto Simon and Cad rushes to his aid.
Production notes provided by Walt Disney Pictures.
Underdog
Starring: Jim Belushi, Peter Dinklage, John Slattery, Patrick Warburton, Brad Garrett, Amy Adams, Jason Lee, Taylor Momsen, Alex Neuberger
Directed by: Frederik Du Chau
Screenplay by: Adam Rifkin, Joe Piscatella, Craig A. Williams
Release Date: August 3rd, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG for rude humor, mild language and action.
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Box Office Totals
Domestic: $43,760,605 (67.0%)
Foreign: $21,509,872 (33.0%)
Total: $65,270,477 (Worldwide)