Marmaduke (2022)

Marmaduke (2022) is the kind of cheerfully chaotic family movie that knows exactly what it is: a big, loud, aggressively silly cartoon built around the joy of watching an overgrown Great Dane barrel through life like a lovable wrecking ball. Set against the glossy, ridiculous world of elite dog shows, it leans into rivalries, diva pets, and slapstick set pieces with a brisk, bouncy energy that keeps the momentum up even when the humor gets broad. Pete Davidson gives Marmaduke a scruffy, mischievous charm, and the whole thing plays like a sugar-rush Saturday-morning comedy with a warm-hearted streak underneath the mayhem. It won’t convert viewers looking for sharp wit or Pixar-level emotional depth, but if you want a low-stress, kid-friendly romp that embraces its own goofiness, it’s an easy watch.

Marmaduke (2022) is clearly aiming for a loud, kid-friendly comeback: a lovable chaos-dog thrown into the absurd world of elite dog shows, with plenty of slapstick and underdog energy. The problem is the execution feels cheap and noisy, with stiff animation, choppy pacing, and jokes that lean heavily on gross-out gags and repetition rather than cleverness. Even with solid voice talent, the characters and story beats come off as generic, like a TV special stretched past its limits. If your family is happy with bright colors, constant commotion, and “anything with a dog” entertainment, it might pass the time—but if you’re hoping for sharp humor or a polished animated adventure, you’ll likely feel your patience being tested.