Marmaduke (2021)
Synopsis:
Marmaduke follows the adventures of a lovable Great Dane who moves with his family from Kansas to California. As Marmaduke tries to fit in with the local dog crowd, he finds himself caught up in a series of comedic misadventures. At the dog park, he encounters a variety of canine characters, including a group of pedigreed dogs led by the snobbish Bosco. Marmaduke's attempts to impress the other dogs lead to chaos, especially when he tries to win the affection of a beautiful collie named Jezebel. Meanwhile, his human family is also adjusting to their new life, with his owner Phil trying to make a mark at his new job. Marmaduke's antics create a whirlwind of fun and trouble, as he learns to navigate the challenges of fitting in and standing out in his new environment.
Where To Watch: Marmaduke
Parental Feedback
Marmaduke, released in 2022, is an animated comedy film aimed at kids, featuring the antics of a lovable Great Dane. The movie is generally light-hearted and filled with slapstick humor, making it a fun watch for younger audiences. However, parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the humor and animation, while others feel the storyline lacks depth.
Why Kids Should Watch Marmaduke
The movie offers several positive elements that make it appealing to children.
- Promotes themes of friendship and loyalty.
- Marmaduke's humorous misadventures provide plenty of laughs.
- Colorful animation and lively characters keep kids engaged.
- Includes a message about being true to oneself.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Marmaduke
Some parents have concerns about certain aspects of the film.
- Contains mild peril that might be unsettling for very young children.
- Some scenes may encourage mischievous behavior without clear consequences.
- The plot can be somewhat predictable and lacks complexity.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the lack of depth in the storyline.
What Parents Should Know About Marmaduke
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Marmaduke shows kindness and loyalty to his friends, which are positive traits for children to emulate. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | There are moments of mild peril that might require parental reassurance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Some mischievous actions by Marmaduke are not always followed by clear consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights teamwork and cooperation among Marmaduke and his friends. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about being true to oneself and valuing friendships. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Marmaduke's biggest strengths lie in its humor and vibrant animation, which are sure to entertain young viewers. However, the lack of a complex storyline and some unchecked behaviors may require parental guidance. Engaging with your child during or after the movie can help reinforce the positive messages. For those seeking more depth, consider alternatives like "Zootopia" or "Finding Dory" that offer similar themes with richer narratives.
Official Marmaduke Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Marmaduke
Marmaduke's most common core values include Being yourself, Making friends, and Family love. Throughout the movie, Marmaduke learns the importance of being true to himself, even when trying to fit in with a new crowd. This is highlighted when he realizes that pretending to be someone he's not only leads to trouble.
Making friends is another key value, as Marmaduke navigates the challenges of forming genuine connections with other dogs, showing kids that friendship is about acceptance and understanding. Family love is also central, as Marmaduke's human family supports him through his adventures, teaching children the importance of family bonds and unconditional love. These values are woven into the story, providing kids with relatable examples of how to embrace their true selves, build meaningful friendships, and cherish their families.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Acceptance | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Self-discovery | Courage | Respect | Loyalty | Perseverance | Self-confidence | Being a good friend | Celebrating differences | Inclusion
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Marmaduke
Being True to Yourself: Marmaduke learns the importance of being true to himself rather than trying to fit in with the popular crowd. Throughout the movie, he discovers that pretending to be someone he's not only leads to trouble. Kids will see how Marmaduke's journey teaches them to embrace their true selves and not change just to gain acceptance from others.
Building Friendships: The movie highlights the value of genuine friendships as Marmaduke makes new pals who appreciate him for who he is. Children will understand that real friends accept you as you are and that building strong, supportive relationships is more important than being part of the "in" crowd.
Embracing Differences: Marmaduke and his friends celebrate their unique traits, showing kids the importance of respecting and accepting others' differences. The film encourages children to see diversity as a strength and to be open-minded towards those who are different from them.
Facing Fears Head-On: Marmaduke faces various challenges throughout the movie, teaching kids to confront their fears with courage and confidence. By watching Marmaduke tackle his obstacles, children learn that bravery is about facing difficulties rather than avoiding them.
Supporting Your Friends: The movie demonstrates the importance of standing by your friends during tough times. Marmaduke's loyalty to his friends shows kids that supporting each other can help overcome challenges and strengthen bonds.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Finding Courage | Learning from Mistakes | Valuing Deep Connection | Overcoming Failure | Practicing Loyalty | Enjoying the Journey | Making a Difference | Spreading Kindness | Being Honest
Why Kids Love Marmaduke
Marmaduke is a whirlwind of fun and chaos that sweeps kids into a world where dogs talk and embark on hilarious adventures. The lovable Great Dane, Marmaduke, charms with his goofy antics and larger-than-life personality, making kids laugh with his slapstick comedy and silly jokes. As he navigates the dog park, Marmaduke's encounters with quirky animal friends and their cartoon-style chaos keep the excitement high. Kids will be thrilled by the mishaps and awkward situations Marmaduke finds himself in, as he tries to fit in with the cool crowd.
The movie's vibrant scenes of pet friendships and teamwork showcase the joy of making new friends and standing up for others. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, Marmaduke is a delightful ride that captures the imagination and keeps kids entertained from start to finish.