Karate Dog (2004)

Just what happened to Bob Clark? The talented filmmaker behind such varied classics as A Christmas Story, Porky's and Black Christmas took a strange detour at the turn of the century when he started pumping out bizarre kiddie fare in the form of both Baby Geniuses flicks as well as this fun mess, Karate Dog! In a way, the guy is a visionary, because what kid doesn't want to see a kung fu fighting dog?!? Well, it gets better because somehow, he wrangled not only Jon Voight to play the villain, but also the thoroughly washed-up Chevy Chase to voice the leading pup. As if this weren't enough, the filmmaker has packed the flick with a rousing Matrix rip-off fight at the end between the two that needs to be believed. The rest of the movie's highlights feature a doggy-DJ'ed house party, as well as a cover band fronted entirely by poorly rendered CG pooches. Make no mistake; this is kids fluff here all the way, so adults best be prepared for shoddy effects and performances straight out of Overacting 101. Thankfully children won't be the only ones entertained, as any casual fan of ludicrous cinema will also have a ball with this title, which also sports a few fantastic musical moments from veteran composer Misha Segal, who brings a bouncy feel to the flick that's equal parts Bernard Herman and early Danny Elfman. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide