Owen Wilson Lends His Voice to a Forgettable Animated Adventure

Release dates can say a lot about a movie ’s prospects. When a film debuts in the heart of January, it ’s often a sign that the studio isn’t expecting much. That’s exactly where this animated feature lands, right in the middle of winter’s cinematic no-man’s-land. The project feels less like a passion piece and more like a calculated business move: a modest budget, a familiar story about a dog with extraordinary abilities, and a single big-name actor to headline the marketing campaign. The goal? To draw in families for a quick box office run before settling into a long life on streaming platforms. Despite its formulaic approach, the movie isn’t a disaster—it’s just unremarkably average.

Owen Wilson’s Performance Carries the Film

The entire production leans heavily on Owen Wilson’s vocal performance. He brings to life Charlie, a scrappy stray who’s whisked away by aliens in a wild, chaotic opening. The abduction scene is packed with classic sci-fi gags: green lights, bumbling extraterrestrials, and a transformation that leaves Charlie with new powers. Wilson’s signature laid-back style fits the role, and he manages to sound invested, even if he doesn’t reach the heights of the best animated voice work. His presence gives the film a sense of ease, but it’s not enough to elevate the material.

Everything else around Wilson’s character feels disjointed. The antagonist is a scheming cat bent on world domination by swapping humans and felines. The villain’s design is uninspired, and his personality is grating—he spends most of his time barking orders and making noise. The movie seems to believe that louder is funnier, operating under the assumption that constant shouting will keep young viewers engaged.

Comedy and Animation Fall Flat

This relentless energy quickly becomes exhausting. Early on, there’s a scene set in the villain’s filthy lair that leans hard into gross-out humor. Instead of being funny, it just feels uncomfortable and forced. The film relies on cheap jokes and loud antics to fill the gaps, never allowing the story to breathe or develop naturally.

The animation itself sits somewhere in the middle—not terrible, but far from impressive. Gone are the days of clunky, bargain-bin CGI, but what’s here still lacks personality. The visuals are technically competent: fur looks like fur, lighting is correct, but there’s no sense of artistry or care. The backgrounds are bland, offering nothing memorable or unique. It’s the kind of art you’d find in a hotel hallway—there to fill space, not to be admired.

Script Lacks Depth and Heart

The emptiness extends to the writing. The best family movies offer themes that resonate with all ages, but this script settles for surface-level messages. It checks off boxes about heroism and friendship without ever digging deeper. The writers seem to think that a flying dog is enough to keep audiences entertained, and from a business standpoint, they might be right.

For kids under ten, the movie’s bright visuals and action will probably be enough. It’s harmless, inoffensive, and unlikely to leave a lasting impression. For everyone else, though, it’s a noisy, forgettable experience—a movie that wears out its welcome long before the credits roll.

Charlie the Wonderdog opens in theaters January 16.