'Rock Dog' a handsome, simple animated fantasy for kids
"Zootopia" it's not.
The animated feature "Rock Dog" comes from a graphic novel "Tibetan Rock Dog," created by popular Chinese rock star Zheng Jun for his young daughter.
So, the plot and characters have been rendered with a simplicity that doesn't necessarily talk down to kids.
Yet, unlike in Pixar and Disney features, they also don't raise the bar much beyond the level of cartoons packed with flashy action sequences and 13 catchy songs.
"Rock Dog" begins as a teen rebel tale in which a young Mastiff dog named Bodi (Luke Wilson) doesn't want to follow in the pawsteps of his magical dad (J.K. Simmons), protecting sheep on Tibet's desolate Snow Mountain.
When Bodi discovers a portable radio dropped from an airplane and listens to a song on it ... bazzingo!
A hallucinogenic, rock-induced dream sequence inspires him to leave for the big city to become a rock superstar like cool cat Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard).
Angus ignores fanboy Bodi until the creatively dry rock star hears Bodi singing a song that he can steal for his long overdue next album.
The obligatory female supporting character, Darma (Mae Whitman), and her musical partner Germur (Jorge Garcia) play together in Rock 'n' Roll Park. They think Bodi's fibbing about working with Angus Scattergood.
"Rock Dog" veers into a superfluous subplot involving villainous wolves out to kidnap Bodi so they can capture and grill his dad's sheep. Or something like that.
The wolves, led by boss Linnux (Lewis Black), look suspiciously like KGB agents swaddled in "Reservoir Dogs" suits.
Venerable actor Sam Elliott lends his gravel pipes as the narrator, Fleetwood Yak (the movie's cleverest joke), spoon-feeding exposition to the presumed kid audience.
For its minimal resources. "Rock Dog" is a handsome piece of animation. (Director Ash Brannon reported the production used about four story artists stuffed in a Venice, California, loft.)
The story, Zheng Jun says, tells people to pursue their dreams. But, he cautions, other things are more important, mainly love and loyalty.
In effect, "Rock Dog" inadvertently points out where the couple in the Oscar-nominated "La La Land" went wrong.
“Rock Dog”
★ ★ ½
Starring: Luke Wilson, J.K. Simmons, Eddie Izzard, Sam Elliott, Mae Whitman
Directed by: Ash Brannon
Other: A Summit Premiere release. Rated PG. 80 minutes