Cinema Crazed

1968

Rated: Unrated

Genre: Animated Family Comedy

Directed By: Bill Melendez

Written By: Charles M. Shulz

Warner Home Video

Running Time: 56 Minutes

Review by: Felix Vasquez Jr.

Review Date: 12/1/11

HE'S YOUR DOG, CHARLIE BROWN

Like other animated properties, Snoopy is a supporting character who became much too popular for his britches and bowing to fan demand, became the focal point of much of the Peanuts gallery. Snoopy was always better as a supporting character who splashed in and out of the pages. But in the seventies Snoopy became the star and we were given doses of mediocrity such as "He's Your Dog." Characters act particularly out of character, and Snoopy is often irritating when he actually can tend to be very funny.

This time around Snoopy has suddenly become very anti-social and obnoxious, taunting the kids around the neighborhood and causing trouble. In hopes of dashing such behavior, Charlie sends him away to the puppy mill to be taught manners. Along the way, Snoopy hitches a ride in Peppermint Patty's house and overstays his welcome. From there his antics take a most annoying turn as he hides out on the road, escaping the clutches of Charlie who demands he goes to the mill.

"He's Your Dog" is one of the more unremarkable features from the Peanuts legacy and that's saying a lot considering I love most of the Shulz films. The characters are grating and the story just feels forced. I would have loved this featured in a box set rather than a release of its own since it doesn't warrant a purchase entirely. Even with the DVD extra feature "Life is a Circus."

This is really not one of the best Peanuts specials as characters act out of the norm and Snoopy is more a nuisance than a source of endless comedy. I would not spend my money on this Deluxe Edition, unless one is a hardcore collector.

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