Marmaduke

Warning: This movie contains talking animals. Warning: This movie contains a cat voiced by George Lopez. Still there? If you weren’t put off by those two important pieces of information then perhaps you’re the target market for this family film, which is parents across South Africa who are desperately trying to fill their kids’ 5-week SWC-enforced holiday.

Luckily George Lopez as Carlos the cat is not the main star of the show; Luke Wilson as an oversized Great Dane is. Let’s be honest: Wilson can get away with pretty much anything – exactly like a lovable dog, really – and he’s mildly charming as Marmaduke. But that’s where the charm ends.

It’s always a gamble making an animal comedy simply because you have to rely on all the old gags: dog drool, dog over zealousness, dog poo - it’s bound to be unoriginal and totally forgettable, which Marmaduke is. Send the kids and save your cash for something less mind numbing.

Rating: 1 outta 5