The film begins with the Winslow family, including their Great Dane Marmaduke (voiced by Owen Wilson), relocating from Kansas to California. Marmaduke, who is eager to make a fresh start, quickly finds himself struggling to fit in with the posh and competitive dog community in their new neighborhood.
As Marmaduke tries to find his place among the other dogs, he befriends a group of misfits, including the laid-back Collie named Mazie (voiced by Emma Stone), the neurotic Dachshund named Giuseppe (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and the eccentric Chinese Crested named Raisin (voiced by Steve Coogan).
Marmaduke also becomes infatuated with a beautiful Afghan Hound named Jezebel (voiced by Fergie), who belongs to the neighborhood’s top dog, Bosco (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland). Marmaduke’s attempts to impress Jezebel often result in chaos and embarrassment, much to the chagrin of his owner Phil (played by Lee Pace) and his family.
Meanwhile, Phil struggles with his new job at an organic pet food company and his strained relationship with his boss, Don (played by William H. Macy). Phil’s teenage daughter Debbie (played by Finley Jacobsen) also faces challenges fitting in at her new school and dealing with her crush on a popular boy named Trent (played by David Walliams).
As tensions rise between Marmaduke and the neighborhood dogs, Phil and his family must come together to save their beloved pet and mend their fractured relationships. With the help of their friends, both human and canine, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and acceptance.
In the climax of the film, Marmaduke and his friends must work together to rescue Debbie, who gets trapped in an underground tunnel during a thunderstorm. With courage and determination, they manage to save Debbie and reconcile with their rivals, earning the respect and admiration of the entire neighborhood.
The film ends on a heartwarming note as Marmaduke and his family embrace their quirks and differences, finding happiness and belonging in their new home.
“Marmaduke” received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its family-friendly humor and visual effects but criticized its formulaic plot and reliance on slapstick comedy. Despite its shortcomings, the film remains a fun and entertaining movie for audiences of all ages, especially fans of the original comic strip.