The story concerns an alien dog, Hubble (beautifully voiced by Matthew Broderick), who has come to earth to investigate rumors that humans rather than dogs are in control. Determining which group is in charge becomes the movie's on-going joke. For me, the issue was definitively decided in the film's funniest line, when one of the dogs declares to Owen Baker (Liam Aiken), Hubble's nominal master, "It may look like people are in charge, but you don't see us picking up their poop."

"Everyone thinks they have the smartest dog in the universe," Owen's Dad (Kevin Nealon) tells his son, who, soon after he adopts Hubble from the pound, begins to suspect that Hubble is no ordinary pooch. The story has Owen, and only Owen, being able to communicate with Hubble and the rest of the dogs. It seems that Hubble -- whose real name is Canid 3942 -- has been sent to earth to grade the earth dogs and to investigate a report that they've been letting humans rule the planet. The story lets us in on all kinds of doggie gossip, including the fact that coyotes are just "homesick crybabies" who howl, not at the moon, but at "the home star," a.k.a. Sirius, the Dog Star.

All of the voice talent is put to excellent use by first-time director John Robert Hoffman. In addition to Broderick's charming work, Brittany Murphy, Carl Reiner, Donald Faison, Cheech Martin and Delta Burke voice their talking dog roles perfectly. Even Vanessa Redgrave drops by to do a voice cameo as the Greater Dane, the canine supreme leader. She is certainly no mangy mutt, and neither is the movie. Don't miss this enchantingly sweet picture, especially if you've got a family to take with you.

GOOD BOY! runs 1:28. The film is rated PG for "some mild crude humor" and would be acceptable for all ages.