Python Hyena Doug's 1st Movie (1999): Dir: Maurice Joyce / Voices: Thomas McHugh, Fred Newman, Chris Phillips, Frank Welker, Alice Playten: Every bit as flat in its animation as The Rugrats Movie, with a story that is every bit as stupid. Doug is a smart kid who shares a secret with his friend Skeeter (and no, it doesn't include a secret stash of pornography). They manage to snapshot a monster that is dwelling in the lake. The creature is friendly and only shown to the Mayor but they take him home when the lake is threatened with pollution. Doug must protect it from exploitation while explaining things to a potential girlfriend. Yes, the dating subplot might be beyond the audience this film is directed at but in all fairness any child should be smarter than the intelligence presented here. Predictable and stupid in every manner but director Maurice Joyce knows the cartoon well. Let's just hope that he doesn't suffer long for it. A character like Doug should be in a story better than this. His friend Skeeter is a moron. The Mayor is either drunk or on heavy cocaine if he accepts these things at face value. The villain should study the Bond films so that he can pick a bigger target, like the world. The animation will not impress adults but perhaps children will not care. It is done in the most simplistic forms. The purpose is just as the title states. It is Doug's first embarrassing act on film. Score: 1 / 10

Phil Hubbs This was one of those Nickelodeon cartoons that ran during the early 90's which I used to watch religiously. Along with 'Rugrats' and 'Hey Arnold!' the toons of that time were really decent and quite fresh in terms of originality and artistic style. 'Doug' being the most simplistic to look at compared to the others, yet I still can't recall how or why I actually got into this.The movie has the same age old issue, can it work when stretched out to a films length? Quite plainly I would say yes, this will not appeal to adults in the slightest unless like me you like the toon. Its purely 100% for kids and not meant to be anything more, hence its extremely errr...childish, simple and unoriginal.I thought everything here worked really well to be honest, all the characters seem to be voiced by the regular people, give or take. Everything visually is recognisable from the daytime cartoon, its been spruced up of course but it still looks like Doug and there hasn't been any CGI tomfoolery. That fact I like, the fact they kept it pure like the original material and didn't use CGI, that's good (at least I don't think they used CGI).The only thing I didn't really like here was the plot believe it or not. Now I know this will sound stupid but the plot was unrealistic, let me explain. I'm reasonably sure that in all the 'Doug' cartoons the plot has always been relatable, in other words about problems kids face in school, at home, growing up, daily life we all can understand etc...It has never ventured into the realms of complete fantasy, I don't think. So this movie to have the plot based around a dinosaur lake monster running amok is kinda crappy frankly, just seems totally lame and as if they couldn't think of anything else. 'Ah lets just stick a monster in their and they make friends with it blah blah blah', a cartoon version of 'Splash' or 'Free Willy'.If you know this franchise then you'll know what to expect, good morals, good-natured harmless silliness and plenty of sickly kiddie romance. Although it doesn't seem as witty with Doug's regular daydream interventions which he had in the daily cartoon. There does seem to be a clear difference between the early Nickelodeon Doug and this Disney Doug, early Doug did seem cheaper with those corny tacky homemade sound effects and sketchy animation, but that was its charm. I never saw the later Disney Doug episodes but I've heard bad things.This big screen adventure does lack that charm but it still manages to do what it set out to do. The film is enjoyable and still looks nice but admittedly isn't as rich or pretty as other animations. You really have gotta be a fan to enjoy this, otherwise I can fully understand if you think it looks terrible. I think time has passed for this franchise and film now, the moment has gone and it doesn't really stand the test of time, plus no Billy West! its still OK though.5/10

dukemantee I don't process much working knowledge about Doug and his adventures. I think he started as a program on the Nickelodian cable channel. So, I have no idea if a lack of insight impaired my opinion ; I wondered why some people were green and blue. The story and animation are average. I imagine they are similar to the television show. Patti Mayonnaise reminded me of a cartoon version of Sandy Duncan. 2 out of 4 stars.

thecynicalone Children's Cartoons have long been showcases for slapstick silliness and poorly written humor. Doug stands out in stark contrast to the rest.This movie is sharply written, humorous with a message that is not laid on in a schmaltzy manner. The creative script is intelligent enough to keep the attention of adults while still entertaining children.Doug himself is a likeable protagonist. He isn't really one dimensional, the kid has feelings. Its fun to watch him deal with the pressures of dating, (albeit at the ripe young age of 12...) he and Patti actually have a sort of chemistry (as far as cartoon characters are concerned.) I was actually able to watch this movie without feeling silly for being there....its dark elements are nicely balanced out with some traditional cartoon absurdities. All in all, its a surprisingly intelligent, fun, ride.