Royal tale goes to the dogs

The Queen’s Corgi (PG, 85 mins) Directed by Vincent Kesteloot, Ben Stassen

Reviewed by James Croot ★★1⁄2

After being given to Queen Elizabeth as a gift by Prince Philip, Rex quickly becomes the monarch’s favourite. Much to the chagrin of staff and his fellow corgis, he’s singled out for balcony appearances and bed duties. In fact, Rex becomes so popular, that his mug adorns toilet brushes, mouse pads, and, erm, mugs.

However, it only takes a visit from US President Donald Trump to threaten his top dog status. The Commander-in-Chief and Melania are keen to celebrate the ‘‘special relationship’’ between their two countries by pairing their beloved Mitzi with Rex. But the latter is anything but keen and the evening ends with Rex very much in the dog house.

A relocation to the papal palace is suggested for this ‘‘royal disgrace’’, however Rex’s best friend Charlie instead advocates a London-based sojourn, until things cool off. It quickly becomes clear, though, that Charlie has Machiavellian motives of his own.

Naturally, what follows is a dose of double-dealing and lashings of doggy derring-do in this fun, but forgettable animated adventure. While there’s a somewhat ploddingly predictable mix of slapstick, old pop-culture references for adults (that here include everything from Rocky to Fight Club and Paul Anka’s Puppy Love) and perilous situations, what’s particularly odd about this tale is its portrayal of the British monarchy and the current incumbent of the White House.

While the royal couple are portrayed somewhat sympathetically, the Belgian filmmakers make plenty of jokes at Trump’s expense. A cola can substitutes the word ‘‘Cov-Fefe’’ for its more traditional name, while the President suggests to Mitzi that she ‘‘grab some puppy’’.

In fact, that sub-plot is somewhat disturbing and a disappointing downgrade for the team that has given us such endearing oddities as The House of Magic, The Wild Life and Son of Bigfoot over the past few years.

Get past those odd opening 20 minutes though and you’re left with a passable, but pale imitation of Aardman’s Flushed Away, as Rex tries to find his way back to Buckingham Palace.

There’s an intriguing cast of characters, the likes of Dame Julie Walters, Jack Whitehall, Ray Winstone and Sheridan Smith on vocal duties, and life-lessons about ‘‘entitlement’’.

However, it already feels dated and is unlikely to age well, especially given that the Queen no longer owns any of the breed.