Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

Highlighted by a climactic showdown that appropriately takes place on an overflowing toilet, the animated comedy Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank is a turd.

Drawing narrative inspiration from Blazing Saddles and visual cues from Kung Fu Panda, this crude mix of broad humor and slapstick violence manages some scattered laughs but is only minimally clever or charming.

After all, very few of the youngsters in the target demographic will appreciate Mel Brooks churning out lines like: “There’s no business like Shogun business!” Then again, 50 years ago, nobody knew what “dad jokes” were.

There are plenty of those in the silly dialogue here, as well as mischievous euphemisms that seem more appropriate for adults who will otherwise roll their eyes at the array of stale puns and labored pop-culture references.

As a dog in a world of cats, the titular hero (voiced by Michael Cera) is an outsider from the beginning. When he winds up in a Western cat village under attack from an evil warlord (Ricky Gervais), he sees an opportunity to step in and save the day.

The town needs a samurai, and bumbling optimist Hank wants to be one, except he doesn’t know how to fight. Plus, as a canine among felines, he’s already suspicious. Desperation causes him to find Jimbo (Samuel L. Jackson), an alcoholic ex-samurai who’s more interested in belittling Hank than training him. Eventually, they must find common ground to save their community from destruction.

Overloaded with pratfalls and low-brow gags, plus a dash of cuteness, the predictable screenplay never musters much incentive for emotional investment. The occasional self-awareness as the film checks off cliches doesn’t change the fact that it’s still cliched.

Plus, without much meaningful insight into cultural legends or traditions, it winds up indulging in some of the same stereotypes it aims to lampoon.

Children might respond more favorably to the colorful animation and hyperactive animal antics, along with easily digestible lessons about teamwork, acceptance, and perseverance.

However, while veteran director Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little) — credited alongside feature debutants Chris Bailey and Mark Koetsier — fills the screen with constant mayhem and keeps the characters yammering, Paws of Fury is all bark with no bite.

Rated PG, 97 minutes.