Doug must face his worst nightmare: the first day of middle school. But, before he can embark on this awkward, scary adventure, he attends the class’ welcome back picnic where he is bitten by Antoine, a friend’s small dog. After a trip to the doctor, Doug is assured that the dog bit into his shoe and that no serious damage was done. However, when the doctor mentions that dog saliva and human flesh should never mix, Doug can’t shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen.

On the first day of school, Doug has to take a class called Teen Issues, where the teacher walks students through relationships, adjusting to middle school, and … puberty. Doug cringes at that word, but what scares him more is Jack, the 8th-grade bully who won’t leave him alone.

While Doug tries to balance bullies, puberty, and loud, boisterous parents, he notices some weird changes in himself. He has small black spots all under his nose. A few hairs appear under his arms. Doug’s conclusion: he’s turning into a werewolf. The bite from Antoine must have transferred some sort of bacteria into Doug’s body that has made him part of the canine family.

Doug can’t decide who to confide in, sure that sharing this secret will make him look crazy, but in between running from Jack and dodging Teen Issues class, Doug barely has time to talk with anyone anyway.

It takes a few more life lessons from his parents, his aunt, his science teacher, and even Jack to realize that all of these changes in his body come from … puberty. He doesn’t have to fear turning into a werewolf anymore.

DOuG is a fun, family-friendly screenplay that reminds us to not judge others and to approach new beginnings with a positive perspective. However, some Teen Issues talk might not be suitable for small children, awarding this film the Dove-approved seal for Ages 12+.

The Dove Take:

After Doug believes he has been viciously attacked by a friend’s dog, he spends his first few days of middle school terrified that he’s turning into a werewolf.