Rock Dog

Based on the graphic novel Tibetan Rock Dog by Chinese musician Zheng Jun, this fun animation begins with mastiff and aspiring guitarist Bodi (voiced by Luke Wilson) leaving his Himalayan mountain home in search of stardom. He soon discovers there are just as many ruthless wolves in the big city as there are terrorising his shepherd father's sheep, and soon he may have to choose between the big time and what's best for his family. Peppered with songs from the likes of Beck, Foo Fighters and Radiohead, director Ash Brannon's film walks a thin line between children's adventure and hipster irony, as if not quite sure which audience to woo. The rock dog himself is a tad underdeveloped, so the star of the piece is the hilariously selfish superstar cat Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard channelling Mick Jagger), who displays seriously strong spin-off potential. Not exactly the most ground-breaking story you'll ever see, but it's hard not to warm to a muso-friendly yarn with a character called Fleetwood Yak.