The Animal 2001

Marvin Mange, portrayed by Rob Schneider, is a timid and clumsy individual who aspires to become a police officer like his father. Unfortunately, his dream seems distant as he merely serves as a trainee in the evidence room of a small-town police station. Despite his efforts to pass the physical examination required to become a full-fledged officer, he continuously struggles to complete the challenging obstacle course.

One fateful day, while he is left alone in the station, Marvin receives an urgent robbery call. With the actual police officers occupied at a softball game, he impulsively decides to respond to the situation himself. However, during his hurried journey, he swerves to avoid a seal on the road and tumbles over a cliff, resulting in critical injuries. Fortunately, he is saved by the eccentric Dr. Wilder (Michael Caton), a mad scientist who reconstructs Marvin’s body using animal parts.

After a time, Marvin returns to his everyday life, completely unaware of the extraordinary transformation he has undergone. He discovers he is now bursting with vitality; he can outrun horses and even intimidate aggressive dogs. Remarkably, he no longer requires his asthma medication. He attributes this newfound prowess to a television late-night purchase of “Badger Milk,” which the commercials claim enhances strength.

Marvin’s life takes another turn when he encounters Rianna, played by Colleen Haskell, at the park while she walks dogs from her animal shelter. Unbeknownst to him, his animalistic traits are intensifying. During a frisbee game, he succumbs to instinct and leaps to catch it in his mouth, revealing his unusual state.

Later, at the airport, he confides in his friend Miles, the security guard (Guy Torry), about his peculiar issues. In a surprising twist, Marvin uses his enhanced abilities to sniff out a man attempting to conceal heroin in a most bizarre location. This unexpected act of heroism earns him a promotion to full police officer status.

As days pass, Marvin’s animal instincts grow stronger, leading to bizarre experiences of waking up in unfamiliar places and hearing reports of night-time animal attacks. Dr. Wilder grows concerned, believing Marvin’s condition is spiraling out of control. The scientist confronts him in his barnyard laboratory, explaining the animal grafts that transformed Marvin and the accompanying challenging side effects.

At a party hosted by the Mayor, Marvin’s reckless chase after a cat causes chaos, culminating in his immediate dismissal from the force. Yet, while facing reprimand, he hears cries for help, leaps into a nearby lake, and heroically saves the Mayor’s son using abilities inherited from both a sea lion and a dolphin, resulting in his swift reinstatement.

Chief Wilson (Edward Asner) begins questioning Marvin regarding the recent animal attacks on local farms, which eerily match a police sketch that resembles him. Meanwhile, Rianna visits Marvin’s home, where he has barricaded himself in fear. The two spend a night together, though Marvin expresses a desire to be restrained to prevent harm. In the morning, he finds that Rianna has untied him, believing he would be more comfortable.

However, their safety is compromised when police arrive outside, another attack having occurred overnight, prompting a manhunt for Marvin. Rianna persuades him to flee into the woods, launching them into a frantic chase. A mob forms, intent on capturing Marvin. Ultimately, Marvin encounters Dr. Wilder once more, who reveals that another of his creations is also loose in the woods.

Just when Marvin’s fate seems dire, Sgt. Sisk (John C. McGinley) prepares to shoot him, but Rianna unexpectedly leaps to his rescue, leading the crowd to turn against them both. Miles intervenes, claiming responsibility based on his own struggles with reverse discrimination. This unexpected twist disarms the mob, as they divert their anger elsewhere.

In the end, Marvin and Rianna tie the knot and start a family, giving birth to a litter of children who share their father’s unique traits. This heartwarming conclusion emphasizes their love and the quirks that define them, showcasing how Marvin’s journey transformed not only his life but also the lives of those around him.