Scheduled to come out on DVD on December 26th, 2008 is the fun children’s movie: Beethoven’s Big Break.
I had the opportunity to watch the movie prior to its release date. Although it’s a busy and crazy time of year, I somehow managed to watch this movie, in sections I will add, while I fed son.
Movie Synopsis
Although animal handler Eddie works with lots of creatures, he has a strict NO PETS ALLOWED policy and won’t let his son Billy keep adorable stray dog Beethoven and his family of puppies. But when dog-nappers steal the canine star of the movie Eddie’s working on, the studio big shots must quickly find a replacement and unexpectedly cast the lumbering canine as their next big star. Through his rambunctious antics and larger-than-life personality, Beethoven not only crashes into Hollywood but into Eddie’s heart as well.
My Review
I’ve watched other Beethoven movies, there’s something that makes me drawn to them. It must be the big, slobbery, adorable dog! He really is the star of the show and keeps you wanting to see what trick he is innocently going to pull next.
The human cast is made up of Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Rhea Perlman, Stephen Tobolowsky, Oscar Nunez, Joey Fatone, Cesar Millan, with Moises Arias and Eddie Griffin.
This movie made me giggle quite a few times. Beethoven is one funny dog who pulls quite a few stunts. The plot is easy to follow and admittedly does keep you hooked to find out what happens next.
I am pretty strict with what my 3 1/2 year old daughter can watch on tv and dvd. I have to say that although this movie is rated PG (and I understand why it has been given that rating), I would not allow her to watch this quite yet. In a few years, I can certainly see the Beethoven series being one that we own for sure. There is some inappropriate language (in my opinion) as well as some scenes that are for children with a higher maturity level than 3 years. I’m guessing that maybe 7 years plus would be a more appropriate age range.
Anyhow, overall, I thought that this movie was a very smart movie and quite entertaining! I definitely recommend that your Boxing Day budget include this movie if you are in need of a good dvd to entertain the kids.
As an aside:
I often wonder how they get dogs and other animals to cooperate for films. Did you know that there are actually three dogs that play the character, Beethoven? Pretty incredible, those are some well trained dogs! Check them out:
Here are some sneak peaks of the movie:
My kids would love to see this. I have the older Beethoven vhs tapes that I forgot about in the basement. Great movies.