DVD Review: Beethoven (family fare, St. Bernard pup and dog, slapstick comedy, exciting plot)

Beethoven, with Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt and Dean Jones and Chris the dog (Universal Studios, 1992/2009, 87 minutes)

A Classic Canine Classic!

DogEvals loved Beethoven when we saw it years ago and we love it all over again now. We may even watch it again soon. We guarantee your whole family will love it: young boys can’t stop guffawing at the clever slapstick (and the snot), young girls will identify with the older sister who tries for a boy’s attention, the whole family will love the dog, a St. Bernard they come to call Beethoven - from the day he was just a cute smart lucky little pup until he grew into a 185 pound dog.

Beethoven to the Rescue

In spite of Dad not wanting a dog, Beethoven eventually changes his mind by “saving the day” over and over again – he is one smart cookie.

He saves the little sister who falls into a swimming pool, he saves the brother who is being bullied, he arranges for a boy to finally notice the older sister, he saves the family business from being swindled.

And then there is the bad veterinarian from whom Beethoven himself needs saving. The entire movie is either cute, exciting, or adorable in parts.

Such a Hit!

Beethoven was such a hit that one sequel* after another came out (and yes, there is a Beethoven’s 5^th!) but sequels are never quite as wonderful as the original. We would almost rather watch the original again!

Read More About it: 

First of all, everyone needs a dog named Beethoven so they can say, "Roll over, Beethoven!"

Celebrate the real Beethoven's birthday with Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang on December 16.

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*(Beethoven’s 2^nd [1993],

Beethoven’s 3^rd [2000],

Beethoven’s 4^th [2001],

Beethoven’s 5^th [2003],

Beethoven’s Big Break [2008](below, left),

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure [2011] (below),

and Beethoven’s Treasure Tail [2014])