Beethoven Reviews

• NOT a family film

  
  By A3GA09FYFKL4EY on 2006-01-28
  I found nothing to like about this movie and I can't believe people actually take children to watch it. The father is an absolute jerk and I wanted to smack the mother, who stands like an imbecile while her husband says ugly things to the dog and kids. The filmmakers attempt to redeem him and show what a loving father he is by beating someone up! Riiiighhttt. Throw in a sadistic veterinarian and you have a horror show, not a family film. This is completely unfit for children and should be for adults as well.
  
  

• It beats all the "talking animal" movies out there!

  
  By ATDHHDPUJ2PCM on 2000-07-19
  First, I gotta admit to my partiality towards St. Bernards in particular and big dogs in general. So, naturally, my review of this film is somewhat skewed in that direction. Still, I think it's a wonderful film, even in the context of "family movies." And like the title of this review says, it's a wonderful oasis from all the other movies out there that seek to anthropomorphize animals, rather it just portrays a dog being...well...a dog. Refreshing. Grodin does a good job, I'd rank it somewhere between "Midnight Run" and "The Great Muppet Caper." And whoever trained the big lug that was Beethoven deserves due credit, too!
  
  

• One huge puppy/dog. 15th april 2004.

  
  By ATOSQVSOA3D8Q on 2004-04-16
  The newton family have just adopted one huge saint bernard dog that was kidnapped out of the shop it came from. He's big,he drewles,and he's a big responsibility. Beethoven made him self happy in the newtons, emily dreamed of having a dog and she woke up with one right beside her in her bed. No one knows about him been there until her mum brother and sister walk into the room. He grows massive, and it is about a family who love him too bits, exept they had to work round there dad. Great family film.
  
  

• Good Boy!- Good Movie!

  
  By A3AP6H48QHX8BR on 2005-04-18
  This was one of my favorite movies as a kid and now even as an adult I see all the magic that made me enjoy it when I was younger. After watching this movie even the person in your family who is not an animal lover will want to go out and adopt a St.Bernard!
  
  It starts when Beethoven is just a puppy by narrowingly escaping a pet store robbery Beethoven wanders the streets until he enters the lives of the Newton family. After Emily Newton the youngest member of the clan awakes in the morning to see a cute little fluffy St. Bernard puppy in her bed "I dreamt I had a puppy and my dream came true." George and Alice Newton are besides themselves on what to do with the dog- they can't keep it is George's first reaction. It will ruin the yard, destroy the house, it will grow to be enormous, and then it will die and we'll have to replace it and start the whole process all over again. Well George despite, being an a non-dog person decides to keep it for the sake of the kids "It's just temporary" he says. But, soon Beethoven the lovable St.Bernard becomes a member of the family- dealing with all childhood crisises from bullies and to first crushes- as this happens he also gets REALLLY big creating huge messes that George Newton reluctantly puts up with! Well, Beethoven is a very special dog with a remarkable love for his family sensing danger for the Newtons from saving George from the finical ruin of his company to the near death drowning of little Emily. But, suddenly Beethoven finds himself in the grips of an villianious vet who wants to use him to test out a new gun anumition on- only problem is the Newton family isn't going to give Beethoven up with out a fight! Even George loves the creature now.
  
  This movie made my eleven year old host sister roll over on the floor with laughter. And seeing it made me want to go out and adopt a St.Bernard puppy. Charles Gordin is HILLAROUS as the anti-dog loving George in this movie his facial expressions and tone of voice reminded me of my dad's dealings with our family pet. Charles Gordin totally carries this movie. The animals also make this flick really endearing-
  
  All in all this is a movie to rent or buy to watch with your kids over and over again! The perfect choice for family movie night.
  
  

• Nice Doggie

  
  By A1TMAVN4CEM8U8 on 2008-04-16
  Beethoven DVD
  
  Beethoven is a comedy about a family with a Saint Bernard dog and all the trouble the dog gets in to. A laugh-a-minute.
  
  Highly recommended for the entire family, especially dog lovers.
  
  Gunner April, 2008
  
  
  
• great family film
  By APXZRLC8LO165 on 2003-01-08
  With the exception of a few more intense scenes in this film (namely the ones with the antics of the villian veteranarian), "Beethoven" is a great choice for the whole family. It's just a very lighthearted and fun film with real characters and a plot that is just as funny as it is heartwarming. It focuses on the Newtons, who are just a normal, happy family with their own set routine until a stray puppy comes upon them and "puts the dents in their home." The father George's (played to perfection by Charles Grodin) feelings for this dog are beyond indifferent, but he finally gives in to his three young children and allows them to keep the puppy, whom they soon dub with the name "Beethoven." As the dog grows into an enormous St. Bernard, the kids are having a ball with him, but George is....well, this is not quite the kind of change in his life that he had hoped for, and what unfolds are some often hilarious moments between George and Beethoven. I remember watching it over and over when I was younger, and I still love it now.

  Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are great as the kind and loving parents, and Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr are equally delightful in their roles as the 3 kids. Overall just a really sweet, funny, and good family film.
  
  

• Head-Over-Tails Adventures!!!
  By A3TD7B0CT1NHO4 on 2003-06-24
  This is one of the all-time favorites of our household, and boasting an ensemble cast which includes Bonnie Hunt, Charles Grodin, and the "Big Dog," we follow the puppy as he barely escapes from the twin bumblers who try to kidnap him. Beethoven "adopts" the Newton Family (Hunt/Grodin, and the children), and the laughs begin. Charles Grodin tries to assure his family that they are "goldfish people," to no avail, but finally relents.

  Dean Jones plays a real nefarious guy in this movie, and it's against type, because you don't really like him as the greedy veterinarian, and when he seeks to make the dog the target of his unspeakable animal experiment, the action really kicks in.

  A fine film for the whole family. Highly recommended!!!
  
  

• I Love It
  By AEVOHIJANH2MN on 2006-07-09
  I used to watch "Beethoven" when I was was young, and I was watching it today. We have this and "Beethoven's 2nd" on video, but I agree that "Beethoven" may not be for younger children but I really, really love it.
  
  
• Wonderful Fun!!!
  By A3TD7B0CT1NHO4 on 2003-02-02
  This has to be one of the nicest family films in a long time. My family and I have seen this film over and over again, and not once does it seem tedious. Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are cast superbly as the suburban parents of three children who come across an orphaned dog (Beethoven). Of course Charles Grodin doesn't want any of this, and the change which he goes through until the end is wonderful. Then there's Dean Jones, the villain, and this is against casting, because he's been such a nice guy in most films. Not this one, but his demise is expected, and fun to watch.

  Highly recommended. And not once do you think that this should not be viewed by the family, or with young children. It leaves lots of room for discussion, much of the positive kind.
  
  

• NOT for younger children
  By A1ZPX8C4SZLL8O on 2004-03-25
  This movie is terrible in that it sends very mixed messages to children. A veterinarian "villian", a father hitting a "bad guy" and getting cheers from his family, etc. This, and a very scary and intense near-drowning scene (of a child) made my 4-year-old cry. We ended up turning it off and having a long talk afterwards with our daughter. I'm glad we only rented it but I'm kicking myself for not previewing it first.
  
  
• THIS IS MY FAVORETE MOVIE EVER!
  By A1FNUCH09U9YE9 on 2004-09-07
  THIS IS MY FAVORETE MOVIE EVER!IT`S REAL FUNNY,AND GOOD!IT`S A GREAT FAMILY FILM!I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE KEPT IT GOING ON WITH THE SAME ACTORS AND EVERYTHING IN BEETHOVAN`S 3rd,4th,AND 5th!THEY DID IN THE SECOND ONE,THOUGH,AND I LIKE IT TO!
  
  
• A classical music dog
  By A1IKOYZVFHO1XP on 2005-03-12
  "Everything was just fine until Beethoven came into our lives.",quipps George Newton(Charles Grodin). Before the lovable St. Bernard entered the Newton household,it was completely flawless. Beethoven broke free from a truck enroute to a homeless shelter and happened to gain the attention of George,his wife Alice(Bonnie Hunt) and their children Ryce,Ted and Emily. The mutt got his name from some music played by kindergarten-age Emily,composed by the late classical music great Ludwig von Beethoven. In fact,Emily was playing "A Fifth of Beethoven". At first,the Newtons were reading ballots trying to come up with names. Alice immediately recognized Emily's ballot,written in crayon. "Body parts would not make good names for the dog.",Alice tells Emily. Emily replies,"He has one of those. I looked." Also,"That's what you call Uncle Richard.". Emily knew the slang term for the male sexual organ! Other memorable scenes include the Newton kids being babysat by an incapable woman(Alice fired her after only one job). Also Beethoven "giving a ride to" a pair of inept,deceitful people who are business associates of George's. Beethoven was physically abused by a homeless shelter worker posing as a veterinarian. Emily personally saw the guy hit the mutt. At first,the others thought Beethoven bit the guy. George was gonna have the mutt euthanized but the mutt is saved. The so-called villain and his partner were indicted on a multitude of counts of animal cruelty. The other animals in the shelter were rescued by the Newtons. The Newtons also appeared in the TV coverage of the crime. In the last scene,George,Alice and the kids are all together with the rescued animals including Beethoven. What a sweet,happy ending! Director Brian Levant's other film credits include 1991's PROBLEM CHILD 2 and 1994's THE FLINTSTONES. Those films,like this one were distributed by Universal Pictures.
  
  
• Whatever happened to Nicholle Tom?
  By A2R4XG0L7Z01V8 on 2007-10-29
  I loved Beethoven when I was young - so much so, I went around naming my Barbie dolls 'Ryce'! I thought it was the coolest name ever, and it brought a smile to my face when I watched it today, brought back some good memories.
  
  Beethoven is just a feel good movie. A big lovable dog, who you just want to cuddle the entire time, even if you did get drooled on. Just don't show to very young kids, cos you know what will happen! Thankfully I don't have that problem, just my mum oohing and aahing over Beethoven! The only minor quibble I have with the movie is that I can easily see Chevy Chase or Steve Martin in the role of the dad, played by Charles Grodin. Either of those two could have played that role, and dare I say it slightly better.
  
  But whatever happened to the gorgeous Nicholle Tom? She wasn't the best actress but she was great in the Beethoven movies (but the other two kids were definitely NOT), but she seems to have virtually disappeared from the movie world, and into made for TV movies. Which is a shame.
  
  Beethoven is the perfect afternoon movie of just chilling, when everyone else it out, and there's no need to feel embarrassed.
  
  
• Beethoven
  By A1TNM6KBAJSEOQ on 2000-02-28
  I figured I would enjoy this more than I did, I guess it's a bit too young for me. It's funny sometimes, but most things are kiddy jokes I guess. Basically it's just another dog movie
  
  
• Beethoven is the best movie for kids and Adults
  By A36IDA3URJFE2Z on 2001-06-11
  I love all Beethoven's movies. I like that part on Beethoven's2nd when they were all at the carnival Beethoven was signed up for Hamburger contest, that other dog was eating his one hamburger he drank the drink.I would love to meet the Actor And Actress.There are 3 parts of Beethoven.Its Beethoven, Beethoven's 2nd, and Beethoven's 3rd.
  
  
• Adorable
  By A34W7QA4J5UTOR on 2001-10-26
  From the moment I saw that adorable Saint Bernard pup, I was captivated. I came away wanting a Saint Bernard of my own! Over the years, I've been reluctant to see this movie thinking it would be unredeemably silly. Instead, I found it to be an amusing family film about a very intelligent dog whose presence brings a family closer together. It's very funny and light-hearted. I would recommend this film to anyone.
  
  
• A Wonderful family film for all.
  By A1CZICCYP2M5PX on 2002-02-07
  When a Puppy found by the Newton Family (Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Gastille and Sarah Rose Karr), they adopt the Puppy to become and grows up to be a 185 Pound Saint Bernard, which a Scientist Business Man (Dean Jones) and his two workers (Oliver Platt and Stanley Tucci) kidapped animals for a Science Division on the Breakthough of a Animal Skull, who wants Beethoven is thier Division.

  Directed by Brian Levant (The Flintstones, Jingle all the Way, Snow Dogs) made a entertaining comedy for the whole family. Watch for Actors:Melora Walters (Boogie Nights, Magnolia), The X-Files:David Duchovny and Everybody Loves Raymond`s Patricia Heaton. Exective Produced by Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters). A Box Office Hit in the Spring of 1992. A winner. Grade:B+.
  
  

• enjoyable for the most part...
  By APXZRLC8LO165 on 2003-01-12
  I would regard this as a good family film with some reservations. Since I remember how much I used to watch this when I was a kid, I remember what parts I enjoyed and what parts I didn't. It's okay to have a darker side to a family movie, but perhaps not with such unnecessary rough dialogue and violence with an evil veteranarian attacking and abusing animals. And since when does a father earn praise and honor from his wife and children when he punches out the bad guy?

  The strength and the fun of this movie comes from the family who adopts a lost St. Bernard puppy, much to the father's dismay. The three children in this film, Ryce, Ted, and Emily (played by Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr) are cute enough; what I like so much about this movie is the way they're shown as such a normal, loving, typical family that many of us could probably say we have seen before somewhere in our own lives. You've got the grumpy yet loving father, the nurturing "stay at home" mother, and the three mischievous kids. Overall, it's a film you might enjoy with your family...worth at least a rental.
  
  

• Roll over Beethoven!!!
  By A88Z0WGMK5JCP on 2003-06-25
  I got this movie for Christmas back when I was 7 and fell in love with this movie. Now I am 14 and I stil love this movie. It is about this St. Bernard named Beethoven who finds a home. The kids and mother like Beethoven but the father doesn't. It also involves an evil veterinarian that kidnaps dogs and then does illegal experimentations on them. It may be a little dark for younger kids but it is heartwarming and funny. I think Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt did an excellent job with their roles as parents of 3 children. I wish I had a St. Bernard like Beethoven even though he drools and makes a mess in the house. I would recommend this movie to anybody. see it!!! and buy it!!!
  
  
• I Love This Movie!!!!!!
  By on 2003-07-23
  This is a Grrrreat movie!!I love the part when the crazy babysitter is singing and Beethoven saves the little girl from drowning in the pool! You will fall on the floor laughing!
  
  

• Beethoven's 2nd
• Beethoven's 3rd
• Beethoven's 4th
• Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey
• Beethoven's 5th