Review of Beethoven's 2nd (1993) by Johnny T — 04 Mar 2012

Kids, especially younger ones, will love the canine misadventures, and adults should have no trouble stomaching the broad, good-natured humor. It's a watchable first sequel to the surprise hit stars Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt as the reprising Newton family. The jokes are alternately amusing, silly and vulgar, and there are also a couple of set-pieces calculated to get big laughs. Producer Ivan Reitman's (Ghostbusters, Twins, Dave) stamp is all over this film; it's filled with cheery, goofball images of humorous familial high jinks and dog's-eye-view shots. Daniel's hit Beethoven sequel builds on the high slobber and house-destruct factor of the earlier film by adding aahhh! appeal in the shape of four puppies. The soulful St Bernard - now secure in the household of persuadable grump Grodin and supermum Hunt - finds a pedigree chum in Sissy, owned by evil stack-heeled Mazar. It's a shaggy-dog story, targeted at children and the softer cinemagoer, but amiable enough not to offend the hard-boiled. A bland but enjoyable good time.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).