Review of Beethoven's 2nd (1993) by Jamie B — 16 Nov 2007

A sequel to the smash-hit family flick "Beethoven," this one has its drawbacks. The villains, as in the first movie, are cartoonish, but young audiences will appreciate the spooks they get from the bad guys' over-the-top antics.

While the Newtons' coming together, as a family unit, was the theme of "Beethoven," this film's theme deals with our favorite St. Bernard's quest for love -- and working with his beloved to keep their family together.

(You'll see this all come together in the climax.) The biggest drawback, one must argue, is the apparent date rape attempt on Ryce (Nicholle Tom). It seems inappropriate for a family film. And that Beethoven saves Ryce -- trapped in a locked room with the pervert -- by destroying the lake house (you have to see it to believe it) insults intelligence.

Nevertheless, in a movie such as this, where we must suspend disbelief to believe that two dogs have a connection that transcends space and time, one might expect the limits to be stretched a bit. For your "Beethoven" collection, buy the DVD; but for your sanity, kick back a few before you press that play button.