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Beethoven

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    A sloppy but lovable pooch of a movie.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The film's openly dismissive attitude toward women who work will rankle many. The children are rude to their father when they disagree with his actions, and relent only when they get their way.

  • Violence & scariness:

    A bespectacled youngster is bullied. Everyone in the family cheers when the father hits a villain. A young girl nearly drowns before she is rescued by Beethoven. Beethoven is almost killed by a villain who abuses animals in the name of research.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Beethoven

Parents need to know that this hit comedy is thin on story but big on slapstick. Inept, repeatedly humiliated adults may annoy some parents. Don't be surprised if the kids start pestering you for a dog after watching this movie. Be aware of some questionable behavior, like out-of-control kids and a negative depiction of working mothers. The best age group for this film is 6- to 8-year-olds, who will love the pup and the comic mayhem that ensues. Older kids may still enjoy this, particularly dog lovers, though they'll likely find the story thin.

Read our full review by M. Faust

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about some of the bad behavior in the film. Why was Charles treated so poorly by his kids? Did he deserve it? How do you relate to your own parents? What explanation does the film give for treating working mothers so poorly?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    bongos
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    the best

    the best dog movie in ages i love how the dad gets it heh heh heh

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    scifiguy
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Terrible

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    schuymarch1
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    A great dog movie...

    Beethoven is a very good dog movie.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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