Tools for this page
Print

Beethoven

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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.

updated 06.24.09

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?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Beethoven?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 2 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Terrible

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    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.

Find movies reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Terminator Salvation

    Terminator Salvation

    First PG-13 Terminator is loud, explosive, and dark.

  • Managing Media

    "Screens Off"

    "Screens Off"

    Ideas for limiting screentime during playtime.

  • Tech Tip

    A how-to guide for parents. Google Safe Search

    A how-to guide for parents.

  • Pick of the Week

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Best baseball games for kids.

  • Game of the Week

    EA Sports Active

    EA Sports Active

    Virtual personal trainers help families get fit on the Wii.