Kids will love the animal antics and the soulful performance of Moises Arias as Billy. Parents will crack up at Jonathan Silverman's portrayal of a beleaguered dad, whose response to chaos is an exasperated, "Really?" Cesar Milan, dog guru behind The Dog Whisperer, gives some wise words in a cameo performance.

But much of the movie's success hinges on Stephen Tobolowsky as Sal Demarco, the animal trainer turned villain. In fact, all of the lead actors inhabit their roles fully and play them to the comedic hilt. Not to mention the fact that Beethoven himself is pretty irresistible. Throw in a litter of St. Bernard puppies, an impish lizard, some laugh-out-loud scenes on the set, and you've got a good movie choice for the whole family.