 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Beethoven's Big Break
- Review Date: December 20, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Fun, funny family dog movie has star moments.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this family dog movie has one scene where Beethoven is in peril (a man stands over him with a needle), some pratfalls, and a couple dog fart jokes. Also, adults kiss twice. To go with the Hollywood theme, Beethoven indulges in some celeb-style excess -- a fancy trailer, his own massage therapist, and more.
What's the story?
Billy (Moises Arias) is being raised by his single dad, Eddie (Jonathan Silverman), who subjects Billy to the dubious perks of bachelorhood. Dinner is convenient -- frozen macaroni and cheese. Breakfast is improvised -- cereal with water, when the milk runs out. Billy begins to suffer from the effect of his dad's long hours away from home and -- what else? -- he rebels. While skipping school one day, he encounters a certain gigantic slobberfest named Beethoven. Beethoven, a dog with a habit of wreaking chaos wherever he goes, befriends Billy and Billy asks his dad if he might be allowed to keep him. Though Eddie is an animal trainer he says "no." That is, until Beethoven lands an audition that makes him a star overnight.
Is it any good?
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about stardom. Do you think Beethoven needed a fancy trailer and massage therapist once he hit it big? Do you think even dogs like the glamorous life? Also, are pets supposed to have boundaries in the household, as other members of the family do? Where does Beethoven overstep his boundaries?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent of 6 and 8 year old
March 7, 2009
AGE
I really liked this movie.
My family and I watched this together and we all enjoyed it. It is a little funny a little realistic and His dad has way to many animals.lol But all in all the story has a great message about a father and a son and how they end up bonding threw Beethoven. I absolutely recommend it for a family movie night.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
June 3, 2012
AGE
beethoven's big break
well, it is not as good as the first one,
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Mike Elliot |
| Cast: | Jonathan Silverman, Moises Arias, Stephen Tobolowsky |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| DVD release date: | December 26, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some mild rude humor. |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
