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The Shaggy Dog (2006) (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

Silly remake will entertain grade schoolers.

parents & educators say
See all 14 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that because this story involves animals, there's a lot of butt-sniffing and slapstick jokes. While no animals are harmed, an injection with a large needle and cattle prod are used to threaten them and -- since he's a dog --Tim Allen. Allen inadvertently appears nude in front of the courthouse (although no nudity is shown) and mutters, "Everyone's gonna need therapy after this."

Positive messages: Bad behavior is met with consequences.
Positive role models: Dave begins the film with his priorities out of whack, but with the intervention of a little animal chaos, straightens him right out, and reminds him what is really important in his life.
Violence & scariness: Cattle prod, injections used to threaten animals. Mild peril.
Sexy stuff: Nudity is implied but not shown as Tim Allen changes back and forth into a canine.
Language: Words such as butt and pee.
Consumerism: Numerous Kellogg's product placements (Pop Tarts, Special K, Rice Krispies) and Coca-Cola products (Coke, Diet Coke, Minute Maid).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Shaggy Dog (2006)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what it would be like to live, albeit briefly, as someone or something else. If your kids could transform into anything, what would they pick and why?
  • For the more adventurous, you might ask what your kids think about cruelty in animal testing, which the teenage daughter is actively protesting. Are there ever circumstances when it's necessary to test on animals?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this latest version of the Disney fantasy-adventure, ambitious Deputy District Attorney Dave Douglas (Tim Allen) is so ambitious that he often ignores his lovely wife (Kristin Davis), their idealistic teenage daughter (Zena Grey) and conflicted son (Spencer Breslin). He's tackling a complicated legal case involving animal testing run by evil Dr. Marcus Kozak (Robert Downey Jr.) when he's accidentally infected with an experimental gene-mutation serum by a stray sheepdog. His weird affliction first manifests itself with growling and barking in the courtroom, but soon he's sniffing, scratching, licking and romping around, transformed into a replica of the sheepdog. Confused and no longer able to communicate in human language, he befriends a motley menagerie, including a chimp, rats, rabbits, and a cobra and, in doing so, gets his priorities straight.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Writers Cormac & Marianne Wibberley, Geoff Rodkey and Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, working with director Brian Robbins, have the added advantage of advanced computer technology to enhance the outrageous episodes and slapstick comedy.

But it's Tim Allen who wreaks hilarious havoc with an uncanny canine-like performance. There's lots here to entertain kids, who will be amused by all the silliness here.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: Kristin Davis, Robert Downey Jr., Spencer Breslin, Tim Allen
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: March 10, 2006
DVD release: August 1, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: for some mild rude humor
This review was written by Susan Granger
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11

Most useful reviews by all members

Mort555
adult
 
Good children's movie, Bad for everyone else
I recently watched the Shaggy Dog and I am kind of disappointed. I have always been a fan of Tim Allen. In my opinion this movie is perfect for younger children and their parents to watch together. The movie isn't as intereting for older children. If you are over the age of 13 you probably won't like this movie. Overall a great movie for children and an average movie for everyone else.
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Hannah1213
teen, 17 years old
 
Great Family Movie
This movie was really good. A great family thriller. For the nudity part it doesn't show anything "special". It sort of reminded me of Beetoven. It was areally great movie and if you haven't seen it yet you should.
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mr.scribble
teen, 17 years old
 
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russell-benoit
adult
 
We were going to watch 20 minutes; there went bedtime!
We really were only going to watch a few minutes, and next thing we knew we were glued to what came next. Funny story, plenty for 8-10 year old boys to laugh at, and yet the central importance of family comes clear.
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Dr. Weird
parent of 14 year old
17
 
Worst.
The worst
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MovieFreak101
teen, 17 years old
 
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CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
PG? Why wasn't this G! I know because they want older people to see it!
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rraddecki
teen, 14 years old
 
I laughed!
Entertaining! We laughed the whole way through! Good Laugh Movie + A good dog movie! A must see movie!
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amurry1395
parent of 11 year old
4
 
I luaghed!
All my family cares if I get a new movie.
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mkalv
teen, 17 years old
6
 
Funny.
When my sister rented this film, I was annoyed because most dog movies are sappy or slow-paced. This one was funny. Tim Allen is a great actor, and the dog is cute. Reccomended.
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expert_reviewer
teen, 16 years old
 
Okay but kind of boring
That is all I have to say
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sirreviewum
teen, 15 years old
 
New and Interesting
Tim Allen turns INTO A DOG! This story about a man who is never home sees his self in a dog's point of view. Animal testing was occurring and he will do his best to stop it.you should watch this man change his life arnd!
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tredmer
adult
 
a great disney movie
Finally, a really good silly funny kids movie, with out the sarcastic, mouthy, disrespctful kids. Being a dog owner I found this movie to be extremely funny. My 9 year olds loved it too. A great family movie. Good values and messeges. Bad guys go to jail, the good guys win and the dad learns a real lesson about the importance of family. I wish disney would make more movies like this. See it and enjoy!
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tommysportsgirl
adult
 
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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