What better subject for family movie night than a film about a big goofy dog? Beethoven’s Big Break stars a St. Bernard as the loveable hero of a story filled with the right elements for entertainment and fun.
All that is required is a big bowl of popcorn (or other movie appropriate snacks) and your attitudes tuned to laughter.
It is a pleasure watching a movie with kids, and even more fun when they are really tickled by what they see. Beethoven’s Big Break has havoc and mayhem generated by an oversized, overzealous canine and a completely over-the-top villain (played by Stephen Tobolowsky) with two sidekicks (Joey Fatone and Oscar Nunez) that are the animated Disney Dalmation-nappers brought to life.
Their performances alone made the kiddos cackle with glee. When you add to this enjoyable slapstick criminal element, critters of all varieties, a story that is based on fairness, the comedic talents of Rhea Perlman and Eddie Griffin, the husband and wife team of Jonathan Silverman and Jennifer Finnigan playing the love interests and a really good kid actor Moises Arias, the children will want to watch this story over and over, and there is a very good chance that you won’t mind seeing it again yourself.
Eddie (Jonathan Silverman) is the assistant trainer for the animals in a new movie production, as well as a single parent to Billy (Moises Arias.) Although animals are his business, Eddie does not want his son to have a pet dog. A big St. Bernard steals Billy’s cookies, but then helps him catch the attention of a little girl he has been interested in…and that is just the beginning.
Billy brings his new best friend home, and not surprisingly Eddie is less than thrilled with Beethoven. The plan is to take him to a pound but Beethoven inadvertently enters himself in an audition for a movie role. He is an instant hit, and Eddie and Billy adopt him.
This is the beginning of a whole new lifestyle for the father and son. Who knew Beethoven would bring along baggage in the form of three puppies? Eddie is assisted in caring for this group by Lisa (Jennifer Finnigan) the writer of the movie’s script, and while working out the actions for the dog hero, the two humans fall in love. Will Sal and crew foil the plans for Beethoven’s career?
Beethoven’s Big Break is on single two sided disc with option of full frame or wide screen viewing. It comes with special features including a gag reel, and deleted scenes.
There are also the Commentary by Mike Elliott, Jonathan Silverman and Moises Arias, How Did They Do That! Featurette about the real animal trainers and what they have been able to do with the movie’s creature stars, including the three dogs that play Beethoven, Boomer (the action sequence dog,) Benz (the hero dog who does many tricks) and Dolly (who is in most of the scenes with the puppies).
Moises Arias gives a tour backstage at Universal Studios where the film was primarily shot. There is also a special appearance by real life Dog Whisperer Caesar Millan.
Beethoven’s Big Break is now available at Amazon . It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a Feb. 24th release. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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