Beethoven's 2nd (1993) starring Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr, Debi Mazar, Chris Penn, Ashley Hamilton directed by Rod Daniel Movie Review

Beethoven's 2nd (1993)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Bonnie Hunt and Charles Grodin in Beethoven's 2nd (1993)

Plenty of Puppy Love

The most interesting thing there is to say about "Beethoven's 2nd" is that it was Oscar nominated or at least the original song "The Day I Fall in Love" was Oscar nominated. Aside from that fact well this sequel to the fun "Beethoven" is basically more of the same as we have more canine headaches for George Newton and baddies in the form of the bitchy, money grabbing Regina. And that basically means whilst much of what goes on in "Beethoven's 2nd" is unoriginal it will be fun for young children who enjoyed the first whilst parents can leave young ones to watch in the knowledge that there is nothing offensive to worry about.

Things are typically chaotic in the Newton household as George (Charles Grodin) and Alice (Bonnie Hunt) try to get their business off the ground. It means that whilst they are busy and the kids are at school Beethoven goes in to town during the day where he meets a lady St. Bernard who he falls for. He not only falls for her but 10 weeks after meeting Beethoven becomes a dad to a litter of pups which Ted (Christopher Castile) & Emily (Sarah Rose Karr - Father of the Bride) discover when they decide to follow Beethoven. But they also discover that Regina (Debi Mazar), who owns Beethoven's girlfriend doesn't want them and so the young Newton's with the help of Ryce (Nicholle Tom) take them home and hide them in their basement.

Charles Grodin, Bonnie Hunt, Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, Sarah Rose Karr in Beethoven's 2nd (1993)

Now as storylines go well "Beethoven's 2nd" is really quite weak with a slim central storyline about Beethoven find himself a lady dog and becoming a dad. Whilst we then get the whole Regina element, are baddie for the movie, who is only interested in the pups because they are worth something this really just leads to some canine chaos. That means George not only having to deal with the full size Beethoven but also the litter of pups which Ted, Emily and Ryce initially try and hide from him in the basement. It serves up the typical humour you would expect, dogs getting muddy, dogs pulling washing about, wrecking the house and eating loads.

And in a strange way that is it, we have mentions of other stories such as George and Alice trying to raise money for their business and Ryce dealing with young love but none of this leads to any real side plots. What they do lead to is the Newton family heading to the lake for a 4th of July holiday and more chaos and set pieces as the dogs cause trouble. And this leads to Regina getting her comeuppance when it comes to her almost Cruela Deville tendencies towards the pups.

As such "Beethoven's 2nd" basically delivers a different story but plenty of similar humour which filled the first movie with Charles Grodin getting stressed as George whilst Sarah Rose Karr delivers more cuteness as Emily. It does work because it has that same tone, same charm and same innocence of the first movie which means that if you enjoyed "Beethoven" you should enjoy "Beethoven's 2nd". And for parents it is the innocence, the fact that there isn't anything disturbing which is a bonus as it means young ones can be left alone to watch it without fear of being upset.

What this all boils down to is that "Beethoven's 2nd" is basically more of what as delivered in "Beethoven" and is ideal for young children because it is simply inoffensive.

Tags: Dog Movies


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