Amazon.com

Put Charles Grodin together with a 200-pound Saint Bernard and you're likely to come up with some good laughs. In this popular family comedy from 1992 Grodin plays a beleaguered dad who reluctantly lets his kids keep the lost puppy they've adopted. The dog quickly grows into the huge and clever hound named Beethoven. In a marked departure from his nice-guy roles in several Disney comedies from the 1960s and '70s, Dean Jones plays the villainous veterinarian who abducts Beethoven to be a subject in his sadistic animal experiments. The kidnapping sets the stage for a raucous rescue and, of course, an inevitable sequel. Innocuous but harmlessly entertaining, Beethoven is one of those movies that some kids can't get enough of. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (15)

great family film
With the exception of a few more intense scenes in this film (namely the ones with the antics of the villian veteranarian), "Beethoven" is a great choice for the whole family. It's just a very lighthearted and fun film with real characters and a plot that is just as funny as it is heartwarming. It focuses on the Newtons, who are just a normal, happy family with their own set routine until a stray puppy comes upon them and "puts the dents in their home." The father George's (played to perfection by Charles Grodin) feelings for this dog are beyond indifferent, but he finally gives in to his three young children and allows them to keep the puppy, whom they soon dub with the name "Beethoven." As the dog grows into an enormous St. Bernard, the kids are having a ball with him, but George is....well, this is not quite the kind of change in his life that he had hoped for, and what unfolds are some often hilarious moments between George and Beethoven. I remember watching it over and over when I was younger, and I still love it now.

Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are great as the kind and loving parents, and Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr are equally delightful in their roles as the 3 kids. Overall just a really sweet, funny, and good family film.

enjoyable for the most part...
I would regard this as a good family film with some reservations. Since I remember how much I used to watch this when I was a kid, I remember what parts I enjoyed and what parts I didn't. It's okay to have a darker side to a family movie, but perhaps not with such unnecessary rough dialogue and violence with an evil veteranarian attacking and abusing animals. And since when does a father earn praise and honor from his wife and children when he punches out the bad guy?

The strength and the fun of this movie comes from the family who adopts a lost St. Bernard puppy, much to the father's dismay. The three children in this film, Ryce, Ted, and Emily (played by Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr) are cute enough; what I like so much about this movie is the way they're shown as such a normal, loving, typical family that many of us could probably say we have seen before somewhere in our own lives. You've got the grumpy yet loving father, the nurturing "stay at home" mother, and the three mischievous kids. Overall, it's a film you might enjoy with your family...worth at least a rental.

stupid
don't watch this movie. because this movie ain't that funny.

One huge puppy/dog. 15th april 2004.
The newton family have just adopted one huge saint bernard dog that was kidnapped out of the shop it came from. He's big,he drewles,and he's a big responsibility. Beethoven made him self happy in the newtons, emily dreamed of having a dog and she woke up with one right beside her in her bed. No one knows about him been there until her mum brother and sister walk into the room. He grows massive, and it is about a family who love him too bits, exept they had to work round there dad. Great family film.

NOT for younger children
This movie is terrible in that it sends very mixed messages to children. A veterinarian "villian", a father hitting a "bad guy" and getting cheers from his family, etc. This, and a very scary and intense near-drowning scene (of a child) made my 4-year-old cry. We ended up turning it off and having a long talk afterwards with our daughter. I'm glad we only rented it but I'm kicking myself for not previewing it first. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Snow Dogs is not a fantasy about talking dogs--it's a heartwarming story about personal growth starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and a sled team of Siberian huskies. When Dr. Ted Brooks, a successful, sun-loving dentist from Miami, receives a summons to the minuscule town of Tolketna, Alaska, his mother is forced to confess that he was adopted. Teddy's desire to quickly return to Miami yields to a burgeoning curiosity about his deceased mother and biological father. Teddy's experiences in Alaska acquaint him firsthand with the wonders of sled dogs, the sport of mushing, human sacrifice, and love. The city slicker's hilarious attempts to mush even culminate in a hero's reception at the finish of the prestigious "Arctic Challenge." Snow Dogs is 99 minutes of breathtaking vistas, amusing comedy, and entertainment suited for the entire family. Rated PG due to the occasional outhouse joke and other mild crude humor. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (108)

didnt REALLY enjoy it
What I saw was "Snow Dogs." It stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Sisqo, James Coburn and Nichelle Nichols. Gooding is Ted Brooks, a dentist from Miami who inherits some racing snow dogs in Alaska from his mother. He learns that he was adopted from his mother's will and begins a half-hearted search for his natural father.

In Alaska, he meets a bartender who knew his mother. Ted wants to leave because he doesn't belong in Alaska. But to stop him, the bartender tells Ted who his father is. He finds out that his dad was white (and Ted is black). One kid in the theater asked what a diary was when Ted found his late mother's diary in the house that she lived in.

Overall, I didn't really enjoy this film, but I guess that young kids could give it a shot. I did chuckle a little bit at some parts, like when he said that one of the dentist operations would hurt more than a tickle and less than paying your taxes (a little adult joke, the kids wouldn't get it). Some of the lines in the movie didn't come out right, though. One of my favorite parts was when Ted was dreaming and Michael Bolton made a cameo.

R.I..P Mr. James Coburn aka Thunder Jack
Although Cuba Gooding has always gotten on my nerves, this movie is worth the watch for James Coburn's turn as Thunder Jack, a grizzeled mountain man. To lose Rod Steiger, James Coburn and Charles Bronson all in such a short time marks the end of an era and a goodbye to the last of the 'Real Men' of both Hollywood and the world...

What's with the running gag about Michael Bolton???
My 6-year-old is obsessed with this film. It seems like every time I hear the TV turn on, my daughter's got "Snow Dogs" popped into the VCR...again (sigh...)! It's harmless good fun and I certainly don't mind hearing her gleeful laughter resounding through the house. The only thing that gets on my nerves are the Michael Bolton references. Michael Bolton's music is used in the film soundtrack. Michael Bolton is a White recording artist, but his most successful releases have consistently been cover versions of songs by Black artists. The central character in "Snow Dogs" finds out that he's not only adopted but also only half-Black. His foster mother promptly quips that maybe this is the reason he likes Michael Bolton's music so much. Then at some point Michael Bolton himself makes a cameo in the film. And Bolton's music returns as the credits roll, this time a cover of a Stevie Wonder classic. Was this redundancy really necessary? Aside from that, I think "Snow Dogs" is a heartwarming family movie that parents will be able to tolerate without going nuts the twentieth time the kids put it on. Don't hesitate to check it out!

A charmer fit for the family, even the pets will love it!
A Miami dentist and a team of sledding dogs combine for a humorous, snow-filled adventure. Dr. Ted Brooks (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) has a successful practice, "Hot Smile," when one day his mother drops the news that he was adopted. He soon finds himself in a small Alaska town to claim his inheritance, which includes no money but plenty of dogs - not such a good match for the wealthy, canine-hater! Before heading back to balmy Florida, however, he braves the frigid climate in search of his biological father. He slowly finds himself drawn to the simplicity of the town and its people, including Barb, a tough but sweet bartender, and Thunder Jack (James Coburn), a very rough-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside "musher." When the "Arctic Challenge" sled race begins soon after, Brooks and his new canine friends discover the meaning of love and family.

There is so much to enjoy about this movie, which comes from a long tradition of Disney snow/dog/sled racing classics ("Snowball Express," "White Fang," "Iron Will"). It's lighter in tone but still provides some thrilling moments against a spectacular Alaskan backdrop. (They could have capitalized on the scenery even more.) The laughs come naturally in this script, as a Southern city slicker thrust into the Alaskan wilderness is bound to run into goofy situations. Cuba Gooding, Jr. is in fine comedic form, and a scraggly James Coburn easily takes to his lighter side. Both actors have proven their dramatic prowess with serious, decidedly adult roles, but the two fit snuggly into this family film and share some amusing and touching scenes. Though "Snow Dogs" lacks the scriptural tightness of films before it, it warms the heart.

THE DOGS ARE THE SHOW
Critics have pretty much bashed this movie, stating that Oscar winner Cuba Gooding has sunk to depths unprecedented by previous winners. A little harsh; SNOW DOGS works not because of Cuba; it works because it's hearts in the right place and the dogs are a pleasure to watch, especially Demon and Nana. There is one hilarious dream sequence where the dogs are sunning themselves on the beach, in lounge chairs, sunglasses and drinks in hand. Cuba does better once he gets over the prat-falling sequences early in the movies; Gooding comes nowhere near the masters of this: Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Dick van Dyke and Jerry Lewis. But once Gooding stops trying to be these guys, his performance settles down, and he avoids killing the movie. Also, James Coburn is delightful as his "father", and Nichelle Nichols is even more beautiful than she was in "Star Trek." There's nothing new in this movie, but as typical Disney fare, it has an upbeat message and everything goes just as one would hope and expect; the Alaska backdrop is sumptous, too. Don't let the horrible reviews influence you; if you like this kind of "feel good" movie, it's fine. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This pleasant, lightweight live-action version of the popular cartoon is about as good as you might expect. The kids should love the broad humor and the Henson Studios creatures, but like The Addams Family movies, the look and the cast are the best things going for it. Considering that the nature of the material is so sparse, the thinly plotted story works better than other TV-to-movie fare. Our fabulous Stone Age man is promoted per a calculated move by a scheming exec (Kyle MacLachlan, whose casting ensured at least one cute guy). As a comedy, the humor is one-note and flat for anyone older than 12. The special-effects creatures look wondrous, though not as seamless as in other movies, such as in Roger Rabbit. The most joyous moments come during the full-scale re-creations of the famous credits. The Flinstones provided a major launching pad for Halle Berry as a vamping secretary. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (37)

This is an EXCELLENT MOVIE
THE Flintstones is a good movie. It's about two families who live in Bedrock. Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) and Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis) work in a quarry. One of the VPs of Slate and Company Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan) and his accomplice Sharon Stone (Halle Berry) plan to steal a fortune from Slate and Company. They plan to frame Bedrock's loudest, most lovable resident, Fred. He bcomes an executive for the company, and he and Wilma taste the lifestyle of the rich and prehistoric. Cliff kidnaps Fred's daughter, Pebbles (Elaine and Melanie Silver) and Bamm-Bamm (Hlynur and Marino Sigurdsson). Fred and Barney save the day and Cliff gets concrete dumped on him. Miss Stone goes to jail. It's a movie the whole family can enjoy.

I thought I was watching a cartoon!
For those of you who grew up watching "The Flinstones" every night, "The Flintstones" is something to cherish. With John Goodman ("The Babe," "Arachnophobia") playing the part of Fred and Elizabeth Perkins ("Big," "If These Walls Could Talk 2") as Wilma, this delightful comedy does everything it can to mimic "The Flintstones," from pigs for garbage disposals to cars run on foot power to elephants for faucets. Everyone is dressed up in ridiculous outfits so exaggerated as to be cartoonish! Greatly helping the movie is a full cast of Hollywood (or should I say Hollyrock) actors, such as the Silver twins, Elaine and Melanie ("General Hospital"), as Pebbles and Hlynur Sigurdsson ("The Flintstones") as Bamm-Bamm. Ironically, the only time Barney Rubble, Rick Moranis ("The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie," "The Animated Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie"), hears his child Bamm Bamm (Hlynur Sigurdsson) finally say "Dada" is near the climax of the movie, when Rubble is about to be hit in the head by construction equipment. The Rubbles (Rick Moranis, Rosie O'Donnell) soon find themselves in a lower economic stratum to their neighbors and friends (the Flintstones), and separation is inevitable. Also featured in this movie is the fledgling actress Halle Berry ("Bulworth"), playing secretary and co-conspirator Sharon Stone ("King Solomon's Mines," "Total Recall") - in the end, she falls prey to Fred's simpleminded goodness and betrays Kyle MacLachlan ("Sex and the City"), a money embezzler. Dann Florek plays an accurate Mr. Slate - Fred "John Goodman" Flintstone's boss at the rock quarry - and Fred invents concrete. From the second he sees it, Mr. Slate knows concrete is the thing of the future, and it is indeed in use even today. That is the kind of talent that makes Mr. Slate the boss of the quarry and not dumb oafs like Fred or his neighbor and friend Barney Rubble. Keep an eye out for computer-animated dinosaurs, because the graphics in this film are so realistic that you might misinterpret them as terrifying visual hallucinations.

Prehistoric Halle!
Halle Berry in prehistoric times...if it were true I'd have loved to have been there. The movie is entertaining for the whole family. It's an amusing movie but the highlight for me was the sexy seductress, miss Sharon Stone...played by the most beatiful women in all of hollywood, Miss Halle Berry. The movie gets 3 stars...Halle gets 5:)

A FEEL GOOD MOVIE!
I love The Flintstones, in any shape or form that I can see them. I remember wonderful memories of watching them on TV with my children and now with my grandchildren and I was delighted when the movie came out, I was not disappointed!
John Goodman is great as Fred,rough around the edges but yet
quite loveable! The casting was great, the scenery was great, everything about this movie was just plain fun! That is what it's all about and what it should be about! Fred gets in trouble, Barney bails him out! Simple! Fun! Entertaining!
What more do you want?

I really enjoyed it!
The Flintstones is light-hearted, and very entertaining, and sometimes that is all films are meant to do, entertain! The first thing I noticed about this film was that it had a GREAT CAST: Rosie O'Donnell, John Goodman, Halle Berry, and Kyle MacLachlan. I really also enjoyed this film because it is something that you can watch as a family. I was never a fan of the old TV show, but I LOVED this movie. I saw it on TV, and I am going to buy this DVD very soon! Watch it, you will enjoy it! Also, don't think it is "a kids movie", adults can enjoy it, too! 4 stars (****) for THE FLINTSTONES!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Below average Bundy (dont listen to the idiot above!)
This particular Bundy episode is not funny. It lacks the depth and array of derrogatory jokes that we are use to in the more classic Bundy episodes. I love Al, guest star Sam Kinison, and the whole cast. But even Kinison cannot save this particular Married with Children from the fire in hell in which it has been summoned to.

Everytime A Shoeman Cries, An Angel Gets....
This homage - of -sorts to the Jimmy Stewart classic is already a classic of its' type. With a shock to his system, Al awakens to find an angel - his angel, who has been called to help Al decide if his " loved ones " would be better off without him, if he had never been born. With anger, angst and humor, The Angel ( Sam Kinison ) arrives, not without his own issues and proceeds to give Al a look of how life might have been. Peggy somehow became a Leave It To Beaver style mom, complete with apron and french Twist...Bud, a sweater and tie wearing geek who has become almost courtly and Kelly - a plaid skirt and ponytailed Virgin Barbie. Did Peggy Sue get married ? You bet your Bundy she did, but to a handsome man who lifts them all from drudgery and middleclass living to life in a mansion. The lucky husband later was signed to the show as jefferson D'Arcy - also known as Mr Marcy. Here, he is somewhat of a snob, but loving the family. Obviously, Al comes to a few self - realizations and makes the decision of a lifetime. OK, it ain't Shakespeare, but it is a welcome respite from the usual holiday fare.

Bundyfully Outrageous
I grew up watching Married with Children and was very disappointed when the show ended. I was grateful to watch reruns on late night television until recently time slots changed and I am no longer able to watch. Thus I begun my search to find the series to purchase as many other shows such as Friends and Little House on the Prairie have come out with, but found bitter disappointment in the realization that there are no season's available for purchase. Then in my search I stumbled across this classic episode and purchased it on the spot. It is outrageously funny, the only thing I still could want is the entire series!!

Waiting...........
Look, I believe this to be in the top 3 of the greatest sitcoms of all time. And Al, is probably in the top 3 of the greatest TV dads of all time. However I am very disappointed that they haven't moved the show to DVD yet. I need MWC season 1 now! Who's with me?

... and all of a sudden, Santa appeared
I find it next to impossible to write an impartial review of this episode, or most any other MWC episode, for that matter. Married With Children has been my favorite show for as long as I can remember - with razor-sharp humor that never dulls.
This episode is definitely one of the most memorable ever. Guest starring Sam Kinison, it features biting, non-PC humor that leaves one in stitches. From Al's unique recitation of "Twas the Night Before Christmas", to his guardian angel's recollections of his ex-wife, this episode features some of the best Bundy humor.
My only hope is that the rest of the episodes will eventually make it onto DVD - there isn't a single pre-season 8 episode of Married With Children that I wouldn't gladly buy. Excellent show, great episode to have. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than the first movie
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" isn't what you would expect it to be. Instead of being a sequel to the "The Flintstones," it's a prequel. It shows how Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty came to meet in the first place. Oh yeah, don't forget the well animated Dino. You'll find out some things about Wilma, Barney, and the others that you most likely never knew about, such as Wilma being rich.

If you've ever watched the cartoon series in your life, then you'll already somewhat know how this movie turns out, such as Fred and Wilma being together, but you'll find out a lot of interesting stuff along the way and find out that everything wasn't all smooth sailing for the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

I used to watch the cartoon series of The Flintstones when I was a kid, but I didn't like the movie, "The Flintstones" much at all. "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is a much better movie than the first one in my opinion. Parts of it are hilarious, and the whole movie is very entertaining. My only complaint is that I sort of doubt that a few parts of the story hold true for a stone age family, such as Mick Jagger being alive and Coca-Cola existing. But there are some of the famous Flintstone antics such as a dinosaur being used as a bridge.

If you've ever been a fan of the cartoon series, and even if you haven't ever been much of a fan, I would recommend watching "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." It has good acting, it's funny and entertaining, and it has good effects that make it look like a live episode from The Flintstones.

A great time will be had by all...
I was one of the few adults out there who will admit to enjoyed the first flick, but I still stand by that decision. So, I eagerly rushed to the video store to snag a copy of the DVD. I hadn't seen it before viewing it and wasn't really sure what to expect. I shouldn't have worried...the film was great fun.

A little juvenile, a little too silly but what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon? If you're a fan of The Flintstones tv series or enjoy the work of actors Mark Addy and Alan Cumming you'll be sure to enjoy this flick. The appearance of the Great Gazoo was a nice touch and something well-remembered by this fan. Take a chance...I'm sure you'll love it.

Underrated, Viva Rock Vegas!!!
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" brings the iconic 60's cartoon about the "Modern-Day Stone-Age Family" back to the big screen for a second run. During it's first-run in the theatres people blasted the movie for its changes from the first movie (prequel instead of sequel, B-team cast instead of A-team cast). However, taking a look at the movie on it's own merits you'll find an equally well-done story and rendering of America's favorite Modern-Day Stone-Age Family.

THE MOVIE:

The Story:

Again, this movie is actually a prequel to the first movie as well as cartoon. It tells the story of how Fred and Barney first met Wilma and Betty. Buddies and Rock-Quarry workers Fred and Barney meet Betty and Wilma and engage in a whirlwind romance. Along the way the gang gains a pet dino (Dino) and cross paths with an exiled alien (The Great Gazoo). Things in paradise aren't quite perfect though as Wilma's ex-beau shows up to reclaim Wilma and throw a monkey wrench into the boys' relationship with the girls.

The Cool Stuff:

It's all about the story here and effects here. As in the first movie, Bedrock (and Rock Vegas) are beautifully rendered. All the charm of the cartoons shines through in the film from the way Fred bowls to how he and Barney float into the air when things go right (Yabba-Dabba Doo!!!) all the way to Dino's seemingly perfectly transferred animation from the cartoon to the film. While people lambasted this film, the storytelling is once again done very well. The story is classic Flintstones, Fred does some dumb things to his regret landing him and Barney in trouble, Barney's lovably innocent and the girls, of course, prove they are smarter than the men. The addition of the Great Gazoo to the film is icing on the cake.

THE DVD:

While a little sparse compared to most new release DVDs, there are some nice extras here to enhance your viewing pleasure. Among the goodies included here are:

1. "Making of Feature" - 15 minute feature that talks about, among other things, the making of the Rock Vegas set, the CGI animation and the casting of the actors.

2. Trailers: The theatrical and teaser trailer plus trailers for other movies.

3. Production Notes - more insight into the movie

4. Cast and Crew Bios

THE VERDICT:

Overall this movie was just nice. It may have may have been lambasted or passed by your radar the first time around but if you are looking for a nice rental for the weekend or evening this is your film. The storytelling is very solid and is just classic Flintstones in every respect. In my opinion, the movie is perhaps even superior to the first movie in this respect. All the charm of the cartoon translates perfectly is this movie. The DVD features, while a little sparse, help make this particular DVD a nice addition to your DVD library if you are so inclined to purchase it.

Final Grades:

Movie: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 4 stars

Highly Recommended

"Viva Rock Vegas" See how everyone met and fell in love.
This film is NOT a sequel to THE FLINTSTONES (1994), but a prequel. This story takes place before the story of the first movie. A new cast is in this film telling the story (the movie version) of how Wilma, Betty, Fred and Barney meet each other. When it becomes love at first sight, they all become friends and decide to go to Rock Vegas. Ann-Margret sings "Viva Rock Vegas" to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Joan Collins plays the rich mother of Wilma who looks out for best interest. Harvey Korman has a fun role. And Dino is born. Locations include, Malibu, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, California and Blayney Ranch, Palmdale, California. This DVD contains "Spotlight on Location", a behind-the-scenes look of the making of the film. Mark Addy played a wonderful and easier-on-the eye Fred Flintstone.

Mostly [garbage].
Rated 1.5
The actor who played Fred was likeable, but ... dull and unconvincing. The Baldwin brother who portrayed Barney was ideally cast. 'Greg' from 'Dharma & Greg' should've been over-the-top cornball, but he seemed to barely act at all. He seemed like a mildly skewed version of 'Greg', strange that an actor wouldn't want to act completely different. Wilma and Betty are finely casted, though Wilma is a very different from the show. She used to be a 'straight' character, now she's more humorous. Alan Cumming is spectacular as usual, but the script doesn't give him much of anything to do. Joan Collins and Wilma's father, 'Colonel' are perfect.

The SFX are ok, but the script is unredeemably shallow, immature and full of second-rate puns and gags. The biggest payoff is the impressions and the sets, and the original movie had way more of both (along with a decent plot!). The last movie felt like it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, this just slumps the whole way through, but actors help out immensely. I think it tried to be too serious or goofy in scenes. I constantly thought, 'I guess I'm supposed to laugh now' or 'care now'.

I love the surreal nature of having this imaginative world in live action. It sounds strange, but to see Wilma get her pearls is... *weird*. I guess that's where most of my enjoyment comes from, but again, Spielberg did it better.

To put this in perspective, I paid [money] for it and I'm starting to wish I had saved the cash. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Not a Bad Christmas movie...
Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.

Great Holiday Family Movie
We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE
THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.

Just Love Watching This Every Christmas
It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

Make your own decision
Enough has been said explaining what the movie is about so I won't go into that. What I want to ask is that you watch the movie and decide for yourself if its trash or treasure. Don't let the negitive reviews keep you away, it is a happy, funny, holiday escape which is all it was ever meant to be. Also, Phil Hartman is great in this. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than the first movie
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" isn't what you would expect it to be. Instead of being a sequel to the "The Flintstones," it's a prequel. It shows how Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty came to meet in the first place. Oh yeah, don't forget the well animated Dino. You'll find out some things about Wilma, Barney, and the others that you most likely never knew about, such as Wilma being rich.

If you've ever watched the cartoon series in your life, then you'll already somewhat know how this movie turns out, such as Fred and Wilma being together, but you'll find out a lot of interesting stuff along the way and find out that everything wasn't all smooth sailing for the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

I used to watch the cartoon series of The Flintstones when I was a kid, but I didn't like the movie, "The Flintstones" much at all. "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is a much better movie than the first one in my opinion. Parts of it are hilarious, and the whole movie is very entertaining. My only complaint is that I sort of doubt that a few parts of the story hold true for a stone age family, such as Mick Jagger being alive and Coca-Cola existing. But there are some of the famous Flintstone antics such as a dinosaur being used as a bridge.

If you've ever been a fan of the cartoon series, and even if you haven't ever been much of a fan, I would recommend watching "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." It has good acting, it's funny and entertaining, and it has good effects that make it look like a live episode from The Flintstones.

A great time will be had by all...
I was one of the few adults out there who will admit to enjoyed the first flick, but I still stand by that decision. So, I eagerly rushed to the video store to snag a copy of the DVD. I hadn't seen it before viewing it and wasn't really sure what to expect. I shouldn't have worried...the film was great fun.

A little juvenile, a little too silly but what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon? If you're a fan of The Flintstones tv series or enjoy the work of actors Mark Addy and Alan Cumming you'll be sure to enjoy this flick. The appearance of the Great Gazoo was a nice touch and something well-remembered by this fan. Take a chance...I'm sure you'll love it.

Underrated, Viva Rock Vegas!!!
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" brings the iconic 60's cartoon about the "Modern-Day Stone-Age Family" back to the big screen for a second run. During it's first-run in the theatres people blasted the movie for its changes from the first movie (prequel instead of sequel, B-team cast instead of A-team cast). However, taking a look at the movie on it's own merits you'll find an equally well-done story and rendering of America's favorite Modern-Day Stone-Age Family.

THE MOVIE:

The Story:

Again, this movie is actually a prequel to the first movie as well as cartoon. It tells the story of how Fred and Barney first met Wilma and Betty. Buddies and Rock-Quarry workers Fred and Barney meet Betty and Wilma and engage in a whirlwind romance. Along the way the gang gains a pet dino (Dino) and cross paths with an exiled alien (The Great Gazoo). Things in paradise aren't quite perfect though as Wilma's ex-beau shows up to reclaim Wilma and throw a monkey wrench into the boys' relationship with the girls.

The Cool Stuff:

It's all about the story here and effects here. As in the first movie, Bedrock (and Rock Vegas) are beautifully rendered. All the charm of the cartoons shines through in the film from the way Fred bowls to how he and Barney float into the air when things go right (Yabba-Dabba Doo!!!) all the way to Dino's seemingly perfectly transferred animation from the cartoon to the film. While people lambasted this film, the storytelling is once again done very well. The story is classic Flintstones, Fred does some dumb things to his regret landing him and Barney in trouble, Barney's lovably innocent and the girls, of course, prove they are smarter than the men. The addition of the Great Gazoo to the film is icing on the cake.

THE DVD:

While a little sparse compared to most new release DVDs, there are some nice extras here to enhance your viewing pleasure. Among the goodies included here are:

1. "Making of Feature" - 15 minute feature that talks about, among other things, the making of the Rock Vegas set, the CGI animation and the casting of the actors.

2. Trailers: The theatrical and teaser trailer plus trailers for other movies.

3. Production Notes - more insight into the movie

4. Cast and Crew Bios

THE VERDICT:

Overall this movie was just nice. It may have may have been lambasted or passed by your radar the first time around but if you are looking for a nice rental for the weekend or evening this is your film. The storytelling is very solid and is just classic Flintstones in every respect. In my opinion, the movie is perhaps even superior to the first movie in this respect. All the charm of the cartoon translates perfectly is this movie. The DVD features, while a little sparse, help make this particular DVD a nice addition to your DVD library if you are so inclined to purchase it.

Final Grades:

Movie: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 4 stars

Highly Recommended

"Viva Rock Vegas" See how everyone met and fell in love.
This film is NOT a sequel to THE FLINTSTONES (1994), but a prequel. This story takes place before the story of the first movie. A new cast is in this film telling the story (the movie version) of how Wilma, Betty, Fred and Barney meet each other. When it becomes love at first sight, they all become friends and decide to go to Rock Vegas. Ann-Margret sings "Viva Rock Vegas" to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Joan Collins plays the rich mother of Wilma who looks out for best interest. Harvey Korman has a fun role. And Dino is born. Locations include, Malibu, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, California and Blayney Ranch, Palmdale, California. This DVD contains "Spotlight on Location", a behind-the-scenes look of the making of the film. Mark Addy played a wonderful and easier-on-the eye Fred Flintstone.

Mostly [garbage].
Rated 1.5
The actor who played Fred was likeable, but ... dull and unconvincing. The Baldwin brother who portrayed Barney was ideally cast. 'Greg' from 'Dharma & Greg' should've been over-the-top cornball, but he seemed to barely act at all. He seemed like a mildly skewed version of 'Greg', strange that an actor wouldn't want to act completely different. Wilma and Betty are finely casted, though Wilma is a very different from the show. She used to be a 'straight' character, now she's more humorous. Alan Cumming is spectacular as usual, but the script doesn't give him much of anything to do. Joan Collins and Wilma's father, 'Colonel' are perfect.

The SFX are ok, but the script is unredeemably shallow, immature and full of second-rate puns and gags. The biggest payoff is the impressions and the sets, and the original movie had way more of both (along with a decent plot!). The last movie felt like it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, this just slumps the whole way through, but actors help out immensely. I think it tried to be too serious or goofy in scenes. I constantly thought, 'I guess I'm supposed to laugh now' or 'care now'.

I love the surreal nature of having this imaginative world in live action. It sounds strange, but to see Wilma get her pearls is... *weird*. I guess that's where most of my enjoyment comes from, but again, Spielberg did it better.

To put this in perspective, I paid [money] for it and I'm starting to wish I had saved the cash. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than the first movie
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" isn't what you would expect it to be. Instead of being a sequel to the "The Flintstones," it's a prequel. It shows how Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty came to meet in the first place. Oh yeah, don't forget the well animated Dino. You'll find out some things about Wilma, Barney, and the others that you most likely never knew about, such as Wilma being rich.

If you've ever watched the cartoon series in your life, then you'll already somewhat know how this movie turns out, such as Fred and Wilma being together, but you'll find out a lot of interesting stuff along the way and find out that everything wasn't all smooth sailing for the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

I used to watch the cartoon series of The Flintstones when I was a kid, but I didn't like the movie, "The Flintstones" much at all. "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is a much better movie than the first one in my opinion. Parts of it are hilarious, and the whole movie is very entertaining. My only complaint is that I sort of doubt that a few parts of the story hold true for a stone age family, such as Mick Jagger being alive and Coca-Cola existing. But there are some of the famous Flintstone antics such as a dinosaur being used as a bridge.

If you've ever been a fan of the cartoon series, and even if you haven't ever been much of a fan, I would recommend watching "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." It has good acting, it's funny and entertaining, and it has good effects that make it look like a live episode from The Flintstones.

A great time will be had by all...
I was one of the few adults out there who will admit to enjoyed the first flick, but I still stand by that decision. So, I eagerly rushed to the video store to snag a copy of the DVD. I hadn't seen it before viewing it and wasn't really sure what to expect. I shouldn't have worried...the film was great fun.

A little juvenile, a little too silly but what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon? If you're a fan of The Flintstones tv series or enjoy the work of actors Mark Addy and Alan Cumming you'll be sure to enjoy this flick. The appearance of the Great Gazoo was a nice touch and something well-remembered by this fan. Take a chance...I'm sure you'll love it.

Underrated, Viva Rock Vegas!!!
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" brings the iconic 60's cartoon about the "Modern-Day Stone-Age Family" back to the big screen for a second run. During it's first-run in the theatres people blasted the movie for its changes from the first movie (prequel instead of sequel, B-team cast instead of A-team cast). However, taking a look at the movie on it's own merits you'll find an equally well-done story and rendering of America's favorite Modern-Day Stone-Age Family.

THE MOVIE:

The Story:

Again, this movie is actually a prequel to the first movie as well as cartoon. It tells the story of how Fred and Barney first met Wilma and Betty. Buddies and Rock-Quarry workers Fred and Barney meet Betty and Wilma and engage in a whirlwind romance. Along the way the gang gains a pet dino (Dino) and cross paths with an exiled alien (The Great Gazoo). Things in paradise aren't quite perfect though as Wilma's ex-beau shows up to reclaim Wilma and throw a monkey wrench into the boys' relationship with the girls.

The Cool Stuff:

It's all about the story here and effects here. As in the first movie, Bedrock (and Rock Vegas) are beautifully rendered. All the charm of the cartoons shines through in the film from the way Fred bowls to how he and Barney float into the air when things go right (Yabba-Dabba Doo!!!) all the way to Dino's seemingly perfectly transferred animation from the cartoon to the film. While people lambasted this film, the storytelling is once again done very well. The story is classic Flintstones, Fred does some dumb things to his regret landing him and Barney in trouble, Barney's lovably innocent and the girls, of course, prove they are smarter than the men. The addition of the Great Gazoo to the film is icing on the cake.

THE DVD:

While a little sparse compared to most new release DVDs, there are some nice extras here to enhance your viewing pleasure. Among the goodies included here are:

1. "Making of Feature" - 15 minute feature that talks about, among other things, the making of the Rock Vegas set, the CGI animation and the casting of the actors.

2. Trailers: The theatrical and teaser trailer plus trailers for other movies.

3. Production Notes - more insight into the movie

4. Cast and Crew Bios

THE VERDICT:

Overall this movie was just nice. It may have may have been lambasted or passed by your radar the first time around but if you are looking for a nice rental for the weekend or evening this is your film. The storytelling is very solid and is just classic Flintstones in every respect. In my opinion, the movie is perhaps even superior to the first movie in this respect. All the charm of the cartoon translates perfectly is this movie. The DVD features, while a little sparse, help make this particular DVD a nice addition to your DVD library if you are so inclined to purchase it.

Final Grades:

Movie: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 4 stars

Highly Recommended

"Viva Rock Vegas" See how everyone met and fell in love.
This film is NOT a sequel to THE FLINTSTONES (1994), but a prequel. This story takes place before the story of the first movie. A new cast is in this film telling the story (the movie version) of how Wilma, Betty, Fred and Barney meet each other. When it becomes love at first sight, they all become friends and decide to go to Rock Vegas. Ann-Margret sings "Viva Rock Vegas" to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Joan Collins plays the rich mother of Wilma who looks out for best interest. Harvey Korman has a fun role. And Dino is born. Locations include, Malibu, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, California and Blayney Ranch, Palmdale, California. This DVD contains "Spotlight on Location", a behind-the-scenes look of the making of the film. Mark Addy played a wonderful and easier-on-the eye Fred Flintstone.

Mostly [garbage].
Rated 1.5
The actor who played Fred was likeable, but ... dull and unconvincing. The Baldwin brother who portrayed Barney was ideally cast. 'Greg' from 'Dharma & Greg' should've been over-the-top cornball, but he seemed to barely act at all. He seemed like a mildly skewed version of 'Greg', strange that an actor wouldn't want to act completely different. Wilma and Betty are finely casted, though Wilma is a very different from the show. She used to be a 'straight' character, now she's more humorous. Alan Cumming is spectacular as usual, but the script doesn't give him much of anything to do. Joan Collins and Wilma's father, 'Colonel' are perfect.

The SFX are ok, but the script is unredeemably shallow, immature and full of second-rate puns and gags. The biggest payoff is the impressions and the sets, and the original movie had way more of both (along with a decent plot!). The last movie felt like it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, this just slumps the whole way through, but actors help out immensely. I think it tried to be too serious or goofy in scenes. I constantly thought, 'I guess I'm supposed to laugh now' or 'care now'.

I love the surreal nature of having this imaginative world in live action. It sounds strange, but to see Wilma get her pearls is... *weird*. I guess that's where most of my enjoyment comes from, but again, Spielberg did it better.

To put this in perspective, I paid [money] for it and I'm starting to wish I had saved the cash. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad star in this frivolous comedy about two fathers who are trying to locate and purchase the same hugely popular action toy on Christmas Eve. Schwarzenegger plays a busy father who makes lots of promises to his son that he can't keep, while Sinbad is a crazy postman just trying to make his boy happy. There are some truly comic moments in the film, such as the sight of Schwarzenegger being chased by a reindeer, and the obsequious efforts of a neighbor (Phil Hartman) to insinuate himself on Schwarzenegger's wife in the big man's continual absence. But for the most part, Jingle All the Way is a disposable, live-action cartoon. A DVD is available. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Not a Bad Christmas movie...
Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.

Great Holiday Family Movie
We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE
THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.

Just Love Watching This Every Christmas
It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

Make your own decision
Enough has been said explaining what the movie is about so I won't go into that. What I want to ask is that you watch the movie and decide for yourself if its trash or treasure. Don't let the negitive reviews keep you away, it is a happy, funny, holiday escape which is all it was ever meant to be. Also, Phil Hartman is great in this. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Threre's no problem with this film.
Problem Child 2 may not be one the best films made but it sure is one of the best films ever made. This excellent film only received 1 star but those critics must be insane. Problem Child 2 is the better sequal to Problem Child and the the amazingly wonderful prequal to the horrendous(though those critics give it 2 stars) Problem Child 3: Junior in Love.

Problem Child 2 is about when Little Ben(John Ritter) and Junior(Michael Oliver)move to a town called Mortville to put their life in their town in the first film behind. In school there Junior is put in sixth grade by the principal Mr. Peabody(Gilbert Gottfried) so he'll be out of the school quickly.
Big Ben(Jack Warden) comes to Little Ben's and Junior's home because he is broke. Big Ben's presence makes Junior miserable so does Trixie, a girl Junior meets in the school who is as bad as him, and Little Ben's attempts to find Junior a mother. So Junior plays pranks on all of them making them miserable. One night when Little Ben takes Junior to a carnival a rich evil lady named La Wanda who owns the bank Little Ben is a customer to comes to their house and remakes since she loved Little Ben once she sees his picture. When they get home the home is remade and La Wanda is there with Big Ben supporting a marriage between them just because that ugly old man wants some dough. But Little Ben likes Trixie's mother Annie, the school nurse. So Junior has to stop La Wanda with some help from Trixie.

That's the plot of Problem Child 2. Let's hope that the studio that made the first movie on DVD brings this out on DVD with GOOD special features. Well for now just try to find this film on VHS.

one of Ritter's best
Such a sad day for a review of a comedy, but I had to review this movie. John Ritter's passing will be sorely felt to those who knew him and to those who love his work. This film stands out not only because of his hilarious performance as the ever-suffering father of junior, but his remarkable ability to turn even the most mundane script into a comedy masterpiece. This 1991 film reunites John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck, and Michael Oliver from the first film. The first film was amusing at best, but this one is superb. Ben Healy moves his son to the divorcee capital of the suburban world--Mortville and hijinks ensue. Junior is selfishly protective of his father and will do anything to keep him to himself,even broadsiding his father's half-baked attempts at dating. There's the homemade porn show of the first and last babysitter and her boyfriend. There's the "shocking" removal of another date from hell, and then there's Lawanda. Amongst all these, is the sweet and sublime nurse Annie, played by Ritter's future wife Amy Yasbeck. It is difficult to watch these two. Even in this early film, their affection for each other is painfully obvious. Yet, there is a poignant bittersweetness to this movie. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to tape this off the tv and I'm so glad I did. Some scenes are edited, such as the "vomit comet" scene, but as this movie is so hard to find and not on DVD, I'd say I'm quite lucky. If you're fortnate enough to find this, you won't be disappointed. It is one of Ritter's funniest and perhaps his most honest performances. Hopefully Three's Company will be on DVD soon. May you find peace John Ritter, your laughter and your smile will be missed.

Problem From Start To Finish
A box-office bomb, the only thing this movie is notable for is the lawsuit Universal Pictures filed against the mother of the child star Michael Oliver.

It turned this movie did no good for no one no way no how!!!

It was bad!

Better than the first,NO DELETED SCENES ON THE VHS
Problem Child 2 is the funniest comedy of the 90s,but if you watch Problem child 2 on TBS or USA there are scenes not found on the VHS,like the scene were Junior asks Trixie were's the principal's office and she shows were it is and puts a sign on his back,also when Trixie beats up Junior and marks his face with a permanent marker,Junior and Ben go home and put icepacks on their heads and Junior tells Ben girls are stupid,and also when the open house scene Murph sticks his face in the ranch dressing.all those scenes are deleted from the VHS,so record them off your TV but there are edited scenes from the TV version,so if Universal makes Problem Child 2 on DVD they should put deleted scenes on it.

One of the funniest films ever
I bought the VHS tape just for the vomit scene. I play that scene over and over and it still makes me laugh. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

I thought I was watching a cartoon!
For those of you who grew up watching "The Flinstones" every night, "The Flintstones" is something to cherish. With John Goodman ("The Babe," "Arachnophobia") playing the part of Fred and Elizabeth Perkins ("Big," "If These Walls Could Talk 2") as Wilma, this delightful comedy does everything it can to mimic "The Flintstones," from pigs for garbage disposals to cars run on foot power to elephants for faucets. Everyone is dressed up in ridiculous outfits so exaggerated as to be cartoonish! Greatly helping the movie is a full cast of Hollywood (or should I say Hollyrock) actors, such as the Silver twins, Elaine and Melanie ("General Hospital"), as Pebbles and Hlynur Sigurdsson ("The Flintstones") as Bamm-Bamm. Ironically, the only time Barney Rubble, Rick Moranis ("The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie," "The Animated Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie"), hears his child Bamm Bamm (Hlynur Sigurdsson) finally say "Dada" is near the climax of the movie, when Rubble is about to be hit in the head by construction equipment. The Rubbles (Rick Moranis, Rosie O'Donnell) soon find themselves in a lower economic stratum to their neighbors and friends (the Flintstones), and separation is inevitable. Also featured in this movie is the fledgling actress Halle Berry ("Bulworth"), playing secretary and co-conspirator Sharon Stone ("King Solomon's Mines," "Total Recall") - in the end, she falls prey to Fred's simpleminded goodness and betrays Kyle MacLachlan ("Sex and the City"), a money embezzler. Dann Florek plays an accurate Mr. Slate - Fred "John Goodman" Flintstone's boss at the rock quarry - and Fred invents concrete. From the second he sees it, Mr. Slate knows concrete is the thing of the future, and it is indeed in use even today. That is the kind of talent that makes Mr. Slate the boss of the quarry and not dumb oafs like Fred or his neighbor and friend Barney Rubble. Keep an eye out for computer-animated dinosaurs, because the graphics in this film are so realistic that you might misinterpret them as terrifying visual hallucinations.

A lot better than E.T
I can't not believe that was Rick Moranis as Barney Rubble. And I'll give you a good reason. Where's his glasses? I saw me wearing glasses in Honey We Shrunk Ourselves. And I'm sure that he wear glasses in the other Honey movies. I aslo have glasses on my face. As the movie opens, Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) has secrtly lent Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis) money so he and his wife Betty Rubble (Rosie O'Donnell) can adpot a kid. But when Fred's wife Wilma (Elizabeth Perkins) wants to buy a new garbage pig, and finds thier savings account empty. She questions Fred about it. And Fred says "I gave it to Barney."

This is an EXCELLENT MOVIE
THE Flintstones is a good movie. It's about two families who live in Bedrock. Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) and Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis) work in a quarry. One of the VPs of Slate and Company Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan) and his accomplice Sharon Stone (Halle Berry) plan to steal a fortune from Slate and Company. They plan to frame Bedrock's loudest, most lovable resident, Fred. He bcomes an executive for the company, and he and Wilma taste the lifestyle of the rich and prehistoric. Cliff kidnaps Fred's daughter, Pebbles (Elaine and Melanie Silver) and Bamm-Bamm (Hlynur and Marino Sigurdsson). Fred and Barney save the day and Cliff gets concrete dumped on him. Miss Stone goes to jail. It's a movie the whole family can enjoy.

Prehistoric Halle!
Halle Berry in prehistoric times...if it were true I'd have loved to have been there. The movie is entertaining for the whole family. It's an amusing movie but the highlight for me was the sexy seductress, miss Sharon Stone...played by the most beatiful women in all of hollywood, Miss Halle Berry. The movie gets 3 stars...Halle gets 5:)

A FEEL GOOD MOVIE!
I love The Flintstones, in any shape or form that I can see them. I remember wonderful memories of watching them on TV with my children and now with my grandchildren and I was delighted when the movie came out, I was not disappointed!
John Goodman is great as Fred,rough around the edges but yet
quite loveable! The casting was great, the scenery was great, everything about this movie was just plain fun! That is what it's all about and what it should be about! Fred gets in trouble, Barney bails him out! Simple! Fun! Entertaining!
What more do you want? ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Threre's no problem with this film.
Problem Child 2 may not be one the best films made but it sure is one of the best films ever made. This excellent film only received 1 star but those critics must be insane. Problem Child 2 is the better sequal to Problem Child and the the amazingly wonderful prequal to the horrendous(though those critics give it 2 stars) Problem Child 3: Junior in Love.

Problem Child 2 is about when Little Ben(John Ritter) and Junior(Michael Oliver)move to a town called Mortville to put their life in their town in the first film behind. In school there Junior is put in sixth grade by the principal Mr. Peabody(Gilbert Gottfried) so he'll be out of the school quickly.
Big Ben(Jack Warden) comes to Little Ben's and Junior's home because he is broke. Big Ben's presence makes Junior miserable so does Trixie, a girl Junior meets in the school who is as bad as him, and Little Ben's attempts to find Junior a mother. So Junior plays pranks on all of them making them miserable. One night when Little Ben takes Junior to a carnival a rich evil lady named La Wanda who owns the bank Little Ben is a customer to comes to their house and remakes since she loved Little Ben once she sees his picture. When they get home the home is remade and La Wanda is there with Big Ben supporting a marriage between them just because that ugly old man wants some dough. But Little Ben likes Trixie's mother Annie, the school nurse. So Junior has to stop La Wanda with some help from Trixie.

That's the plot of Problem Child 2. Let's hope that the studio that made the first movie on DVD brings this out on DVD with GOOD special features. Well for now just try to find this film on VHS.

one of Ritter's best
Such a sad day for a review of a comedy, but I had to review this movie. John Ritter's passing will be sorely felt to those who knew him and to those who love his work. This film stands out not only because of his hilarious performance as the ever-suffering father of junior, but his remarkable ability to turn even the most mundane script into a comedy masterpiece. This 1991 film reunites John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck, and Michael Oliver from the first film. The first film was amusing at best, but this one is superb. Ben Healy moves his son to the divorcee capital of the suburban world--Mortville and hijinks ensue. Junior is selfishly protective of his father and will do anything to keep him to himself,even broadsiding his father's half-baked attempts at dating. There's the homemade porn show of the first and last babysitter and her boyfriend. There's the "shocking" removal of another date from hell, and then there's Lawanda. Amongst all these, is the sweet and sublime nurse Annie, played by Ritter's future wife Amy Yasbeck. It is difficult to watch these two. Even in this early film, their affection for each other is painfully obvious. Yet, there is a poignant bittersweetness to this movie. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to tape this off the tv and I'm so glad I did. Some scenes are edited, such as the "vomit comet" scene, but as this movie is so hard to find and not on DVD, I'd say I'm quite lucky. If you're fortnate enough to find this, you won't be disappointed. It is one of Ritter's funniest and perhaps his most honest performances. Hopefully Three's Company will be on DVD soon. May you find peace John Ritter, your laughter and your smile will be missed.

Problem From Start To Finish
A box-office bomb, the only thing this movie is notable for is the lawsuit Universal Pictures filed against the mother of the child star Michael Oliver.

It turned this movie did no good for no one no way no how!!!

It was bad!

Better than the first,NO DELETED SCENES ON THE VHS
Problem Child 2 is the funniest comedy of the 90s,but if you watch Problem child 2 on TBS or USA there are scenes not found on the VHS,like the scene were Junior asks Trixie were's the principal's office and she shows were it is and puts a sign on his back,also when Trixie beats up Junior and marks his face with a permanent marker,Junior and Ben go home and put icepacks on their heads and Junior tells Ben girls are stupid,and also when the open house scene Murph sticks his face in the ranch dressing.all those scenes are deleted from the VHS,so record them off your TV but there are edited scenes from the TV version,so if Universal makes Problem Child 2 on DVD they should put deleted scenes on it.

One of the funniest films ever
I bought the VHS tape just for the vomit scene. I play that scene over and over and it still makes me laugh. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Threre's no problem with this film.
Problem Child 2 may not be one the best films made but it sure is one of the best films ever made. This excellent film only received 1 star but those critics must be insane. Problem Child 2 is the better sequal to Problem Child and the the amazingly wonderful prequal to the horrendous(though those critics give it 2 stars) Problem Child 3: Junior in Love.

Problem Child 2 is about when Little Ben(John Ritter) and Junior(Michael Oliver)move to a town called Mortville to put their life in their town in the first film behind. In school there Junior is put in sixth grade by the principal Mr. Peabody(Gilbert Gottfried) so he'll be out of the school quickly.
Big Ben(Jack Warden) comes to Little Ben's and Junior's home because he is broke. Big Ben's presence makes Junior miserable so does Trixie, a girl Junior meets in the school who is as bad as him, and Little Ben's attempts to find Junior a mother. So Junior plays pranks on all of them making them miserable. One night when Little Ben takes Junior to a carnival a rich evil lady named La Wanda who owns the bank Little Ben is a customer to comes to their house and remakes since she loved Little Ben once she sees his picture. When they get home the home is remade and La Wanda is there with Big Ben supporting a marriage between them just because that ugly old man wants some dough. But Little Ben likes Trixie's mother Annie, the school nurse. So Junior has to stop La Wanda with some help from Trixie.

That's the plot of Problem Child 2. Let's hope that the studio that made the first movie on DVD brings this out on DVD with GOOD special features. Well for now just try to find this film on VHS.

one of Ritter's best
Such a sad day for a review of a comedy, but I had to review this movie. John Ritter's passing will be sorely felt to those who knew him and to those who love his work. This film stands out not only because of his hilarious performance as the ever-suffering father of junior, but his remarkable ability to turn even the most mundane script into a comedy masterpiece. This 1991 film reunites John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck, and Michael Oliver from the first film. The first film was amusing at best, but this one is superb. Ben Healy moves his son to the divorcee capital of the suburban world--Mortville and hijinks ensue. Junior is selfishly protective of his father and will do anything to keep him to himself,even broadsiding his father's half-baked attempts at dating. There's the homemade porn show of the first and last babysitter and her boyfriend. There's the "shocking" removal of another date from hell, and then there's Lawanda. Amongst all these, is the sweet and sublime nurse Annie, played by Ritter's future wife Amy Yasbeck. It is difficult to watch these two. Even in this early film, their affection for each other is painfully obvious. Yet, there is a poignant bittersweetness to this movie. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to tape this off the tv and I'm so glad I did. Some scenes are edited, such as the "vomit comet" scene, but as this movie is so hard to find and not on DVD, I'd say I'm quite lucky. If you're fortnate enough to find this, you won't be disappointed. It is one of Ritter's funniest and perhaps his most honest performances. Hopefully Three's Company will be on DVD soon. May you find peace John Ritter, your laughter and your smile will be missed.

Problem From Start To Finish
A box-office bomb, the only thing this movie is notable for is the lawsuit Universal Pictures filed against the mother of the child star Michael Oliver.

It turned this movie did no good for no one no way no how!!!

It was bad!

Better than the first,NO DELETED SCENES ON THE VHS
Problem Child 2 is the funniest comedy of the 90s,but if you watch Problem child 2 on TBS or USA there are scenes not found on the VHS,like the scene were Junior asks Trixie were's the principal's office and she shows were it is and puts a sign on his back,also when Trixie beats up Junior and marks his face with a permanent marker,Junior and Ben go home and put icepacks on their heads and Junior tells Ben girls are stupid,and also when the open house scene Murph sticks his face in the ranch dressing.all those scenes are deleted from the VHS,so record them off your TV but there are edited scenes from the TV version,so if Universal makes Problem Child 2 on DVD they should put deleted scenes on it.

One of the funniest films ever
I bought the VHS tape just for the vomit scene. I play that scene over and over and it still makes me laugh. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

great family film
With the exception of a few more intense scenes in this film (namely the ones with the antics of the villian veteranarian), "Beethoven" is a great choice for the whole family. It's just a very lighthearted and fun film with real characters and a plot that is just as funny as it is heartwarming. It focuses on the Newtons, who are just a normal, happy family with their own set routine until a stray puppy comes upon them and "puts the dents in their home." The father George's (played to perfection by Charles Grodin) feelings for this dog are beyond indifferent, but he finally gives in to his three young children and allows them to keep the puppy, whom they soon dub with the name "Beethoven." As the dog grows into an enormous St. Bernard, the kids are having a ball with him, but George is....well, this is not quite the kind of change in his life that he had hoped for, and what unfolds are some often hilarious moments between George and Beethoven. I remember watching it over and over when I was younger, and I still love it now.

Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are great as the kind and loving parents, and Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr are equally delightful in their roles as the 3 kids. Overall just a really sweet, funny, and good family film.

enjoyable for the most part...
I would regard this as a good family film with some reservations. Since I remember how much I used to watch this when I was a kid, I remember what parts I enjoyed and what parts I didn't. It's okay to have a darker side to a family movie, but perhaps not with such unnecessary rough dialogue and violence with an evil veteranarian attacking and abusing animals. And since when does a father earn praise and honor from his wife and children when he punches out the bad guy?

The strength and the fun of this movie comes from the family who adopts a lost St. Bernard puppy, much to the father's dismay. The three children in this film, Ryce, Ted, and Emily (played by Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr) are cute enough; what I like so much about this movie is the way they're shown as such a normal, loving, typical family that many of us could probably say we have seen before somewhere in our own lives. You've got the grumpy yet loving father, the nurturing "stay at home" mother, and the three mischievous kids. Overall, it's a film you might enjoy with your family...worth at least a rental.

stupid
don't watch this movie. because this movie ain't that funny.

One huge puppy/dog. 15th april 2004.
The newton family have just adopted one huge saint bernard dog that was kidnapped out of the shop it came from. He's big,he drewles,and he's a big responsibility. Beethoven made him self happy in the newtons, emily dreamed of having a dog and she woke up with one right beside her in her bed. No one knows about him been there until her mum brother and sister walk into the room. He grows massive, and it is about a family who love him too bits, exept they had to work round there dad. Great family film.

NOT for younger children
This movie is terrible in that it sends very mixed messages to children. A veterinarian "villian", a father hitting a "bad guy" and getting cheers from his family, etc. This, and a very scary and intense near-drowning scene (of a child) made my 4-year-old cry. We ended up turning it off and having a long talk afterwards with our daughter. I'm glad we only rented it but I'm kicking myself for not previewing it first. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Not a Bad Christmas movie...
Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.

Great Holiday Family Movie
We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE
THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.