The Newton family live in their comfortable home, but there seems to something missing. This "hole" is filled by a small puppy, who walks into their home and their lives. Beethoven, as he is named, grows into a giant of a dog... a St Bernard. Doctor Varnick, the local vet has a secret and horrible sideline, which requires lots of dogs for experiments. Beethoven is on the bad doctor's list.
Elevated from the doldrums of Digby-esque sentimentality by a surprisingly bouncy script, the film is also redeemed by regular interludes of acerbic dialogue and a brace of fine supporting performances.
– ,
Time Out,
26 Jan 2006
fresh:
It's the kind of clever, innocuous family entertainment that's always in short supply.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
A waggish tale of canine chicanery, an uproarious if impawsible symphony of drool, doggy fidelity and chewed shoes.
– Rita Kempley,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Beethoven is no classic, but it's a sunny, energetic children's film with a good notion of what young audiences like.
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Rallies at the end to prevent chaperoning adults from feeling their time was completely wasted.