With past successes like The Santa Clause and Jungle 2 Jungle under their belt, Walt Disney Pictures has once again hitched its wagon to comedian turned actor Tim Allen. The Disney/Allen duo teams up for the remake of the Disney classic The Shaggy DA. This updated film simply titled The Shaggy Dog, offers up some humorous moments, but does not quite live up to the original.
This version follows Dave Douglas (Allen) an assistant district attorney as he prosecutes an animal rights activist for setting fire to a company which supposedly is doing testing on animals. Little does Douglas know the company, Grant Strickland, has stolen a Tibetan dog that is over 300 years old in hopes of using the animal to create an anti aging serum.
The Tibetan sheep dog as it turns out has a mutation which allows it to live seven years for every human year instead of aging seven years like every other canine. The dog manages to escape, and is taken in by the Douglas family where it bites Tim Allen’s character infecting him and causing him to transform into a shaggy dog.
The film follows the age old story line of the dad neglecting his family by being too obsessed with work. Allen’s character learns this of course while he is in dog form and spends time with his family. This of course leads to him mending his ways and becoming the father and husband every Disney picture needs. The plot is a bit hokey, but this is a Disney movie after all and it does work.
There are some funny scenes involving Allen turning into a dog. He of course follows all the stereotypical canine behavior. This includes chasing cats, playing fetch, and lifting his leg when he urinates. He often displays this behavior at the most inopportune of times like in the middle of trial which only adds to the humor.
The cast is full of well known actors though most of them have small parts. Kristin Davis of Sex and the City fame does a serviceable job as Allen’s loving wife Rebecca along with veteran actors Danny Glover and Jane Curtain who do a good job in their respective roles as well. Robert Downey Jr. is the best of the ensemble cast with his over the top performance of Dr. Kozac the neurotic scientist who is determined to gain the anti aging serum no matter the cost.
The DVD does include several extras though none of them really add anything interesting. One nice thing the DVD does offer is that it can be viewed in either full screen or widescreen formats. There are of course the director’s comments, but these can only be utilized with the widescreen option. There are four deleted scenes one of which is an alternate ending along with a blooper reel that is more of a behind the scenes look than anything else. The most ridiculous feature is a sing along that is for people and a bark along for dogs.
Though not as well done as the original, The Shaggy Dog starring Tim Allen does offer up some silly moments that are entertaining. The cast all do decent jobs with Tim Allen and Robert Downey Jr. really shining in their roles. This film never takes itself too seriously and carries enough humorous moments to entertain everyone. This is a nice family film in which younger audiences will appreciate more. The DVD offers many of the standard bonuses, but they really do not add anything to the package. If you are a fan of Disney movies then this one will not disappoint.
3 Stars
Special Features:
Wide Screen & Full Screen formats
Director’s Commentary available in Widescreen format only
Bone-Tickling Blooper reel
4 Deleted Scenes with Alternate Ending
Bark-Along Feature for Dogs
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Full Screen includes French 7 Spanish 2.0 Audio
French & Spanish Subtitles
Executive Producers: Robert Simonds, Todd Lieberman, William Fay, & Matthew Carroll
Starring: Tim Allen, Robert Downey Jr., Kristin Davis, Danny Glover, Spencer Breslin, Philip Baker Hall, & Jane Curtain
Directed By: Brian Robbins
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated PG
