Beethoven's 2nd (1993)

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

20 Nov 2007 11:09 AM

There's nothing like puppy love. Unless it's great big doggy love, and that's what "Beethoven's 2nd" is all about.

Beethoven is full-grown and causing just as much havoc at home as ever, although the Newton family is now accustomed to the slobber, the chewing, and all else that goes along with owning a St. Bernard. But Beethoven is lonely. On a walk in the park one day, he notices couples strolling arm in arm, birds nestled two by two, and even other dogs who have found true love. He sinks down to the grass and rests his chin on his paws, a perfect picture of doggy loneliness. But then he sees her - a beautiful St. Bernard with a pink bow on her head. Her name is Missy, and she's owned by Brillo, a nice man who adores her. When Brillo sees Beethoven and Missy making eyes at each other, he buys them each an ice cream cone, treating them to their first date.

But then Brillo's shrill ex-wife Regina shows up and hauls Missy off. Regina doesn't care about Missy; she just wants to make Brillo's life miserable. She's told him that for fifty thousand dollars, he can have the dog back, but he has no way to come up with the money so for now, he's on visitation with the dog only.

Beethoven follows as Missy is taken back home, and they start having dates together. It's not long before Missy is expecting puppies, and Beethoven visits her every day, bringing her bones and other tempting treats. (I always wondered what dogs crave when they're pregnant - now I know.)

Meanwhile, at the Newton house, Ryce has a crush. The boy in question is charming and good-looking, but he's a player. He gives Ryce her first kiss, and she thinks she's in love, but he gets a little carried away with his advances and some cool intervention from Beethoven saves the day.

The plot thickens as the puppies are born and Regina finds out they're valuable. The two younger Newton kids have taken them and Beethoven is happily raising them, but when Regina finds them, it turns into Battle of the Puppies. Of course the Newtons win and Beethoven and Missy live happily ever after.

This movie is a fun family adventure. I appreciated the way Ryce's situation was portrayed - we as adults understood the danger she was in, but it wasn't spelled out blatantly, which was very suitable for younger children.

This film was rated PG.

Related Blogs:

Beethoven

Muppets From Space

Arthur and the Invisibles

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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