Okay, picture this: the VCR whirs, the tracking lines flicker for a moment, and then... slobber. Lots and lots of slobber. If the original Beethoven (1992) crash-landed into our living rooms like an oversized, drooling comet of chaos and charm, then Beethoven's 2nd, released just a year later in 1993, felt like the inevitable, slightly more chaotic, puppy-filled aftershock. It wasn't exactly a surprise sequel – the first film had been a massive hit, barking its way to nearly $150 million worldwide against a modest budget – but could lightning (or drool) strike twice?
More Paws, More Problems (and More Fun)
The magic, or perhaps the madness, of Beethoven's 2nd lies in its simple escalation: one giant St. Bernard was funny, so obviously five St. Bernards must be five times funnier, right? The plot sees our beloved Beethoven secretly meeting Missy, a lovely lady St. Bernard, resulting in a litter of four adorable pups. Naturally, the perpetually exasperated George Newton (Charles Grodin, perfecting his signature slow burn) wants nothing to do with more canine chaos, while wife Alice (Bonnie Hunt, radiating effortless warmth) and the kids – Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), and Emily (Sarah Rose Karr) – are instantly smitten.
What unfolds is classic 90s family fare, directed by Rod Daniel, a man who clearly understood the comedic potential of pairing humans with furry co-stars, having previously helmed Teen Wolf (1985) and K-9 (1989). The script, penned by Len Blum (who, intriguingly, also co-wrote rowdier comedies like Stripes and Meatballs), keeps things moving with a dual plotline. We have the Newtons trying to hide the puppies from Dad and from Missy's cruel owner, Regina (Debi Mazar, deliciously vamping it up) and her dim-witted boyfriend Floyd (Chris Penn), who see dollar signs in the purebred pups. Simultaneously, the film attempts to give the Newton kids their own arcs, particularly focusing on Ryce's tentative steps into teenage romance.
Grodin's Grit and Puppy Power
Let's be honest, the human villains are delightfully cartoonish. Debi Mazar, who many would recognize from sharp turns in films like Goodfellas (1990) or later Empire Records (1995), leans into the role with gusto, providing a perfect foil for the well-meaning Newtons. But the real heart, besides the titular dogs, remains Charles Grodin. His portrayal of George Newton is a masterclass in comedic suffering. He doesn't just dislike the dog; he embodies the weary sigh of every parent ever pushed to their absolute limit by forces beyond their control (in this case, a furry, drooling force of nature and its offspring). His chemistry with Bonnie Hunt feels genuine; they’re a believable parental unit navigating the charming absurdity of their lives.
The puppies, of course, steal every scene they waddle into. Tchaikovsky, Chubby, Dolly, and Mo are weapons-grade cute, and the film leverages this expertly. Remember the scene where they escape their basement confinement and cause utter mayhem upstairs? Pure, unadulterated family comedy gold, orchestrated chaos that likely involved immense patience from the animal trainers. It taps into that simple joy of watching adorable animals do silly things – a formula as old as cinema, but undeniably effective here. One fascinating tidbit: wrangling one St. Bernard for the first film was tough enough, but managing a mother dog and multiple growing puppies presented exponentially greater challenges on set. Different litters reportedly had to be used as the pups grew rapidly during filming!
A Comfort Food Sequel
Beethoven's 2nd doesn't break any new ground. It follows the sequel playbook fairly closely: bigger stakes (more dogs!), familiar character dynamics, and a similar blend of slapstick and heart. The subplots involving the kids feel a bit more tacked-on this time around, particularly Ryce's romance, but they add a layer of relatability for the younger audience members who were perhaps growing up alongside the Newton kids. It lacks the slightly sharper edge and the genuine sense of threat (however comedic) posed by Dean Jones' villain in the original. Regina and Floyd are obstacles, yes, but more bumbling than truly menacing.
Yet, there's an undeniable warmth and comfort to Beethoven's 2nd. It hit theaters in December 1993 and became another solid performer, pulling in around $118 million globally. It wasn't critically adored (currently sitting at a 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences often disagree, reflected in a 61% Audience Score and a 5.1/10 on IMDb), but critical acclaim was never really the point. This was a movie designed for family VCR nights, for pizza and popcorn on the couch, for easy laughs and the uncomplicated appeal of fluffy puppies getting the better of greedy grown-ups. I distinctly remember renting this one from the local video store, the oversized clamshell case promising exactly the kind of lighthearted fun it delivered.
Does it hold up? Well, it's certainly a product of its time – the fashion, the slightly saccharine moments, the straightforward plot. But its charm is persistent. Watching it again evokes that cozy feeling of 90s family entertainment, where problems were usually solvable with a bit of teamwork and a well-timed slobbery dog lick.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
This score reflects a film that is undeniably formulaic and less impactful than its predecessor, but still delivers reliable family-friendly laughs and an overload of canine cuteness. Charles Grodin's performance elevates the material, and the sheer chaotic energy of five St. Bernards provides plenty of entertaining moments. It's not aiming for cinematic greatness, but as a comforting slice of 90s nostalgia that fulfilled its sequel duties with warmth and slobber, it succeeds.
Beethoven's 2nd might not be top-dog in the comedy kennels, but it's a perfectly pleasant sequel that knew exactly what its audience wanted: more Beethoven, more chaos, and a whole lot more adorable puppies running amok. Sometimes, that's all you need for a cozy night in with the VCR humming.