Beethoven's Big Break

Set to release on DVD the day after Christmas, the big mutt that's charmed dog lovers since he first hit the screen returns in Beethoven's Big Break, a new offering available exclusively on DVD from Universal Studios.

This charming flick is delightfully engaging. Animal lover though I am, I was surprised to find myself buying into it completely, and really enjoying the movie from start to finish.

Starring comedian Jonathan Silverman as stressed-out single Dad Eddie, working in Hollywood as an animal handler, Moises Arias (Rico on “Hannah Montana”) as his son Billy, and Daytime Emmy® winner Jennifer Finnigan (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) as a sweet, befuddled script writer on the new animal film who's thrown together with the duo through a series of unlikely events, Beethoven's Big Break also features the music of popular musical artists your kids will love, like the Jonas Brothers, Rhianna, High City Miles and Everlife.

The rambunctious romp sports a supporting cast parents will recognize from other favorite features, too--Rhea Perlman (“Cheers”), Joey Fatone (“Dancing with the Stars,” ‘N Sync), Stephen Tobolowsky (“Heroes”), Oscar Nunez (“The Office”), Eddie Griffin (Undercover Brother) and Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”) in his feature film debut.

But honestly? My favorite supporting member is the newly-introduced (but sure to to become a mega-star after his debut) Pete The Lizard. Love that lizard.

And don't even get me started on the plus-one-million cuteness factor of Beethoven's puppy co-stars, pictured to the right.

The plot of Beethoven's Big Break is simple: Although animal handler Eddie (Silverman) works with lots of creatures, he has a strict NO PETS ALLOWED policy at home (which is a little counter-intuitive until we learn a secret from his past that Explains All).

Well, as I'm sure you can guess, that policy doesn't last. Though Eddie resists letting his son Billy keep adorable stray dog Beethoven and his family of puppies (who could resist these puppies?!), when the star of the animal film Eddie is working on goes missing, Beethoven jumps in with all four big paws, and Eddie is forced to accept him AND his puppies into their home ( I like the moment when his son, Billy, in a smooth maneuver, points out that Beethoven is a single dad just like Eddie. Nice move!).

Naturally, through his typically rambunctious antics and larger-than-life personality, Beethoven not only crashes into Hollywood but into Eddie’s heart as well.

Beethoven's Big Break is full of more of that over-the-top physical humor kids love, and of course Beethoven is just plain lovable as the shaggy mutt that charms a single Dad.

Featuring lots of great bonus materials, like deleted scenes and a gag reel over ten minutes long that makes me appreciate Silverman's improv (and his co-stars' patience) all the more, Beethoven's Big Break, available exclusively on DVD December 26th, is priced at just $29.98.

Here's a cute clip from the movie that shows how Beethoven gets his name:



Cool Mom tip: Kids can visit kids.yahoo.com/Beethoven for a FREE coloring page of Beethoven and those adorable puppies to download, print and color at home!