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Beethoven's 3rd (film) facts for kids

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Beethoven's 3rd
BeethovensthirdDVD.jpg
DVD cover
Directed by David Mickey Evans
Produced by David Bixler
Kelli Konop
Written by Jeff Schechter
Starring
Music by Philip Giffin
Cinematography John B. Aronson
Editing by Harry Keramidas
Distributed by Universal Studios Home Video
Release date(s) July 25, 2000 (2000-07-25) (United States)
December 2000 (2000-12) (United Kingdom)
Running time 99 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Beethoven's 3rd is a fun American comedy film from 2000. It's the third movie in the popular Beethoven film series. This movie was the first in the series to be released straight to video. It also received a G rating, meaning it's suitable for everyone.

In this film, we meet new characters like Richard Newton, played by Judge Reinhold. He's George Newton's younger brother. We also meet Richard's wife Beth (Julia Sweeney), their son Brennan (Joe Pichler), and daughter Sara (Michaela Gallo).

The Story of Beethoven's 3rd

Richard Newton plans a big road trip for his family. They are driving from Denver, Colorado, all the way to California. They are going to a special Newton family reunion. Richard wants this trip to be perfect, just like a trip he remembers from his childhood. He even rents a super cool, big RV for the journey.

Before they leave, a large cage arrives from George. Inside is Beethoven the dog! Richard's family needs to take Beethoven to California. His owners are stuck in Europe. Beth and Brennan are not happy about this plan. Beth convinces Richard to leave Beethoven at a dog kennel instead.

Meanwhile, two clumsy guys named Tommy and William are looking for a special DVD. They had hidden some important computer codes on it. They find out Richard bought that exact DVD for his trip. Tommy and William then follow the Newtons. Beethoven notices them acting strangely.

Beethoven is dropped off at the kennel. But he sees Tommy and William still following the Newtons. So, Beethoven escapes! He secretly jumps onto the RV's boat when the family stops. Richard later finds Beethoven when they reach their first stop. Beth finally agrees to let Beethoven come along for the rest of the trip.

Road Trip Mishaps

The road trip quickly becomes full of problems. Beethoven seems to cause a lot of trouble. Richard often has to pay for all the damage. What the Newtons don't know is that Tommy and William are causing all the problems. They are constantly trying to steal the DVD. Beethoven is actually protecting the family from these two guys. He causes the damage while trying to stop them.

During the trip, Brennan starts to like Beethoven. The dog helps him talk to a girl who is also traveling the same route. At one stop, William breaks the RV's windshield with a brick. The Newtons blame Beethoven for this damage. Finally, Richard gets upset. He admits his childhood road trip was actually terrible. He had been pretending it was great to forget the bad memories.

Beethoven Saves the Day

One night at a hotel, Sara decides to sleep with Beethoven in the RV. The next day, Tommy and William break into the RV. They are very frustrated by Beethoven at this point. They steal the RV with Beethoven and Sara still inside! Brennan sees this and tells Richard and Beth. They call the police. Richard jumps into a police car with an officer to chase the RV.

During the chase, William accidentally knocks himself out. He uses a tranquilizer he made for Beethoven. Tommy tries to grab Sara. But Sara bravely tells Beethoven to sit on the emergency brake button. This stops the RV, and Tommy ends up dangling out of the broken windshield!

Afterward, Sara is safe with her family. Tommy and William are arrested. The DVD with the computer code is taken away. Beth realizes she was wrong about Beethoven. She understands that he was protecting them all along.

Family Reunion Fun

The Newtons finally arrive at the family reunion. They are sad because they think they have to give Beethoven back to George. But then, Richard's Uncle Morrie tells them some news. George and his family can't come to the reunion. They have unexpected business problems in Slovakia. This means the Newtons have to keep Beethoven for a whole year! George promises to pay for everything.

Then, to Beth's surprise, Uncle Morrie tells the Newtons something else. He says they should bring two more St. Bernards home with them!

Cast

  • Judge Reinhold as Richard Newton
  • Julia Sweeney as Beth Newton
  • Joe Pichler as Brennan Newton
  • Michaela Gallo as Sara Newton
  • Mike Ciccolini as Tommy
  • Jamie Marsh as Bill (William)
  • Danielle Keaton (as Danielle Weiner) as Penny
  • Frank Gorshin as Morrie Newton
  • Holly Mitchell as Kennel Employee
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