The Shaggy Dog (2006 version)

Who: Bill
What: The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Where: Saw on the Disney Channel
Why: Wanted to see the remake of the original classic

In the past two decades, the Disney Studios have remade quite a few of their classic films. In 2006, this list was extended to include The Shaggy Dog, which ushered in an era of live-action slapstick, “gimmicky” comedies upon its release in 1959. That movie was so popular that it led to a successful 1976 sequel called The Shaggy D.A. If that were not enough, two television remakes followed: The Return of the Shaggy Dog in 1988 and The Shaggy Dog in 1994. In 2006, Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Allen teamed up to bring audiences a new take on the tail…er, tale with of course, The Shaggy Dog.

Deputy District Attorney Dave Douglas is a busy man. So busy, he really doesn’t have much time for his family. His current case has him prosecuting a group of activists (which have the support of his daughter) who have broken into a pharmaceutical corporation which they claim to have used animals in creating genetic freaks in the pursuit of developing a formula that can prolong live indefinitely. And that turns out to be the case when the evil-doers “dognap” a bearded collie that has DNA allowing an amazing lifespan. The dog manages to escape his captors and is found by Dave’s daughter. But Dave objects to the dog’s presence and is then bitten by the newly named “Shaggy”. The dog’s DNA is contagious and as a result, Dave finds himself turning into the bearded collie at inappropriate times. Eventually Dave learns the activists are correct and uses his human and dog personas in going after the evil scientists and getting his old self back-- and making more time for his family.

There are some funny moments with Allen as the dog, and it his performance that stands out. But overall the movie feels, well, “dog tired”. Why did Disney feel compelled to remake a movie that worked so well the first time? Even the original sequel was amusing! The Shaggy Dog of 2006 was a let-down-- it wasn’t terrible, but not rising above mediocrity. In addition to Allen, the A-list cast is notable: Kristen Davis as Dave’s wife Rebecca, Danny Glover as Dave’s associate Ken Hollister, Robert Downey, Jr. as the sinister Dr. Kozak, and Jane Curtin as Judge Claire Whittaker. But their talents seem wasted in a movie that is only mildly amusing. You’re better off catching The Shaggy Dog of 1959. Yes, its in black-and-white and yes, it comes off as a bit dated, but it’s also a lot funnier. All that and it has Fred MacMurray and some original Mouseketters too!