The Shaggy Dog (2006)

Summary

Comic mishaps ensue as a neglectful father periodically morphs into a sheepdog.

Director

Brian Robbins

Downey Factor

Low.

Character

Marcus Kozak, a whacked out doctor searching for the fountain of youth.

Looks

Tidy and well-dressed corporate bad guy.

Performance

Off-beat, almost unhinged.

Dies, Gay or Villain

No, it's a Disney film, yes.

Cast

Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover

Connection

Phillip Baker Hall in Zodiac

RDJ Says

Shaggy Dog was a very, very important film for me. It was a very enjoyable experience ... I think it's pretty clear that if you do a bunch of movies back to back and you're not struggling to be responsible, you know that a certain phase is complete. I think Disney hiring me is a good indication of that ... I wanted to be in a Disney movie and they offered it. Best job I ever had. The craft service is amazing. It's fucking crazy. "Hey thanks, we got that shot with the monkeys, we'll see you in three weeks. Did you get your check?"

Gossip

The reason this was "an important film" was because he was still considered a liability in Hollywood and getting Disney's stamp of approval opened the door for more big studio films.

Availability

Released in theaters 10 March 2006. On DVD in regions 1, 2 and 4.

Foreign Titles

Argentina: Un Papá con Pocas Pulgas (A Dad with a Few Fleas)
Denmark: Mand! Sikke Et Hundeliv (Man! What a Dog's Life)
France: Raymond
Finland: Karvanaama (Hairface)
Germany: Hör Mal, Wer da Bellt (Listen, Who Barks)
Italy: Papà Che Abbaia non Morde (Dad That Bark Does Not Bite)
Portugal: O Rafeiro (The Mutt)
Russia: Shaggy Dad (English translation)
Spain: Cariño, Estoy Hecho un Perro (Honey, I Became a Dog)

Rotten Tomatoes

27% Fresh | 103 Reviews

Critical View

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: Those allergic to lessons in improving family communication can draw pleasure from Robert Downey Jr., in prime crazypants form, as the lab's power-hungry evil genius.

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle: If none of this sounds the slightest bit funny, then this probably isn't the shaggy dog tale for you. But here's another inducement: Robert Downey Jr., nailing a rare shot at comedy as a transparent bad guy.

Does It Hold Up

No, but it's not like it was trying to be a timeless cinematic masterpiece. It's a disposable family-friendly movie.

2 Reasons to See It

1. If you liked him playing multiple people in Chances Are and Heart and Souls, you'll dig what he becomes in this.
2. If you want to watch a Robert Downey Jr movie with small children in the room, this is your best option.

Overall

We all know he did it for the paycheck and the exposure. It's inoffensive but forgettable family fare.

If You Like It

You might also like Chances Are (1989), Dolittle (2020), warm milk

Photos

Video