AGW Entertainment reporter Lynn B. saw an animated comedy adventure...

TEACHER'S PET!

You know how Pinocchio wanted to be a real boy? Well, the dog in Teacher's Pet does too. Now there is a movie based on the t.v. show featuring Spot, who puts on clothes and goes to school with his master Leonard Helperman where he poses as a student named Scott. Hummm, ever wonder what your dog does when you aren't around?

Spot/Scott has finished the school year with his owner Leonard. Seems their teacher Mrs. Helperman is up for a big national teacher's award in Florida and a vacation in the Wentawaygo is in order but Spot is left behind at home to watch t.v. with fellow house pets, Mr. Jolly the cat and Pretty Boy the bird. On t.v. is the Barry Anger Show featuring guest Dr. Krank who claims he can turn animals into human beings!

Krank lives in Florida so, disguised as Scott, Spot manages to join the Helpermans in the sunshine state where he finds the mad doctor and learns that his experiments aren't always quite successful. Meanwhile back home, Pretty Boy and Mr. Jolly decide Spot needs rescuing but not before Mrs. Helperman falls in love with a stranger and Leonard almost loses his dog and gains a new dad.

This fun animated adventure comedy is also a musical with some very cute tunes that are uplifting. One called "Small but Mighty" is especially pro-kid and there is an all-cast medley song worthy of a Broadway show! The cast even makes fun of the fact that, hey, they are suddenly bursting into song!

You don't have to watch the t.v. series to get sucked into the very wacky and colorful world of the Helpermans and dog Spot who runs around talking and singing in boy's clothing. There are some silly send-ups of familiar Disney animated classics (all those cute forest animals tweet and sing around Mrs. Helperman just like they do in Snow White). Barry Anger is, of course, Jerry Springer whose show is parodied in a very funny way. Voice actors Nathan Lane (Spot/Scott) and Kelsey Grammar (Dr. Krank) are hilarious and a lot of dialogue has double meanings that can also tickle your parents for a laugh that you may or may not always get.

There are a lot of "lessons" in the film like be happy with who you are, be careful what you wish for and to let friends have their dreams, even if they are different than yours. A boy (or girl) needs a dog and a dog needs his boy (substitute cat or gerbil or horse or whatever animal you have bonded with). This film isn't a classic like "Little Mermaid" or "Lion King" but it's a very enjoyable, musical film experience for you and your family. Check out the website. It's adorable!

Rated: PG

Official website