Mon ami Dunston

This is the sort of light caper that is nothing special but does provide some harmless fun for kids who will undoubtedly get more of a kick out of an Orangutan's shenanigans than an adult will--although there are some very clever moments that fill the bill for young and old.

JASON Alexander is expert as a hotel manager with two bratty kids who seem to have nothing better to do than make mischief as they cavort around the hotel with an unexpected guest. Seems that a jewel thief (RUPERT EVERETT) has checked in with his pet who's been trained to steal. This sets up the structure of the plot which has the kids and the Orangutan as the main focus of attention.

It's fun to see FAYE DUNAWAY enjoying herself in a comic role and everyone else enters nicely into the spirit of the whole thing. Easy to take and passes the time quickly with a few very clever moments among the many vignettes involving some cute stunts.

Ding Ding Ding! Is that the sound of another guest checking into a luxury hotel run by a larcenous ape? Fraid not friends. But it IS the sounds you heart will make when a lovable orangatang named Dunston first shoots you his unique yet hideous monkey smile. "Dunston Checks In" is not your run of the mill boy- meets-ape- ape-causes-mayhem -mayhem-ruins-everything -for-boys-father- until -boy-father-and -ape-realize-the -meaning-of-life -love-and-friendship flick of the week. Rather, "Dunston" is part "Dirty Harry", part "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Numar"--a sultry blend of playing with fire mixed in with some serious wigs (as worn by the rarely moving, but always trying really hard Jason Alexander). "Ed," "Air Bud," "K9-Cop", "Turner" AND "Hootch"--bow your heads to the master. Dunston may check in, but he'll never check out. Of your heart.

Two lost luggage pieces way up!

First, let me say what this is not. This is not a movie with high artistic quality. Even when one reminds oneself of the fact that it is meant as a simple comedy, probably a family comedy, it still has a plot with too many coincidences (so many that they become predictable - now the monkey is here, she will not be looking, but when it's gone, and the man comes in, she will) and flat, caricatural characters. But it also is not supposed to be a high-quality movie. It's supposed to be funny.

And funny it is. The movie is full of funny ideas, all worked out in a good, classy manner. Even the basest of jokes are done in good style. Just relax - and laugh. And you'll keep laughing through most of the movie. The monkey (that's a negative point - technically an urang utan is an ape, not a monkey) is well in its place as a comedy actor, and as said - the ideas are good, the working-out is even better.

Not 'the best movie you'll ever see', not even close. Not a 'must-see movie'. But a very pleasant way to spend 90 minutes. And enjoyable for both adults and children, that's worth something too.

i just love this movie! it is so funny, and such a great film for kids AND adults. it is way underrated. i seriously think that anyone would enjoy this movie because in my heart, it's an instant classic! DUNSTON LIVES FOREVER!

When I tell people this is one of my favorite movies, they look at me as though I'm nuts. Okay, Citizen Kane it ain't, but even after repeat viewings I still laugh out loud. Pure escapism; who hasn't wanted to have an entire luxury hotel as a private playground? The "villains" are larger than life (terribly polite Rupert Everett as the monkey-abusing jewel thief, plus Faye Dunaway all but waving a wire hanger as the ultimate Evil Boss), the kids are cute without being gooey, and Jason Alexander does a good job as the hotel manager, playing it straight but enjoying the ride (the long climactic scene, with a mano-a-mano fight in the hotel kitchen, is the closest thing to a live cartoon). Hiss as mean Lord Rutledge threatens the monkey! Cheer as the fat guy falls on top of a frosting-smeared Dunaway! Laugh as the crazy red ape dresses up in lingerie and blows kisses at himself!