Mon ami Dunston

I've just seen this movie tonight as it was shown on Malaysia TV. It totally rocks! It was touching and funny at the same time. I loved Sam's (Dunston) acting. He was like so professional! Even better than some human actors. Lol. Anyway, I strongly recommend this movie to people who hadn't watched it, even though it's already 7 years since it first came out. And may I add that Eric Lloyd was so adorable in it! :)

This was surprisingly entertaining and with a few minor exceptions, very inoffensive family fare. It's another one of those adults-and-kids can enjoy flicks with a number of lines that border on being too much for kids but are still tame for adults - close, but safe. There are also some funny special effects and some good slapstick humor.

Being basically a kids' film, the main child, played by Eric Lloyd is cute but a little too spoiled for me but he's tolerable, as is his brother. Jason Alexander is the father, a very likable subdued guy but a little too lenient.

The real surprise in this cast is Faye Dunaway. Usually playing hard-edged types, she is the opposite in here which is kind of refreshing to see. She shows a nice comedic touch. The chimpanzee is probably the most entertaining, which is the idea, but so is the villain played by Rupert Evert. In other words, there are a lot of likable characters in this movie.

This a "sleeper:" an underrated film that a lot of people would enjoy. I'm sorry it never got much "press."

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!

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.

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!