Teacher's Pet (2004)

"Disney's Teacher's Pet"

Spot Helperman (voice of Nathan Lane) is a dog with a mission. He doesn't want to be a boy's best friend any more, he wants to be the boy! In pursuit of his dream, the talking pooch sticks his ears under a beanie, dons a pair of glasses and puts on a pair of pants and, voila, Spot becomes Scott and he accompanies his owner, Leonard (voice of Shaun Fleming), to the 4th grade. But he still has his dream in "Disney's Teacher's Pet."

My initial reaction to the invitation to see "Teacher's Pet," a feature animation spawned by 11-minute shorts on the Disney Channel, was to dismiss it. I watched the clips for it, anyway, and was turned around. The Pinocchio-style kids' story about a dog that wants to be a boy has an undercurrent of subversive humor that make this a true "for kids of all ages" flick. For the youngsters there are cute, funny talking animals, bright and colorful scenery and 11, count 'em, 11, catchy songs. These elements do well to keep the younger children amused and entertained.

But, the appeal to older kids and beyond is contained in the cleverness of the script by the TV show creators, Bill and Cheri Steinkellner; the vocal talents of Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammer, Jerry Stiller, David Ogden Stiers and the rest of the cast; the catchy tunes, including a musical number that lists all of the US states alphabetically and tells you something about each. The filmmakers also have inserted references to seven Disney animation classics - I spotted four and would watch "Teacher's Pet" again just to find the rest. They also include many characters from the Disney archives in a reverential homage to the company.

With the last day of school upon them, Spot/Scott and Leonard learn that their mother and teacher, Mrs. Helperman (voice of Debra Jo Rupp), has been selected as a finalist for the national teacher of the year award. Fala D. Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Strickler (voice of Wallace Shawn) rewards his favorite educator with a two-week trip to Florida to attend the award selection and donates his Wentawaygo motor home so she and Leonard can travel in style. There is one catch - no dogs allowed in the RV. Spot, to his dismay, must remain at home with his cronies, Mr. Jolly the cat (voice of David Ogden Stiers) and a loud-mouthed parakeet named Pretty Boy (voice of Jerry Stiller).

When Spot gets hold of the TV remote he stumbles on the Barry Anger show, live from Florida. Anger (voice of Jay Thomas) has as his guest the wacko mad scientist, Dr. Ivan Krank (voice of Kelsey Grammer), the inventor of NEATO - the Neuro Exchange Animal Transformation Operation. The doctor claims his device will revolutionize genetic engineering and can "turn dumb animals into dumb human being." Spot sees the nutty professor as his savior and fulfiller of his dream to be a boy. The plucky canine sets off on the road in search of his master, Leonard, and a journey that will take him to Dr. Krank's doorstep. It looks like Spot will get his wish but the story carries the warning: be very careful what you wish for.

Spot is theatrically voiced by Nathan Lane who gives his canine character intelligence on a par with his desire to be a boy. Shaun Fleming, as the voice of Leonard, plays the part of an average kid who just wants to play fetch-the-stick with his best friend, Spot. Debra Jo Rupp is enthusiastically air headed and prone to group hugs as the loving mom and dedicated schoolteacher, Mary Lou Helperman. Jerry Stiller is loud and obnoxious, and quite amusing, as the belligerent house bird that, with Mr. Jolly, heads out into the cold, cruel world to save his master, Leonard, and his friend Spot. Paul Reubens and Megan Mullaly are amusing as Dennis and Adele, an alligator and a mosquito that were the first unsuccessful experiments by Dr. Krank, whom they insist calling "Daddy." "Don't call me Daddy!!!" is the mad doctor's stock reply.

Pay attention while you watch "Disney's Teacher's Pet" and you will be amazed at the variety of visual gags, nostalgic references and just plain fun. It's the kind of movie that parents will watch again and again, too, along with the kids - though for different reasons. I give it a B+.

For more Reeling reviews visit www.reelingreviews.com

robin@reelingreviews.com
laura@reelingreviews.com

==========
X-RAMR-ID: 36767
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1238114
X-RT-TitleID: 1129129
X-RT-SourceID: 386
X-RT-AuthorID: 1488
X-RT-RatingText: B+