Dunston Checks In (1996)

Dunston Checks In (1996): Dir: Ken Kwapis / Cast: Eric Lloyd, Jason Alexander, Rupert Everett, Faye Dunaway, Paul Reubens: Ridiculous family film about an orangutan forced to steal for its ruthless owner at a hotel. Since Dunston is an orangutan it is indicated that certain mischief checks into the hotel. One thing that definitely didn't check in was a decent screenwriter. The title symbolizes behaviour although Dunston means well. He encounters a boy who happens to be the son of the manager. Everything must go smoothly because an unnamed visitor is evaluating the hotel. When priceless items are stolen Dunston is blamed and an exterminator is summoned. Unoriginal concept with repetitious storytelling before certain identities are revealed in the climax. Characters are basically props for Dunston's antics. Among the cast are Eric Lloyd as the boy who befriends Dunston and gets in trouble. Jason Alexander as his father is total cardboard. Rupert Everett as the thief is a letdown considering that he is more talented than this juvenile junk. Faye Dunaway is the biggest disappointment seeing that she has won an Oscar and this is the thanks she receives. Paul Reubens was in on the joke when he played Pee Wee Herman. Here as an exterminator he is the bunt of a career joke blunder. Director Ken Kwapis references old style films but this is forgettable family fluff. Score: 3 / 10

After a career entailing "Bonnie and Clyde", "Little Big Man", "Chinatown", "Three Days of the Condor" and "Network", might it seem really low for Faye Dunaway to act in a movie like "Dunston Checks In"? Maybe, but the movie pretty much understands what sort of movie it is: silly, harmless fun. As it is, Faye Dunaway plays the same kind of character that she played in "Network", only bitchier. And if it seems that I try too hard to analyze a movie like this, so be it. Above all, I still consider Faye Dunaway REALLY hot! And I'm sure that I always will.Also starring Jason Alexander, Rupert Everett and Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman).

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! :)

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!