Alright, fellow tape travelers, let's rewind to a time when cinematic families expanded in… unexpected ways. Remember the Look Who's Talking phenomenon? The witty inner monologues of babies, voiced by Bruce Willis, captured hearts and spawned a hit sequel. But by 1993, the formula needed a shake-up, or perhaps, a walkies. Enter Look Who's Talking Now!, the third installment that decided, "Hey, if babies can talk, why not dogs?" And just like that, the Ubriacco household got hairier, and arguably, a little weirder.
### From Diapers to Dog Beds
This time around, Mikey (David Gallagher, taking over the role) and Julie (Tabitha Lupien) are old enough to speak for themselves, thank goodness. The narrative gimmick shifts focus to two new additions: Rocks, a street-smart mutt voiced with characteristic gravel by Danny DeVito (hot off Batman Returns), and Daphne, a pampered poodle given sophisticated tones by none other than Diane Keaton (already an icon from films like Annie Hall and soon to charm again in Father of the Bride Part II). James Ubriacco (John Travolta, just a year before his massive comeback in Pulp Fiction) has finally landed a pilot gig, while Mollie (Kirstie Alley, still riding high from Cheers) finds herself unexpectedly jobless right before Christmas. Add in Mollie's ever-eccentric mother Rosie (Olympia Dukakis, always a welcome presence since her Oscar win for Moonstruck), and you have a recipe for... well, frantic festive chaos.
The shift from babies to dogs felt like a bold, almost desperate, attempt to keep the franchise spark alive. Directed by Tom Ropelewski, who also co-wrote the script with Leslie Dixon (who penned the much sharper Mrs. Doubtfire the same year) and original creator Amy Heckerling (who directed the first two, more successful entries), the film tries to recapture the magic. But let's be honest, hearing canine thoughts on territorial disputes and chew toys, while occasionally amusing, doesn't quite pack the same surprising punch as hearing a baby comment on diaper changes.
### Furry Friends and Franchise Fatigue
The core appeal still rests heavily on the shoulders of John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. Their chemistry, honed over the previous films, remains palpable. They navigate the increasingly sitcom-esque scenarios – James’ demanding new boss Samantha (Lysette Anthony) setting her sights on him, Mollie’s job hunt struggles, the kids' Christmas wishes – with practiced ease. Travolta dials up the charm, Alley delivers her signature exasperated warmth, and together they still feel like a believable, if slightly frazzled, couple.
But the real "stars" are meant to be the dogs. The voice work by Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton is professional, of course. DeVito brings his usual rough-edged humor to Rocks, while Keaton imbues Daphne with a slightly neurotic, upper-crust air. The banter between them provides some chuckles, mostly revolving around their differing backgrounds and mutual affection. Yet, the limitations of using real animals, paired with somewhat dated mouth-movement effects (a far cry from the subtle nuances possible today), mean the illusion never feels quite as seamless or engaging as Mikey's baby thoughts did back in '89.
Retro Fun Facts: Making animals convincingly "talk" on screen in the early 90s wasn't simple! The crew employed clever editing, animatronic doubles for certain shots, and relied heavily on the voice actors' charisma to sell the conceit. Finding dogs that could perform reliably on set was another challenge; trainers worked extensively to get the needed reactions and movements. Despite the star power, both human and canine (well, voice-wise), the film struggled to connect. Made on a budget of around $22 million, it only managed to fetch about $10.3 million at the US box office, signaling a clear case of audience fatigue with the series. Critical reception was similarly cool, with many reviewers feeling the talking animal gimmick had run its course (it currently holds a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, though user scores are kinder).
### A Christmas Tail Remembered?
Watching Look Who's Talking Now! today is a curious experience. Set against a festive backdrop, it attempts to blend family comedy with a touch of holiday warmth. There are moments – a frantic search for Rocks in the snowy woods, the kids interacting with Santa, the family pulling together – that aim for the heartstrings. And maybe, if you caught this on a worn-out VHS during a rainy afternoon back in the day, there’s a certain comforting familiarity to it. It's like revisiting distant relatives; you remember them fondly, even if the conversation isn't always sparkling.
The film lacks the sharp wit of the original and the easy charm of the sequel. The plot feels thinner, relying more on predictable scenarios and the novelty of the talking dogs, which wears off relatively quickly. It’s less a cohesive story and more a series of loosely connected comedic (and sometimes dramatic) vignettes centered around the Ubriacco clan and their furry companions.
Still, for fans of Travolta and Alley, or those with a soft spot for talking animal flicks (a genre that certainly had its moments in the 90s), it offers a dose of uncomplicated nostalgia. It’s undeniably a product of its time – earnest, a little goofy, and content to be light entertainment.
Rating: 4/10
Justification: While Travolta and Alley maintain their likable chemistry and the addition of DeVito and Keaton as voice talents is notable, Look Who's Talking Now! suffers from a tired premise, weak script, and a sense of franchise fatigue. The shift to talking dogs lacks the original's novelty, the plot is thin, and the humor often falls flat. It earns a few points for the core cast's efforts and the nostalgic charm of its early 90s family film aesthetic, particularly the Christmas setting, but ultimately, it's the weakest link in the trilogy and struggles to justify its existence beyond a cash-in attempt.
It might not be the first tape you reach for on movie night, but perhaps it’s a reminder that even fading franchises hold a certain, slightly fuzzy place in our collective VHS memories. Just maybe keep the fast-forward button handy for the less fetching moments.