The Robert Downey Jr. Film Guide: The Shaggy Dog (2006)

Comic mishaps ensue as a neglectful father periodically morphs into a sheepdog.

Marcus Kozak, a whacked out doctor searching for the fountain of youth.

Tidy and well-dressed corporate bad guy.

Off-beat, almost unhinged.

No, it’s a Disney film, yes.

Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover

Phillip Baker Hall in Zodiac

Shaggy Dog was a very, very important film for me. It was a very enjoyable experience ... I think it’s pretty clear that if you do a bunch of movies back to back and you’re not struggling to be responsible, you know that a certain phase is complete. I think Disney hiring me is a good indication of that ... I wanted to be in a Disney movie and they offered it. Best job I ever had. The craft service is amazing. It’s fucking crazy. “Hey thanks, we got that shot with the monkeys, we’ll see you in three weeks. Did you get your check?”

The reason this was “an important film” was because he was still considered a liability in Hollywood and getting Disney’s stamp of approval opened the door for more big studio films.

Released in theaters 10 March 2006. On DVD in regions 1, 2 and 4.

Argentina: Un Papá con Pocas Pulgas (A Dad with a Few Fleas)
Denmark: Mand! Sikke Et Hundeliv (Man! What a Dog’s Life)
France: Raymond
Finland: Karvanaama (Hairface)
Germany: Hör Mal, Wer da Bellt (Listen, Who Barks)
Italy: Papà Che Abbaia non Morde (Dad That Bark Does Not Bite)
Portugal: O Rafeiro (The Mutt)
Russia: Shaggy Dad (English tranlsation)
Spain: Cariño, Estoy Hecho un Perro (Honey, I Became a Dog)

27% Fresh | 103 Reviews

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: Those allergic to lessons in improving family communication can draw pleasure from Robert Downey Jr., in prime crazypants form, as the lab’s power-hungry evil genius.

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle: If none of this sounds the slightest bit funny, then this probably isn’t the shaggy dog tale for you. But here’s another inducement: Robert Downey Jr., nailing a rare shot at comedy as a transparent bad guy.

1. If you liked him playing multiple people in Chances Are and Heart and Souls, you’ll dig what he becomes in this.
2. You’ve worn out your copies of Beethoven and Flubber. (I know, the horror!)

We all know he did it for the paycheck and the exposure. It’s inoffensive but forgettable family fare.