inkblot11 Review of I Heart Shakey

I Heart Shakey (2012)

Its a darn shame when a family film isn't suitable for the family

[2/10 · 8 March 2013]

Chandler O'Neal (Rylie Behr) and her widowed chef father, J.T. (Steve Lemme) are moving from Toledo, Ohio to Chicago. Dad got a great job offer so, even though Chandler is nervous about making new friends, the two family members decide its for the best. At least, Chandler will have the support of her loyal dog Shaky. But, as they are carrying boxes into their high rise apartment, they learn, too late, that dogs are not allowed. So, Shaky goes off to a kennel run by a snooty woman (Beverly D'Angelo), who doesn't like mixed breeds. Also, Dad's boss, the owner of the elegant restaurant, travels with an entourage and has quite an eccentric personality. Ditto the woman who owns the apartment building. In fact, there are many unusual characters everywhere, from the high rise's super to the restaurant line cooks to Chandler's new classmates. So, the transplants sometimes feel they have entered the twilight zone. Worse yet, Shaky runs away from the kennel and ends up back at the apartment building, where Chandler tries valiantly to hide her pet. But, the super is a snooper and it won't be long until more trouble arrives, right? This is a not-so-good entry into the world of family films, unfortunately, and it cannot be recommended. Yes, the initial premise is fine, as are Lemme, Behr, and the adorable pooch. All the other actors have roles that are cartoonish, so even though D'Angelo, Steve Guttenberg and the others try, they don't succeed very well. More importantly, there are some other bad ingredients. The viewers find a crazed ex-military man who uses electric shock on dogs, adults who call each other moron or worse, a super who goes after someone with a power screwdriver and a lunchroom that is not attended by adults, where a food fight breaks out and goes on for a few minutes. So, how can one suggest a film like this? In short, dear parents, if you are looking for a nice Friday night film, don't be fooled by this cover. Stay away from Shaky, absolutely.