Dunston Checks In Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An overworked dad tries to keep his hotel afloat while a jewel-thieving orangutan and his posh owner cause absolute chaos, because who needs a relaxing vacation anyway?

🍿 Dunston Checks In: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Majestic Hotel and Robert’s Dilemma

Robert Grant, a widowed father, manages the prestigious Majestic Hotel. He’s under immense pressure from the demanding owner, Mrs. Dubrow, to maintain the hotel’s high standards. An undercover reviewer is arriving soon, and a positive review could mean a promotion and much-needed vacation time with his sons, Brian and Kyle. The boys, however, are prone to mischief, adding to Robert’s stress as he tries to juggle work and family life.

Enter Lord Rutledge and Dunston

Lord Rutledge, a sophisticated jewel thief, checks into the hotel with his trained orangutan, Dunston. Dunston is forced to assist Rutledge in his criminal activities, stealing valuable items from the hotel guests. The boys, Brian and Kyle, soon discover Dunston’s plight and empathize with the animal, deciding to help him escape Rutledge’s control.

Chaos and Comedy Ensue

As Dunston attempts to evade Rutledge, he and the boys create havoc throughout the hotel. Mrs. Dubrow grows increasingly frustrated with the escalating chaos, unaware of the true cause. Robert struggles to maintain order and impress the undercover reviewer, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick situations. The hotel’s reputation and Robert’s job are on the line.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Grant (Jason Alexander): A beleaguered hotel manager and single father trying to balance his career and his mischievous sons.
• Dunston (Sam): A talented orangutan trained as a jewel thief who seeks to escape his criminal life.
• Kyle Grant (Eric Lloyd): The younger son of Robert Grant who befriends Dunston and helps him escape a life of crime.
• Lord Rutledge (Rupert Everett): A villainous jewel thief who uses Dunston to steal valuables from hotel guests.
• Mrs. Dubrow (Faye Dunaway): The demanding owner of the Majestic Hotel, focused on achieving a five-star rating.
• Buck LaFarge (Paul Reubens): An eccentric and overly aggressive exterminator hired to capture Dunston.
• Lionel Spalding (Glenn Shadix): The undercover reviewer.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert Grant: “She hates kids. She once kicked Big Bird in the nuts!” – Robert humorously explains Mrs. Dubrow’s dislike of children to his son when he wants to continue playing.
• Lord Rutledge: “Come on, Dunston. We haven’t got all night. Some people are depending on us.” – Rutledge impatiently urging Dunston to proceed with stealing jewels during the heist.
• Buck LaFarge: “This is LaFarge. I’m here to exterminate!” – Buck, the exterminator, announces his presence in a comical and over-the-top manner.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,871,065
• Worldwide Gross: $9,871,065

💥 Dunston Checks In Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, Dunston Checks In is one of those movies I loved as a kid, and it still makes me chuckle. Seeing an orangutan wreak havoc in a fancy hotel is just inherently funny. Faye Dunaway’s over-the-top performance as the hotel owner is amazing, and Jason Alexander’s exasperated reactions are priceless. It’s not high art, but it’s pure, silly fun!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a lighthearted comedy”
  • “Fans of animal movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Slapstick violence”
  • “Animal endangerment themes (though resolved)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB User Review: “Dunston Checks In is goofy fun, surprisingly endearing and amiable. A madcap escapade embellished by slapstick shenanigans and puerile pranks, I think kids will enjoy watching the silly monkey.
• IMDB User Review: “With a great combination of slapstick comedy and animal antics, Dunston Checks In is a fun movie for kids and adults alike. The orangutan provides a lot of the humor, and you’ll enjoy Sam’s antics.
• IMDB User Review: “A pleasant surprise! I think people will like Faye Dunaway. With a nice comedic touch, there are also some funny special effects and some good slapstick humor. This a “sleeper:” an underrated film that a lot of people would enjoy.

Audience Reactions

The movie is very unique and funny.: Dunston the Orangutan is hilarious and makes this film funny

The movie does contain violence, some language.: The action is very fun and exciting to watch.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted family comedy that provides simple entertainment for the whole family. It may not be the greatest movie, but it’s cute and will make you laugh.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sam, the orangutan who played Dunston, had a full-time trainer on set to ensure his safety and well-being.”
• “The scenes inside the hotel were filmed at The Dorchester in London, adding a touch of real-life luxury and elegance to the movie.”
• “Paul Reubens’ (Pee-wee Herman) cameo as the aggressive exterminator, Buck LaFarge, was a last-minute addition and wasn’t originally in the script.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dunston Checks In?

Currently, ‘Dunston Checks In’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules on cable or streaming services that may include it in their library. You can find physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dunston Checks In, you might like these similar films:

• Baby’s Day Out (1994): Features slapstick humor and a baby eluding captors, similar to Dunston’s antics.
• Home Alone (1990): Shares the theme of a child defending a location with inventive traps and comedic situations.
• Ed (1996): Another family film released around the same time featuring an ape as a central character.
• Paddington (2014): A more modern family film where a CGI bear creates mayhem in a family’s life, similar to the chaos Dunston causes.
• MVP: Most Valuable Primate (2000): A chimpanzee shows off its athletic skills.

🛒 Dunston Checks In Related Products

• Orangutan Plush Toy – Realistic Stuffed Animal: Bring Dunston home with this ultra-soft, realistic orangutan plush toy. Perfect for cuddling and reminding you of all the monkey business in the movie.
• Primate Planet: Explore the World of Monkeys and Apes (National Geographic Kids): Learn more about orangutans and their primate cousins with this engaging National Geographic Kids book. Filled with stunning photos and fascinating facts, it’s a fun and educational way to expand your knowledge.
• Hotel Transylvania: A Spooky-Fun Adventure Game: Enjoy exciting challenges inspired by the movie. Navigate through the hotel, solve puzzles, and interact with all your favorite monsters. This game offers many hours of entertainment and many fun features.
• Seinfeld: The Complete Series (DVD): Relive the hilarious antics of George Costanza (Jason Alexander) in this complete series DVD set. Enjoy hours of laughter and classic moments from one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dunston Checks In features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Have Fun, Go Mad!” – performed by Blair

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dunston Checks In – Nostalgia Critic

Ever wonder if ‘Dunston Checks In’ is *actually* a good movie? Nostalgia Critic breaks it down in this hilarious and insightful review. Honestly, I didn’t realize how many problems this movie had until I watched this!

Dunston being a cheeky monkey compilation

Need a quick laugh? This compilation of Dunston’s best cheeky moments will have you cracking up. It’s pure monkey business at its finest (and maybe reminds us why we loved this movie as kids!).

Why The Film ‘Dunston Checks In’ Is An Overlooked Masterpiece

Think ‘Dunston Checks In’ is just a silly kids’ movie? Think again! Funny Or Die makes a surprisingly convincing (and hilarious) case for why it’s actually a misunderstood masterpiece. I don’t know about a masterpiece, but they make some *very* interesting points…

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