Tim Allen must really like dogs. It was his idea to remake Disney’s The Shaggy Dog, released way back in 1959, and to star in it. But he wanted the father in the new movie to undergo the canine transformation instead of the son, so this new version features considerable script changes. The funniest scenes show Allen’s character trying to act normal while being enticed by other animals and by various canine urges. 

“I loved the idea of updating a true classic, of taking something from a long time ago and bringing it to life in a fun and exciting way,” Allen explains. “The challenge of really reinventing this story had a very strong appeal to me. . . What was important to me was throwing in a bit of heart and soul. As the story lets Dave (the father) go where only dogs can go and hear what only dogs can hear, Dave actually starts to realize that he can be a better human. So it’s hilariously funny, but it’s also a great family story.”

Allen plays an ambitious lawyer who’s so obsessed with his cases that he’s lost touch with his wife and children. When he turns into Shaggy, a huge Bearded Collie, he finds out how rejected they feel and vows to change. Why did Allen’s character become the Shaggy dog? Well, he’s accidentally infected with a top secret genetic-mutation serum that morphs his body into the canine one. And who’s doing all this mysterious morphing research? None other than Dr. Kozak, an evil scientist played to the hilt by Robert Downey Jr. Watching Allen and Downey growl at each other in one courtroom scene is worth the price of admission.   

Of course, the dog playing Shaggy upstages everyone. His real name is Coal, and although five other canines appear in various scenes, he’s the one who does most of the work. Trainer Mark Forbes says, “Coal was always the one who was the quickest to train, and he just had more drive than most dogs I’ve seen.” He’s also immensely photogenic -- and I want a pet just like him! 

Filled with clever slapstick antics and humorous special effects, this updated Shaggy Dog is a winner, but I can’t help thinking it might have been even better with a more athletic Jim Carrey in the lead and without its silly ending scene at the beach. A Bearded Collie surfing? Puh-leez.      

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures and rated “PG” for some mild rude humor.)