Amazon.com: Most of this second volume of stories from the 1985-87 television anthology series is a middling offering from former Steven Spielberg protégé Robert Zemeckis, who later won an Oscar for directing Forrest Gump. (Spielberg was the creator of Amazing Stories.) Zemeckis's episode is a bit of schlock horror called "Go to the Head of the Class," and while it stars Christopher Lloyd in a fiendish role as a decapitated teacher, and an atypical part for Mary Stuart Masterson as a manipulative teenage babe, there isn't much that sticks to the ribs.
The real treat on Book 2, however, is the animated "Family Dog," directed by the little-known Brad Bird but supervised by Tim Burton long before he became a household name. A witty and observant satire on family dysfunction as seen through the eyes of a pet pooch and perennial scapegoat, "Family Dog" follows the misadventures of a sweet-natured mutt just trying to fit in with his human housemates but betrayed at every turn. Tormented by a bratty boy, prodded by an exuberant toddler, and an easy target for an unhappy mom and duplicitous dad, the dog can't get a break. Burton's dark sensibilities are certainly in play, and the animation--while owing something to Warner and Disney--is novel and expressive. One needn't worry about young viewers watching this one: there's no physical brutality and the comedy always prevails. Plus, the ending proves, definitively, that every dog does indeed have his day. --Tom Keogh
Family Dog - Family Favorite The first half of this is a less than memorable Christopher Lloyd episode of Amazing Stories, which says a lot about the writing since Christopher Lloyd could make a piece of toast funny. The second half of this is the Family Dog, which is not only memorable, but classic and under appreciated. This animated half hour has excellent writing, animation, and voice talent - including Annie Potts as the mother. The hilarity of home life is in your face and leaves you wanting more. My sisters, brother, even my mother quoted it for years after seeing it, "Oh my gawd they've taken the coffee maker!" My family was very grateful when years after seeing it, I bought each of them a copy through Amazon. They love it and watch it over and over- and what makes a classic of something beyond the audiences love of returning to the material? Even though the eventual animated series it spawned lacked the same writing punch, I would highly recommend this to anyone with a love of good clean "art imitating family life" humor.
It's perfect... would like it on DVD We first watched it about 18 years ago and it's brilliant, a real gem. We watch it every couple of years now and enjoy just as much. The VHS tape (which was a copy) is almost unwatchable... would love to get the DVD.
Would also like to subscribe to "Suburban Paradise" magazine but don't get it here...
Good on you Brad, love your stuff!
OH MY GOD!!! The cartoon was unbelievably funny! That rotten little boy and the smartass dog was too too funny for words.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE WITH AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS MOVIE WILL GET RID OF IT TEMPORARILY. JUST LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FORGET WHY YOU WERE MAD IN THE 1ST PLACE
Amazing Stories Review By MaxS. McPike When I first watched the Amazing Stories TV show I was just stunned ,I loved it and I even thought it was better than the Twilight Zone movie and also it was a lot different than other movies and TV shows . What I also liked about it was that it had a lot of famous people in it like: Kevin Kostner, Pat Hingle, Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Stuart Masterson,Christopher Lloyd, Rhea Perlman, and many others. I think it is fun for the whole family. P.S. I think they should put it on DVD.
THE BEST ANIMATION SHORT OF ITS TIME BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT, just for the short, "Family Dog" I have been looking for this cartoon for years!! I knew of someone's household that was similar to this short! My family and I used to watch this everytime it came on cable, before the series came out.
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