Russell Madness

source: Russell Madness

What kind of filming education did Robert Vince get when he went to film school? This film's CGI is what makes it unworthy of being good entertainment as well as possibly some pointless humor!!!

'Russell Madness' is hands down the BEST movie I've ever seen that features a talking wrestling dog and a talking monkey for a wrestling manager. Not only that, this film has Will Sasso, John Ratzenberger, and Fred Willard lending their talents to the film. Not all is lost. Remember that film from 1997 called 'Air Bud', about a golden retriever dog who could play basketball and win championships? Well the same people who made that, made 'Russell Madness', which comes to no surprise as the first 'Air Bud' film made almost $30 million on a $3 million budget. Not only that, since 1997, the 'Air Bud' people have made dozens of sequels featuring talking animals that play sports and win big. Heck, they even opened their own studio to make these types of films, most of which are direct-to-video. One thing is for sure with each of these films is that this studio knows the formula that works, and that formula is geared to kids under eight years old. Yes, 'Russell Madness' is about a talking dog who wrestles WWE style and has a talking monkey named Hunk (Sasso) for a manager. But let's start at the beginning shall we? The dog in question is named Russell and is in fact a russell terrier breed who now lives in a pets store. I guess the creative people at the pet store were gone that day when naming a russell terrier, Russell. Nobody wants to take Russell home, because he literally pees on each kid that holds him, which is symbolic here as this movie might just be urinating in our face too. The big bad pet store leaves Russell in a glass cage of emotions with no food or water, but luckily he escapes and runs for some sausage. (I'm not kidding.) He then, is chased by a bigger dog who chases him into a wrestling ring where Russell lays the SMACKDOWN on a giant human wrestler. For all I know, Russell killed the guy, because we never see that wrestler again. Soon enough the Ferraro family sees Russell on the street and take him in as their own. The Ferraro family are dealing with the death of their grandfather, who was once a pro-wrestler who worked with a monkey, and owned a wrestling arena before his death. He passed the arena down to his family on a the condition that they take one year to try and make a profit, promoting wrestling shows. If not, the family can flip it and sell it. This is where monkey meets dog and the odd partnership is born. We have training montages with a monkey riding a segway and forcing poor Russell to pay him in bananas only. There is even a road trip sequence with the father, the monkey, and the dog where the monkey says, "What happens on the road, stays on the road." I laughed so hard, I cried thinking about what these three did while on the road, promoting wrestling shows. John Ratzenberger plays the Vince McMahon role here and might have something sinister up his sleeve, while Fred Willard plays his usual wrestling announcer/commentator role. None of it makes any sense really, then again, all of it makes total sense. 'Russell Madness' never really has a whole lot of suspense, nor does the dialogue pass over the cheese mountain, but kids will sure enjoy this movie. And if you're a parent who loves to see your kid laugh and smile, and are able to make light of a fairly terrible film, then this movie is for you, as it's definitely the BEST movie you'll ever see with a talking dog and monkey who love to give 'Stone Cold Stunners' to everyone who come in their path.

This is yet another best Family Entertainer who places all the emotions in right places, the acting is fantastic, the screenplay is fast paced ...there is no single dull moment, a movie that will make you smile and Happy throughout, watch it with your Family

This film is hilarious, adventurous and much more! It will appeal to kids as well as adults and has a very unique idea. Russell Madness is a perfect family story that will be enjoyed by many. Russell Madness has a feel of comedy with a wrap-around of family ties, while still having a core of wrestling and a little sprinkle of suspense. The story starts when a family moves back to Oregon to take over an old wrestling ring which belonged to the family for a long time. It is a bit run down, but a new generation opens it back up. Then, during a first match, something very interesting happens. A dog named Russell (dompletely by coincidence) comes into the ring where a big tough and strong wrestler is. What happens next is absolutely unexpected and surprising. This film is stupendous! Something I really like about it is that Russell's coach is a monkey named Hunk. And yes, it is a talking monkey, played by a very smart and adorable monkey named Crystal, except for the talking parts of course, which I think is a great and smart idea. The acting is wonderful and the whole film has that perfect amount of cheesiness, cuteness and positivity to make it a wonderful family film. Also, the jokes are original and hilarious. My favorite scene is about the family's first encounter with Hunk. Hunk tells them to take in Russell as a family dog and offers to train Russell to be a wrestler. But, his price is many things doing with bananas. It is funny and an important scene in the movie. I recommend for kids ages 5 to 18 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars for fantastic acting, production, directing, and unbelievable animal training. Don't miss it when it comes out in the spring of 2015! Reviewed by Gerry O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, go to kidsfirst dot org.

I drunkenly watched this movie at a late hour duing the covid-19 crisis and I wish I could go back in time and aborte myself, to get the job done right. To say this is worst thing to happen to me all month, in a month where I lost several family members to covid-19, is an understatement. One of the major issues with the film is it's botches, the dog clearly doesn't know how to wrestle and must have lied on his doggy CV, little prick. My favorite character was the monkey who out-of-nowhere gets mauled by a bear at the climax of the film -- I was already crying from the deep-set depression the movie seems to induce but seeing Hunk get ripped limb from limb in front of a cheering audience was the last straw. Afterwards, I turned my oven on and seriously thought about sticking my head in it -- to this day I don't know if I made the right decision. Please don't let these dog mudering, PT Barmham loving sadist near animals again -- and for good measure lock them in the Magneto prison from X-Men 2. Still crying, still hopeless, still Russelled. 10/10

It's a Jack Russell Terrier wrestling movie! And it is so stupid you will love it!!!! A Jack Russell wrestler, and a monkey wrestling trainer! You can't go wrong with this setup. Russell takes down big human muscle hunks and wins the heart of all. There's not too much that can be reviewed about this silly but fun flick. It's perfect for family viewing or just good laughs with friends who want an easy light movie for entertainment. The acting is best by the dog and the monkey! And you will recognize some well known names and faces from television in the supporting cast.

Good movie!

Russell Madness