Synopsis
The extravagant cop Michael Dooley needs some help to fight a drug dealer who has tried to kill him. A "friend" gives him a dog named Jerry Lee (Officer Lewis), who has been trained to smell drugs. With his help, Dooley sets out to put his enemy behind the bars, but Jerry Lee has a personality of his own and works only when he wants to. On the other hand, the dog is quite good at destroying Dooley's car, house and sex-life...
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Cast
- Jim BelushiMike Dooley
- Mel HarrisTracy
- Kevin TigheLyman
- Ed O'NeillBrannigan
- James HandyCaptain Byers
- Daniel DavisHalstead
- Cotter SmithGilliam
- John SnyderFreddie
- Pruitt Taylor VinceBenny the Mule
- Sherman HowardDillon
Recommendations
- 70
Los Angeles Times
It's enjoyable, thanks not only to its charismatic duo, but also to the skilled comedy direction of Rod Daniel, whose strong sense of pacing is enhanced by Miles Goodman's driving but not overpowering score. - 60
Empire
This is actually better than it may sound, though rather less charming than it would like to, and needs to be. - 50
Chicago Sun-Times
If the crime elements in K-9 are routine, the relationship between Belushi and the dog at least has the courage to be goofy. - 50
The New York Times
K-9 doesn't have a shred of credibility. And Mr. Belushi, despite some rough edges, lacks a strong enough macho growl to make Dooley seem like a police dog in human clothing. But with its surefire dog tricks and breezy pacing, K-9 is at least mildly diverting. - 50
TV Guide Magazine
The plot has lots of holes, but veteran TV director Rod Daniel keeps the proceedings light and lively, and Belushi does a fine job of relating to a dog as a multidimensional character. Jerry Lee--while no Benji in the acting department--is likable and receives ample help from the film's editors. - 50
Washington Post
Belushi is fetching, though he plays a cliche'. But the movie would roll over and play dead without the talented German shepherd. Lassie was classy and Benji beguiling, but Jerry Lee is a four-legged Burt Reynolds, just made for fast cars and chase scenes. - 50
Chicago Tribune
However you look at it, K-9, a crime comedy starring Jim Belushi, Mel Harris and a German shepherd named Jerry Lee, barks up a few of the right trees. Its moments of hilarity are due entirely to the dog, whose orchestrated growls and grimaces could start a whole new school of dog acting. [28 Apr 1989, p.N] - 38
USA Today
Is this a comedy, action pic or sensitive Belushi-Harris romance? Director Rod Daniel never establishes a definitive tone, though he comes close in the scene where James Brown's I Feel Good hits the sound track after some canine fornication. You don't need a dog to smell this. [28 Apr 1989, p.4D]
