Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- playful
- warm
- family movie night
- nostalgic 1990s viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found it a stylish, silly, and affectionate family farce, though its broad humor was not universally admired.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dunston’s escape attempts, pranks, and interactions with the hotel staff supply the film’s central comic engine.
Brian and Kyle help Dunston evade the jewel thief and navigate the luxury hotel while adults pursue their own interests.
Rutledge’s trained orangutan and his criminal activities make the stolen jewels the plot’s primary source of pursuit.
The Fox Family Films production combines star casting, hotel spectacle, slapstick action, and child-friendly warmth in a distinctly 1990s family-film format.
Films like Dunston Checks In, and why
Monkey Trouble
family-friendly slapstick, mischievous animal centerpiece, and warm human-animal friendship
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
child-centered comedy, chaotic hotel-like adult world, and broad physical humor
Beethoven
family farce built around an unruly animal, comic danger, and affectionate sentiment
Free Willy
1990s studio family comedy combining adventure, slapstick, and a child protecting a vulnerable creature
Movie Details
- Director
- Ken Kwapis
- Release Date
- 1996-01-12
- Runtime
- 88 min
- Rating
- 5.4 / 10 (257)
Cast
- Sam the Orangutan
- Jason Alexander
- Faye Dunaway
- Rupert Everett
- Graham Sack
- Paul Reubens
- Glenn Shadix
- Nathan Davis
- Jennifer Bassey
- Eric Lloyd
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dunston Checks In about?
- A beleaguered hotel concierge and his sons join forces with a mischievous orangutan to escape a jewel thief and turn a luxury hotel upside down.
- What is Dunston Checks In like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dunston Checks In as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Dunston Checks In violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Dunston Checks In as mild.
- What did critics think of Dunston Checks In?
- Critics broadly found it a stylish, silly, and affectionate family farce, though its broad humor was not universally admired.
- Which films are like Dunston Checks In?
- Films with a similar feel include Monkey Trouble, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Beethoven, and Free Willy.
- How long is Dunston Checks In?
- Dunston Checks In runs 88 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dunston Checks In?
- In United States, Dunston Checks In is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
