Zeus & Roxanne (1997)

Thanks for the memories!

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

There are very few movies that I can heartily recommend to others, but I have no reservations about suggesting "Zeus and Roxanne". If I had grandchildren, I would buy this one for them; we could watch it together without any awkward moments. That alone makes this movie a gem. The characters are pleasant and appear to be normal people who behave respectably. There is no degrading language which so often spoils other movies that I might otherwise have liked to recommend to others. I am not ordinarily an "animal" person, but I do tend to smile where dolphins are concerned. This is probably because they exhibit traits that I would like to see in myself. They present a totally positive image and are therefore a significant part of this good-feeling cinema work. Even the canine in this movie is not annoying, but very appealing. I usually watch mysteries, but "Zeus and Roxanne" is a very pleasant change of entertainment atmosphere. I wish that I had the ability to personally thank all who are responsible for bringing this film into my home today on TV! Since I can't, I'll just ask God to bless each of you in a special way.

I really like this movie because 1) it reminds me of being 7 years old and 2) because dolphins and dogs should always shout out their love to the world. The setting is gorgeous, Florida Keys and sometimes the Bahamas I hear...Perfect for this comedy. It's a family comedy, that's what it is. A perfect one. I really recommend it if you have kids, and if you live in a cold place. It'll instantly brighten up your day. Plus, it makes sense. And that's what a movie should do. I really enjoyed the romance-aspect. The double plot of romance was surprising to find in a movie that was marketed to a young audience. A double plot is hard to pull off. I got it when I was 7 and I get it now. This is a great movie.

You are never too old or too young to be cheered up by Zeus and Roxanne. Steve Guttenberg and Kathleen Quinlan have surprisingly electric chemistry together. But Roxanne the dolphin and Zeus the dog light up the sky with their fireworks. The kids are great too. But, a movie like this needs a worthy villain. Although I never heard of Arnold Vosloo before, he does a marvelous job playing Oil Can Harry to Steve Guttenberg's Mighty Mouse. Sure, it's far-fetched. It's supposed to be. Just relax and have fun.

I was depressed when I saw it, and it cheered me up. Silly - in the best possible sense of the word. Guttenbuurg and Arquette are ideal as the parents; the kids are perfect; the villain is fun; and the dolphin is beautiful - but Zeus, the dog, really steals the film. Watch and enjoy with any kid you know - especially your boyfriend (tee-hee).