Turner & Hooch (1989) User Reviews

A fun thing to watch

[thefreakone · 7/10 · 27 June 2005]

I remember watching this movie when I was a little kid and what a great time I had at doing so! Because, when you're this young you just don't care about plots or film-making. So, if you sit back and analyze this flick you won't find many Oscar winning angles, but that is not what this movie is trying to achieve. We just may call this another typically silly Tom Hank's early age's movie that many have come to love at first sight.

Simply put, this movie is all about funny situations and the comical performances of Tom Hanks and the dog (that dog was a great actor!). Nowadays, I continue to enjoy it because the "chemistry" between Hanks and the dog is very good!

A Mostly Underrated Tom Hanks Picture.

[phillafella · 6/10 · 16 June 2003]

TURNER AND HOOCH teams Tom Hanks with an unlikely murder witness: a slobbering junkyard dog named Hooch. This is an okay film for another one of Hanks's underachievers, and is actually an entertaining one to watch. It's not the dog that K-9 was. The story here is much better, the chemistry is much stronger and the movie doesn't try as hard. Certainly Hanks's most underrated film, and highly recommended for people with pets in their home.

3 out of 5

The big goofy dog

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 12 December 2017]

Tom Hanks had to pull out all the stops prevent that wonderfully funny slobbering French mastiff from stealing the entire film Turner&Hooch. After all the two were equally top billed and should have had an equal share of the laughs.

Turner&Hooch has Hanks as small town police detective Scott Turner who is moving to an unnamed big city because he wants more challenging police work. But he gets himself an unsolved homicide in the last week on his job. The victim is John McIntire in what was his farewell performance as an old man who lived on a shack at the docks of the small coastal town. McIntire had been complaining about strange goings on at a nearby fish cannery and when someone is murdered there McIntire is also silenced.

The only witness is McIntire's dog Hooch and Hanks saves him from being put down as he's the closest thing to a witness he has. But this dog who lived in that waterfront shack where McIntire didn't exactly house break him proves to be quite a handful.

There's no way you couldn't love that big goofy dog. But I sure wouldn't want him for mine. There's a reason I'm a cat person. Hanks who's a pretty funny guy himself has some wonderful scenes with the dog. But he proves to be quite the chick magnet as well because of the interest veterinarian Mare Winningham shows in Hanks.

This one scored big at the box office in 1989. It still a very funny and heart warming film for audiences of all ages.

Man and His Best Friend

[Chrysanthepop · 16 January 2009]

Hanks and Beasley make for an odd couple but they are clearly the best thing about the film. In terms of storyline of 'Turner & Hooch' is not developed from a novel concept, the humorous treatment and the hilarious and endearing interaction between the lead pair is what makes it a charming little film. Tom Hanks is totally great in one of his early roles as a policeman who suffers from perfectionism and is challenged by the entrance of a pooch into his life. The guy shows a flair for comedy that has hardly been noticed by many filmmakers. Beasley is fantastic and absolutely adorable (once you get passed the drooling). Mare Winningham is good as Hanks's love interest. They are quite convincing enough as a romantic pair. There are plenty of wonderful moments in the film and it is hard to pick a favourite but the first scenes that come to mind are the stakeout scene where Turner is chatting with a bored Hooch and the scene where he comforts a grieving Hooch. I love the film for its simplicity and heart along Hanks and Beasley. An awesome fun little flick!

Dog and man make for strange partners

[lib-4 · 6/10 · 21 March 2001]

My boyfriend loves this movie so I watched it and I laughed. Hooch acts exactly like our dog- big and messy and destructive. Tom Hanks was very convincing as a meticulous detective and Hooch is a hoot as a dog that can rattle him.. All in all this is a good movie to watch on a rainy afternoon like we did.

Coochy Hoochy Mushy

[Quebec_Dragon · 7/10 · 5 February 2014]

I remember loving this movie as a kid, and watching it recently, I must admit it aged pretty well (except for the music and the hairdo of the leading actress). I laughed several times at the antics on display, mostly because of the interactions between Tom Hanks (Turner) and Hooch. Hooch, the dog, is a special effect in itself. He's initially so ugly, I thought he was some kind of unique bastard dog, but it turns out there's an actual breed. Who would have thought? So initially ugly, so big, yet turning out so lovable and actually handsome with his sad face and droopy expressions, once he cleaned up and didn't slobber too much.

We have Tom Hanks at the height of his comedy career (before he turned too serious) giving a very energetic and enthusiastic performance despite playing a serious, by-the-book, neat freak. For me, there was actual chemistry between him and the dog. That scene where they "talked" in the car was hilarious. The other actors weren't bad but weren't notable.

Other scenes where the dog made a mess or was particularly disgusting were to be expected, but they were enjoyable nevertheless, mostly due to us expecting Hank's reactions and him actually delivering. Sure, he was a bit over the top sometimes, but it worked. The actual police action stuff was less interesting and pretty standard for the times. The movie was also a bit sad a few times, but I think that made the movie more memorable. For me, this film remains a reference, even today, in terms of dog-comedy movies.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Very good)

Hooch, the police dog

[Atreyu_II · 7/10 · 9 January 2009]

'Turner & Hooch' isn't a great movie, but it is an okay comedy-crime film which, if not terrific, at least is fun and entertaining enough.

Again, not a spectacular film, but it has lots of hilarious moments (it would take too long to mention them, as there are so many to number). But it's not all comedy. It is also about crime. And the part when Hooch dies (near the ending) is very sad - I didn't like that part. The movie also has some characteristic stuff from the 80's, which is a good thing.

The movie's best known actor is Tom Hanks, here in one of his early roles. I can't say I like him very much. I don't think he's that great as an actor. He often portrays ridiculous and annoying characters and his humor is usually too much clown-like, but here he is good. Even here he shows some of his typical trademarks, but far more natural and not in an irritating way. Tom Hanks is hilarious in this one, something unusual on him. This is one of the few (if not one of the only) films which he isn't annoying.

Tom Hanks's character, the police investigator Scott Turner, is more of an obsessively neat guy and funny at the same time, however with a major tendency for anger (he loses his temper easily and yells a lot).

Reginald VelJohnson is more funny than great, but one can't deny that his character, detective David Sutton, has sense of humor.

The dog, however, is the real star of the movie and naturally a great "actor". Beasley the Dog, a Dogue de Bordeaux, portrays Hooch, apparently a foul-tempered dog that loves to destroy things, but once we get to know him better, we realize that he's got an even temper. By the way, that dog drools in such a way that's unbelievable. I wonder if that dog breed really drools like that or if they just overdo it in the movie for comical effect.

Hooch, however, isn't the only dog worth mentioning. There is also Camilla, the beautiful "Lassie" owned by the veterinarian.

Better than I expected.

[alexanderdavies-99382 · 7/10 · 2 August 2020]

It's been many years since I last saw "Turner and Hooch" but I'm glad I saw it once again. When he was making these comedic films, Tom Hanks was good at playing the kind of character who is under constant stress and feeling rather overwhelmed by his own comic situation. Such is the case here, courtesy of a slobbering but loveable dog by the name of Hooch. There's no point in describing the plot, it's been covered in previous reviews. So funny to see Hanks struggling with Hooch, I loved the scene where he's yanked all the way to the local vets surgery! The only disappointment for me, was the climax. I found it unnecessary to have Hooch killed off, it cast a big shadow over the film's many comic moments. At least there was another dog of the same breed to make an appearance, so all is not lost. This film deserves to be better known.

Turner & Hooch

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 22 September 2005]

This is quite an original idea for a film, especially a crime based one, from director Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies, The 6th Day). Basically Tom Hanks as Detective Scott Turner is investigating a murder, that was carried out to cover up something, and the only person (besides the unknown murderer) that witnessed this murder was the victim's closest friend who was with him on the pier, his dog! Hooch the dog saw the murderer and tried to stop him, but he couldn't. Anyway, now Turner has to look after Hooch until they can get an idea of what happened to the victim, and they have some idea of the murderer's identity. This is obviously where the comedy comes from, basically the dog behaving really badly and ruining Turner's house in the best and funniest ways possible. But don't worry, they become friends eventually as the dog comes into use for solving the crime. In the end Turner and Hooch have become pretty good friends, and it ends with them catching the criminals, but Hooch is the one that sadly takes the bullet. Also starring Mare Winningham as Dr. Emily Carson, Craig T. Nelson as Chief Howard Hyde, Die Hard's Reginald VelJohnson as Det. David Sutton and Scott Paulin as Zack Gregory. Hanks is funny being mad, the dog is okay, and the comedy isn't too bad, not a bad film. Worth watching!

Go Get'em Hooch

[Slarkshark · 7/10 · 2 March 2021]

Decent buddy cop movie with a dog. Hooch the pooch is a lovable but menacing Dogue De Bordeaux. His huge stature makes him intimidating and his loyalty is next to none. All the scenes with Hooch were the best and I loved reading up on the breed afterwards.

Young Tom Hanks does well as the OCD "investigator" in a small town wanting to move on to bigger and better things; that is until big crime hits his small town. The love story is a bit cringeworthy, but it is 1989 so it's cute in a way.

!WARNING! Dog lovers beware... this has a sad ending. I think you know what that means and I'll leave it at that. I don't think it was necessary, but what do I know.

Only good for the first half

[stefan899 · 4/10 · 6 February 2002]

Turner and Hooch was only really funny and interesting when the scenes with them two were together. When they werent in any scenes together the whole movie was just mandatory and a bit boring such as the romantic scenes and the scenes regarding the actual plot. So it would be a good idea to fast forward through those scenes, dont worry about missing the plot - just watch for the chemistry and charisma between the dog and Tom Hanks.

Hanks Turns Water into Wine, With a Canine Assist

[drqshadow-reviews · 8/10 · 24 July 2014]

Tom Hanks is an obsessive-compulsive cop who takes in a filthy, slobbish French Mastiff when it's the only witness to a murder. Basically The Odd Couple with a dog. It's predictable and formulaic to the bone, but hits a strange nerve that allows us to overlook its shortcomings and appreciate the sweetness of the ride. Hanks is largely to thank for that, at the top of his game very early in his dramatic career. Though a few not-so-surprising supporting actors pop in from time to time, (Reginald VelJohnson as a policeman? What a shock!) it's almost entirely a one-man show that sails beyond expectations on the merits of his lone performance. In fact, the closest competition is Beasley the dog, who's absurdly emotive and personable throughout the film. He and Hanks make for a great team, as silly as that might sound, and it's easy to tell that a lot of their best scenes were ad-libs that miraculously avoided the cutting room floor. Funny, bittersweet movie magic that really has no business being as entertaining as it is.

The odd couple from different species...

[Howlin Wolf · 6/10 · 22 May 2007]

Hollywood sometimes does things in pairs or more, pushing out similarly themed projects within a short time period to see if they can manufacture a trend. In the late 80's the subject du jour seemed to be 'cop teamed with a dog'. This and K-9 were entries into that niche segment of the market. A heck of a lot of people find dogs personable, of course, so the crucial component that guarantees a good pairing is a likable star to go alongside the furry performer. Few can do likable as easily and naturally as Tom Hanks, and his flair for the zany helps see to it that all ensuing proceedings are kept nice and lively. Even the romance is bearably sweet without becoming schmaltzy or dominating the whole show.

The sequence of events that lead to him becoming an animal guardian for the first time are perhaps intentionally kept murky for the sake of family-orientated viewing, so the only thing about it that has any 'bite' at all is Hooch (don't worry, his bark is worse!) but if you're a sucker for cute pets plus Hanks' breezy charm, then you'll be entranced in no time.

Turner & Hooch

[oOoBarracuda · 5/10 · 10 August 2016]

Strapping in for a Tom Hanks film is never a joy for me. I just have never cared for the actor, nor have I seen him in any captivating roles, with the exception of the 2015 film Bridge of Spies; even then, I was much more captivated by the acting of Mark Rylance--who would win an Academy Award for the role. Turner & Hooch, however, was a surprisingly enjoyable Tom Hanks role. The 1989 film co- starring Mare Winningham made Hanks a compulsive investigator who suddenly becomes caretaker to a large slobbering dog who remains the only witness to a homicide. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, Turner & Hooch was great for what it was, a fun comedic crime drama from the 80's.

Scott Turner, an investigator for his local police department, is just days ahead of a move to the Sacramento police department to join the big dogs of crime fighting. Well-liked in his neighborhood, Turner is training his replacement and teaching him the intricacies of the locals when on of the very neighbors they met together is murdered. Considering his dog Hooch is the only "eyewitness" to the homicide, he suddenly becomes vital to the police department due to the possible assistance he may be able to provide in cracking the case of his owner's murder. The only trouble is, Hooch is a huge, grungy, slobbering dog that is too much for most people to handle. Turner is definitely not ideal to take Hooch, as he is compulsively neat about every detail of his life. Turner, having a kinship to Hooch as the last piece of remembrance of his sweet owner, decides to keep him, which in turn saves Hooch's life who would otherwise be put down if not taken in by someone. After a checkup with the local vet, Dr. Emily Carson (Mare Winningham), the three form a unique friendship, all the while working together to solve the case of Hooch's murdered master.

Scott Turner is everything I used to be. Orderly, compulsive, and detail-oriented, believing that the only way to live a life was through a routine. Luckily for both of us, we realized there was a bigger picture at play than our small parts in the world. The blossoming romance between Hanks and Winningham was a fun addition to the crime angle of the story. It was also fun to see Tom Hanks in such an early role, where I find him more tolerable. The film itself was a bit predictable, but if you go into this viewing with an expectation to only have a little fun with a lighthearted dog/human crime comedy, you won't be disappointed. What's more aggravating are the contrived sad moments within the film. Good directing and storytelling will bring about the emotions intended from the audience without overtly pushing the audience toward the tissue box. Again, however, the lazy directing can be forgiven if you know what you are getting yourself into, which is a fun 80's comedy. All-in- all, you could skip Turner & Hooch and never be the wiser, personally, I'm glad I saw it for a fun young Tom Hanks role.

Turner & Hooch

[Coxer99 · 16 March 1999]

Tom Hanks stars in this comedy about an obssesively neat small town detective who teams up with the only witness to a friend's murder - the victim's slobber-happy dog. This is a cute film with many gags between Hanks and the dog. The entire sequence trying to get Hooch to take a bath is quite funny. The film moves at a quick pace and is better written than a similar film such as K-9, with Jim Belushi. Craig T. Nelson co-stars.

Good go-to movie

[signlady · 7/10 · 27 March 2022]

I enjoy rewatching this movie every couple of years. It's similar to the K-9 movies w/James Belushi.

Still entertains & my dog also likes watching or staring at this, (& the K9 movies too) : D

I figure he rates them all as about 9 stars, but I give this a 7.

I would give it a 9, bc even tho I like Mare Winningham, I simply thought she was miscast here.

I'm kind of surprised the imdb rating is only 6.2, but I guess that's bc it's an old movie and these kinds of sites were only just getting started back then.

I also think a sequel is over due & would be fun with Hanks & maybe one of Hooches heirs?

Nice comedy

[sergelamarche · 6/10 · 27 April 2018]

Nothing super fantastic but this film holds on its comedic value. Seems also good for an evening easy with the girlfriend. Tom Hanks definitely had the chops and shines even in this romance. Bravo!

Cute.

[xsophietaylorx · 6/10 · 6 October 2014]

Turner & Hooch is just a harmless, cute film. Tom Hanks plays a police officer who ends up adopting a dog because he is the only witness to a murder. At the start they hate each over which is rather funny to watch, however as the film goes on you see them for a relationship. The film is fun to watch and occasionally makes you laugh but I really felt the ending fell flat when Hooch died I didn't feel the emotion it went over to quick we see Tom Hanks crying for around thirty seconds and then it flips to his new life married to the vet living in a home with many dogs & even a mini Hooch this felt like there was no mourning to Hooch he deserved a bigger death scene and more sadness as the audience we never even got a chance to cry because in a matter of minutes we were hit with this big happy ending! Good film but didn't enjoy the ending. Rip Hooch

Worth every minute

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 26 September 2022]

I've always thought of "Turner and Hooch" as an amusing comedy with a high concept (it's a buddy comedy but one of them's a dog!) something disposable, here-and-gone, you know the kind. And then I actually got around to watching it.

Hanks is fantastic in the movie, his comedic chops on full display and irate voice used for maximum effect (I tell ya, it cracks me up) and I'll probably remember the movie for his newfound pet's ravaging the furniture; but there's depth that I really didn't see coming. They really do bond and it becomes a fun partnership; this horribly destructive and slobbering beast grows on you in a big way. It's a feel-good movie and it mined just the right emotions out of me, but it is genuinely funny. I highly enjoyed this film.

Not Terribly Exciting

[gavin6942 · 5/10 · 15 November 2014]

A detective (Tom Hanks) must adopt the dog of a dead man (John McIntire) to help him find the murderer.

Looking back from today (2014), this film may seem like a fun, 1980s buddy cop movie between Tom Hanks and a slobbering dog. But when actually viewed, the nostalgia fades and we are left with a fairly average movie. Even with its star power (Hanks), this is not a very exciting film, and no better than countless other movies of its kind. For something co-written by Michael Blodgett of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" fame, you would expect more quirks.

In fact, the saving grace is Reginald VelJohnson, who makes for great comic relief. Craig T. Nelson is alright but could have used a bigger role. The romantic angle seemed completely unnecessary and should have been taken out, although it does (in some small way) help advance the plot.

Good fun, because of the wildly energetic antics of Tom Hanks.

[imseeg · 7/10 · 29 December 2019]

Solid 7 stars! Why? Because this comedy still stands strong after 30 years! Just as enjoyable to watch as during the eighties.

This is one of those many Tom Hanks comedies that will put a smile on your face and is basically just good fun.

Any bad? This dog comedy is nothing out of the extraordinary, but Tom Hanks is THE one that makes this comedy worth watching, because his shouting antics and bewilderment are to die for! I have rewatched this movie several times.

The story: Tom Hanks (police investigator) is suddenly burdened with an out of control dog, during his police work, Silly accidents happen with this dog, a budding romance happens, topped of with some jokes and some action.

Typical, charming Tom Hanks comedy, craftily directed by the masterful Roger Spottiswoode. Not the greatest, but amusing nonetheless.

One to watch while having a take away...

[cinematic_aficionado · 5/10 · 16 May 2004]

Without saying I did not enjoy watching Turner and Hooch it is not one of those films that made a lasting impression.

A story about a young police officer who sort of accommodates a dog who is a witness to a murder, they hate each other at first then they become inseparable, along comes the vet who after their dogs flirt the humans turn comes.

Rather pleasurable movie, nothing more.

Would you have thought by watching this movie that this young officer would become an a list Hollywood superstar? I didn't!!!

Oh come on!

[TacticalGear · 10/10 · 1 January 2000]

I simply cannot believe that this film is rated under an 8.

It must have taken ages to get the Hooch's parts right, and it was so funny and even made me cry! You might be thinking that this is a rather unprofessional or unmanly comment of me, but I loved this film. And I'm only 14.

A G-R-E-A-T M-O-V-I-E!!!

I just can't

[sandycochrane-97758 · 7/10 · 4 August 2020]

I love this film. I know how it ends. But every single Time I cry. I cry so much. I love dogs. Poor dog.

An Odd Couple

[wes-connors · 4/10 · 12 March 2013]

In a sleepy California coast town, neat and tidy police detective Tom Hanks (as Scott Turner) is assigned to investigate a murder witnessed only by an ugly, slobbering dog named "Hooch". Often showing off his trim physique in brief black underwear, Mr. Hanks finds his fastidiously decorated home damaged by his sloppy canine companion. Animal-loving veterinarian Mare Winningham (as Emily Carson) helps Hanks manage his house-guest, and you can smell the romance breaking a mile away. "Hooch" stinks up the police station, which could cause police chief Craig T. Nelson (as Howard Hyde) to call off the hunt. Just looking at Reginald Veljohnson (as David Sutton) in the credits lets you know he's Hanks' overweight partner. There is at least one surprise in this predictable, warm-hearted story; and, it isn't pretty.

**** Turner & Hooch (7/28/89) Roger Spottiswoode ~ Tom Hanks, Mare Winningham, Craig T. Nelson, Reginald Veljohnson