C.H.O.M.P.S. isn't the greatest kid-geared film made, but it is a lot of fun to watch. It's especially fun if you're a dog lover. The idea of a robotic home-security dog that follows number-based commands may have been a bit far-fetched in 1979, but it could be an actuality in the near future. Aside from one serious curse word ("s***", which is why it's rated PG) spoken in the mind of a neighboring dog, C.H.O.M.P.S. is harmless, less violent, & more imaginative than most "children" films nowadays. Yes, it is dopey, but what the heck - it's a cute film for kids & doesn't try to be anything else. Simple, innocent entertainment. The dog is cuddly, the acting is mediocre (several then TV stars are in it - Jim Backus, Conrad Bains, the guy from Land of the Lost, Valerie Bertinelli, Red Buttons, etc.), but it's an enjoyable film if your expectations aren't too high. Give it a chance.
17 Reviews
the Vidiot Reviews...
capone6666 January 2019
C.H.O.M.P.S.
If you expect a robotic dog to protect your home while you are away be sure to turn off its sleep mode.
Luckily, the computerized K-9 in this family movie has crime detection capabilities to alert him of intruders.
When a young genius, Brian (Wesley Eure), creates a mechanical mutt named C.H.O.M.P.S - Canine Home Protection System - to safeguard his home from thieves, it attracts the attention of Mr. Gibbs (Jim Backus), owner of unscrupulous home security company, who hires two bumbling crooks (Red Buttons, Chuck McCann) to kidnap C.H.O.M.P.S. Meanwhile, Brian begins bonding with his tyrannical boss' (Conrad Bain) daughter (Valerie Bertinelli).
While it does feature some great character actors, a lovable pup and a few flashes of comedy brilliance, animation giant Hanna-Barbera failed to conceive of a feature-length script that surpassed their Saturday morning cartoon output.
Ironically, most robo-dogs are stolen when Amazon leaves them on your porch. Yellow Light
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
If you expect a robotic dog to protect your home while you are away be sure to turn off its sleep mode.
Luckily, the computerized K-9 in this family movie has crime detection capabilities to alert him of intruders.
When a young genius, Brian (Wesley Eure), creates a mechanical mutt named C.H.O.M.P.S - Canine Home Protection System - to safeguard his home from thieves, it attracts the attention of Mr. Gibbs (Jim Backus), owner of unscrupulous home security company, who hires two bumbling crooks (Red Buttons, Chuck McCann) to kidnap C.H.O.M.P.S. Meanwhile, Brian begins bonding with his tyrannical boss' (Conrad Bain) daughter (Valerie Bertinelli).
While it does feature some great character actors, a lovable pup and a few flashes of comedy brilliance, animation giant Hanna-Barbera failed to conceive of a feature-length script that surpassed their Saturday morning cartoon output.
Ironically, most robo-dogs are stolen when Amazon leaves them on your porch. Yellow Light
vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca
Super Dog
bkoganbing6 November 2013
C.H.O.M.P.S which starred Wesley Eure and Valerie Bertinelli has Eure as a young inventor working for Bertinelli's father Conrad Bain at a security firm. After the latest of Eure's systems fails, Eure loses his job, but Valerie has faith in him.
And its more than justified when Eure comes up with a computer driven super dog named C.H.O.M.P.S. which has far more powers than your average pooch. With a set of number commands the dog which is modeled on Eure's real life terrier can do all kinds of things in keeping a given area safe and apprehending those who break in. I'll let you see the film to see what C.H.O.M.P.S can do.
But there's also Larry Bishop who is both putting the moves on Bertinelli and secretly working for Bain's rival Jim Backus. And Backus and Bishop also have a pair of inept crooks played by Red Buttons and Chuck McCann in roles that must have originally been meant for Tim Conway and Don Knotts.
This is a light and amusing family entertainment film that still holds up well for today. Nice and unpretentious, I recommend it highly for juvenile audiences.
And its more than justified when Eure comes up with a computer driven super dog named C.H.O.M.P.S. which has far more powers than your average pooch. With a set of number commands the dog which is modeled on Eure's real life terrier can do all kinds of things in keeping a given area safe and apprehending those who break in. I'll let you see the film to see what C.H.O.M.P.S can do.
But there's also Larry Bishop who is both putting the moves on Bertinelli and secretly working for Bain's rival Jim Backus. And Backus and Bishop also have a pair of inept crooks played by Red Buttons and Chuck McCann in roles that must have originally been meant for Tim Conway and Don Knotts.
This is a light and amusing family entertainment film that still holds up well for today. Nice and unpretentious, I recommend it highly for juvenile audiences.
This movie is totally cute and classic Disney
suemccartin19 August 2004
I've seen this movie several times, when it comes out on DVD it'll be added to my collection.
The story is great, there's no bad language and there's just enough comic relief to keep it all light--like a good Disney movie should be. The acting is typical Disney and you see a lot of the same faces as in other Disney movies. The plot revolves around an inventor that develops a robotic dog "security system" who looks just like his real small dog. A lot of the comedy comes from watching this tiny little dog beat up the bad guys, bust through brick walls and otherwise perform amazing stunts--really well done. This is a movie for the whole family although the kids will probably cry just like I did in the one really sad part of the movie (and no, I won't blow it for you). This is another Disney classic along the lines of "The computer that wore tennis shoes" and "Flight of the Navigator." For it's time, this movie was way ahead and is also just plain good sci fi. Loved it.
The story is great, there's no bad language and there's just enough comic relief to keep it all light--like a good Disney movie should be. The acting is typical Disney and you see a lot of the same faces as in other Disney movies. The plot revolves around an inventor that develops a robotic dog "security system" who looks just like his real small dog. A lot of the comedy comes from watching this tiny little dog beat up the bad guys, bust through brick walls and otherwise perform amazing stunts--really well done. This is a movie for the whole family although the kids will probably cry just like I did in the one really sad part of the movie (and no, I won't blow it for you). This is another Disney classic along the lines of "The computer that wore tennis shoes" and "Flight of the Navigator." For it's time, this movie was way ahead and is also just plain good sci fi. Loved it.
Stupid, yet vaguely entertaining
DrSatan13 January 2003
C.H.O.M.P.S. is very much like any number of cheesy late 70s Disney family comedys-The Cat from Outer Space or Unidentified Flying Oddball, for instance. Utterly devoid of anything creative, beating the same cliches to death, yet vaguely entertaining in a mindless sort of way. The actors won't win any awards, nor will the director, writer, or FX crew, but in its inoffensive ness and bland predicatability there is some vague entertainment to be had. The idea of the robot dog as security system is so full of holes you could use it as a colander. The incredibly repetative disco soundtrack will stick in your head, so beware.
Benji, but with a beat
JZvezda30 July 2003
For a scientifically-engineered super-dog that was supposed to be the answer to petit crime, CHOMPS was a chump.
All I ever saw Chomps do was sit, or walk, or run. Or run, then walk, then sit... and then get back up again and stretch, and then walk, and then jog to K-Tel dance hits. And sometimes it had all the answers to the daily Jumbo. But mostly it just sat a lot.
All I am saying is: In a Celebrity Death Match, Chomps couldn't take out Mr. Bigglesworth.
All I ever saw Chomps do was sit, or walk, or run. Or run, then walk, then sit... and then get back up again and stretch, and then walk, and then jog to K-Tel dance hits. And sometimes it had all the answers to the daily Jumbo. But mostly it just sat a lot.
All I am saying is: In a Celebrity Death Match, Chomps couldn't take out Mr. Bigglesworth.
I'm not even sure if kids would like this one!
planktonrules19 April 2024
Up front, I should mention that "C. H. O. M. P. S." is not at all the sort of movie I'd normally watch. I assume the target audience is small kids, though I doubt if they'd care much for the movie. So why did I watch it? Well, I recently realized that I've seen nearly all of Red Buttons' movies. And, my friend Angelo was kind enough to send me the link to YouTube to see this movie.
When the story begins, a goofy young inventor is being fired from his job by an unusually crabby Conrad Bain. But he promised a great security system...and two idiots rob the place as he's showing off this security system. Not to be deterred, with the help of his now ex-boss' daughter (Valleri Bertinelli), he comes up with a dog that has a lot of advanced features...making robberies a thing of the past.
There are many things I disliked about the film, but the worst was the $250,000 electronic dog they created for the movie (according to IMDB). It looks like a Stieff stuffed animal...yet when it's activated, suddenly it looks exactly like a real dog. This is because 99% of the time they do use a real dog...and it looks bad. I think using today's CGI technology, it might work. Here, it doesn't.
The other big problem about the film is that although it MIGHT appeal to young kids, I cannot see anyone else enjoying it. And, heaven forbid that you get suckered into watching it with your kids! Instead, find them a really good kids film...or tell them to go outside and play while you take a much earned nap!
When the story begins, a goofy young inventor is being fired from his job by an unusually crabby Conrad Bain. But he promised a great security system...and two idiots rob the place as he's showing off this security system. Not to be deterred, with the help of his now ex-boss' daughter (Valleri Bertinelli), he comes up with a dog that has a lot of advanced features...making robberies a thing of the past.
There are many things I disliked about the film, but the worst was the $250,000 electronic dog they created for the movie (according to IMDB). It looks like a Stieff stuffed animal...yet when it's activated, suddenly it looks exactly like a real dog. This is because 99% of the time they do use a real dog...and it looks bad. I think using today's CGI technology, it might work. Here, it doesn't.
The other big problem about the film is that although it MIGHT appeal to young kids, I cannot see anyone else enjoying it. And, heaven forbid that you get suckered into watching it with your kids! Instead, find them a really good kids film...or tell them to go outside and play while you take a much earned nap!
Fun family flick, especially for those who love darling dogs and who does not?
inkblot1119 September 2007
Brian (Wesley Eure) works for a security firm owned by Mr. Norton (Conrad Bain). The Norton firm is in financial trouble for, unknown to the owner, he has an employee who is selling secrets to a rival firm's owner (Jim Bacchus). It's not Brian, as he is a loyal and faithful employee and a good inventor. But, Mr. Norton has no patience with Brian, in part because Norton's beautiful daughter, Casey (Valerie Bertinelli) has a thing for Brian and Norton questions Brian's motives for wooing her. However, Brian does come up with a great security device. It's called CHOMPS, which stands for canine home security system. The device, which looks like a dog, is actually a computer controlled animal with the ability to knock down walls and emit siren sounds to capture burglars. The rival owner sends two bungling spies (one is Red Buttons) to learn the details of the new invention. Will CHOMPS save Norton security? This is a fun family flick from the old school of good, clean entertainment. CHOMPS is, of course, a real dog, played by the adorable and talented Benji. In fact, Benji has a duel role, as Brian has a "real" dog named Rascal, too. Just watching this little dog in action is pure joy, as he is able to scale walls, "pull" trucks, and operate machine buttons to capture the bad guys. The human cast is also quite nice, with everyone giving upbeat performances that are infectious. Costumes, scenery, and production values are good, too. Although you may have trouble locating the film, it would be well worth the effort to secure a view for your closest loved ones. CHOMPS is a wonderful, wholesome diversion from the world's woes.
it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's CHOMPS
hcalderon123 July 2006
The most enjoyable pet movie since Scooby Doo and Garfield. The story revolves around a 23 year old inventor named Brian Foster whose systems at his boss's company seems to keep failing, Brian is also dating the boss's daughter named Casey. But Brian secretly invented a robotic dog named CHOMPS, modeled after his own dog Rascal. But CHOMPS is no ordinarily dog, he is as fast as a cheetah, he has x-ray vision, can leap about 6 feet, and has a strength of 20 men. The new invention impresses his boss, and makes his business a success. But when the company rivals hear about CHOMPS, they try to find a way to capture him. Can CHOMPS outwit them before its too late. This movie is a classic for all ages.
Quite enjoyable family movie...
paul_haakonsen7 April 2022
I happened to stumble upon the 1979 family movie "C. H. O. M. P. S." by random luck in 2022. And with it being a movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to sit down to watch it.
Actually, I sat down to watch "C. H. O. M. P. S." with my 12 year old son, and he enjoyed the movie quite a lot. I did find the movie to be good as well, so this movie from writers Dick Robbins, Duane Poole and Joseph Barbera was a nice surprise.
The storyline told in the movie was good, fun and interesting, and it definitely offered something for the entire family. And that was a good thing, because director Don Chaffey managed to ensure that all members of the family would and could thoroughly enjoy the movie.
The acting performances in the movie were good, though the only one on the cast list that I was familiar with here was actor Chuck McCann.
And for a movie from 1979, then I will say that the movie has aged gracefully and is still rather enjoyable and watchable 43 years later. So if you haven't already seen "C. H. O. M. P. S.", then you should definitely do so if you get the opportunity to watch it.
All in all, then "C. H. O. M. P. S." is a movie well-worth the time and effort. My rating of "C. H. O. M. P. S." lands on a six out of ten stars.
Actually, I sat down to watch "C. H. O. M. P. S." with my 12 year old son, and he enjoyed the movie quite a lot. I did find the movie to be good as well, so this movie from writers Dick Robbins, Duane Poole and Joseph Barbera was a nice surprise.
The storyline told in the movie was good, fun and interesting, and it definitely offered something for the entire family. And that was a good thing, because director Don Chaffey managed to ensure that all members of the family would and could thoroughly enjoy the movie.
The acting performances in the movie were good, though the only one on the cast list that I was familiar with here was actor Chuck McCann.
And for a movie from 1979, then I will say that the movie has aged gracefully and is still rather enjoyable and watchable 43 years later. So if you haven't already seen "C. H. O. M. P. S.", then you should definitely do so if you get the opportunity to watch it.
All in all, then "C. H. O. M. P. S." is a movie well-worth the time and effort. My rating of "C. H. O. M. P. S." lands on a six out of ten stars.
Bertinelli has little to do in this crime fighting parody.
Stanbabe15 June 2003
In this spoof of crime fighting gadgetry and corrupt business execs.Wesley Euire(Best rememebed as "Will Marshall"on the 1970's version of The Kroft Bros.and NBC TV's"Land Of The Lost Show!")creates a bioonic dog.Which he programs to protect property and people from intruders.A large crime wave hits the city and Euire tries to impress his not too understanding boss:"Mr.Norton"(played by former "Maude"and "Different Strokes"actor:Conraid Bain)with his new invention.His efforts are not too well received by "Mr.Norton"(Mr.Bain).But it takes some crooked doings by Bain's competitor(played delightfully by the late Mr.Jim Backus)and his two bumbling hencemen(played by the equally delightful Chuck McCann and Red Buttons)and alot of persuation from Bain's Daughter"Casey"(Valerie Bertinelli)to get Bain to ultilize Mr.Euire's crime fighting dog device.Bertinelli's performances are sadly limited to a few scenes .Where she fights with her onscreen father(Mr.Bain)to get him to use "Chomps"and she bills and coos with Mr.Euire.Other than these minors sequences.The rest of the film centers on Euire's attemps to get his device to work right.And the bumbling capers of Messers:McCann,Backus and Buttons are the real stars of this minor film comedy from Cartoon producers:The Late Mr.William Hanna and Mr.Joesph Barbera.
Nowhere near as good as Benji or Lassie, but quite passable
shelleyegoodman11 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Nowhere near as good as "Benji" or Lassie. It is the sort of movie you would probably watch once or maybe even twice and then you'd donate it to a children's' hospital. There are lots of canine hero movies that are a lot better, such as "Benji" and "Lassie" but if you are into canine hero movies, you should watch this one for a bit of variety from the standard formula. C.H.O.M.P.S does get a bit blown up, but is successfully repaired, so just steel yourselves and your children for that
The Bionic Benji, or, the Six Million Dollar Mutt
Woodyanders18 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Eager electronics whiz Brian Foster (a likable performance by Wesley Eure of TV's "Land of the Lost") creates a computerized watchdog called C.H.O.M.P.S. (an acronym for Canine Home Protection System) for his boss Mr. Ralph Norton (nicely played by Conrad Baain), whose home security business is floundering. A rival company hires a pair of inept criminals to get their grubby hands on C.H.O.M.P.S.; said task proves to be easier said than done. Director Don Chaffey relates the endearingly dopey story at a constant brisk pace, maintains an amiably silly and lighthearted tone throughout, and stages the goofy slapstick gags with considerable flair. Moreover, the game cast mug it up with infectious aplomb: the adorable Valerie Bertinelli as Brian's sweet fiancé Casey Norton, Chuck McCann as klutzy crook Brooks, Red Buttons as McCann's equally bumbling partner Bracken, Jim Backus as evil CEO Mr. Gibbs, Hermoine Baddeley as nice old biddy Ms. Foster, and 60's AIP exploitation feature regular Larry Bishop as smarmy, duplicitous suit Ken Sharp. Best of all, the titular pooch is a cuddly delight: C.H.O.M.P.S. jumps through fences, walls and windows with amazing agility, performs acts of exceptional strength, runs faster than a deer, and even does a few nifty martial arts moves. A subplot about a hulking neighborhood hound named Monster supplies a few extra belly laughs (Monster is voiced by some uncredited guy with an appropriately deep, growly voice). The groovy animated opening credits sequence, Charles F. Wheeler's glossy cinematography, and Hoyt Curtin's funky, pulsating disco score are all solid as well. A cute little kiddie flick.
It's great
jamesmcdone2 October 2000
This movie is a nice, cute family oriented film. If you don't like violence, this is the movie to watch. Only thing annoying about this movie is the tune (but it's a catchy tune) repeats whenever c.h.o.m.p.s. leaps in to action.
A cybernetic version of Benji
GOWBTW30 March 2020
Who remembers the lovable mutt Benji? Or Max the bionic German Shepherd in "The Bionic Woman"? Now there's a crime fighting dog created by the image of Rascal; C.H.O.M.P.S! This crime-fighting canine makes Max look like a rescue dog. He's got features that Max doesn't have. Like x-ray vision, and super-strength. Well, Max has the strength, but not the x-ray vision. C.H.O.M.P.S is always alert. He can sense the crime others dogs can't.
This movie has a very great cast: Wesley Eure of "Land of the Lost", Valerie Bertinelli of "One Day at a Time", Conrad Bain of "Maude" and "Diff'rent Strokes" fame, Jim Backus of "Gilligan's Island" fame and the voice of "Mr. Magoo".
Amazing that Hanna-Barbera would be involved in this film. A fusion of animation and live scenes. When they say fun for the whole family, they mean it! This movie is really made for dog lovers, so dogs should be watching it as well.
4 out of 5 stars
Cute Funny Movie - Memorable
teraferma21 May 2004
I saw Chomps during the - approximately - 2 days of its theatrical release. It is a delightfully cute and funny movie in the spirit of 'Benji' though much improved and focused more on the actors than the dogs. The simple portrayal of life difficulties in a humorous way, followed by the bullies and villains getting their just deserts, is both sympathetic and heartwarming. It is also thought provoking. With deft subtleness this movie affects ones awareness of cruelty, personal behavior, and bullying. Movies have different genera's and different purposes. This movie, which is delightful to all ages, offers an interesting humorous look into our own experiences. Everyone will recognize personality and behaviors types of themselves and others. Everyone will see the humor. The humor makes the move enjoyable and brings understanding of life situations to a new level.
For lighthearted laughter and a 'feel good' movie Chomps is an excellent choice. Memorable.
For lighthearted laughter and a 'feel good' movie Chomps is an excellent choice. Memorable.
A lot better than I thought it would be.
cinephile-276906 December 2018
My Grandma loves dog movies. I don't just mean Benji or Lassie, I mean the ones you find in a Wal-mart bargain bin for $5 that no one else has even heard of, even me.
I also bought a bunch of her DVDs from her, 50 cents each, and one for free-totaling up to $27 in all. One movie that I paid for was this-C.H.O.M.P.S.
I was not sure what I would think of this movie, but I watched it last night and was quite pleasantly surprised by it. It had a couple slow parts(ex.-the opening credits are almost 5 minutes long.), but overall I was very interested in the plot of a robotic dog created to stop burglars in a city.
It's fun and dog lovers will find it charming. It's no 101 Dalmatians,but it's still great fun for families, despite a couple of curse words.(Be warned there!)
I also bought a bunch of her DVDs from her, 50 cents each, and one for free-totaling up to $27 in all. One movie that I paid for was this-C.H.O.M.P.S.
I was not sure what I would think of this movie, but I watched it last night and was quite pleasantly surprised by it. It had a couple slow parts(ex.-the opening credits are almost 5 minutes long.), but overall I was very interested in the plot of a robotic dog created to stop burglars in a city.
It's fun and dog lovers will find it charming. It's no 101 Dalmatians,but it's still great fun for families, despite a couple of curse words.(Be warned there!)
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