Dunston Checks In

Dunston Checks In

Year: 1996

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Ken Kwapis

AdventureComedyFamily

A surprise inspection looms for the Majestic Hotel, and meticulous concierge Robert Grant is determined to ensure everything is perfect. His plans are hilariously derailed when an orangutan named Dunston arrives as a guest, creating chaos and challenging Robert's composure. As Dunston's playful antics escalate, Robert must find a way to maintain order and salvage his opportunity for a relaxing vacation with his sons.

Dunston Checks In (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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The opulent Majestic Hotel is a showcase of polished service, glittering chandeliers, and a reputation that teeters on the brink of earning a coveted sixth star. Amid the hushed murmurs of travelers and the meticulous standards of a soon‑to‑be‑critiqued inspection, the hotel’s atmosphere feels both grand and tightly wound, a place where every detail matters and the slightest slip could dim its shine. This elegant backdrop sets the stage for a comedy of expectations, where order and indulgence coexist with a playful undercurrent that hints at anything but predictability.

Enter Robert, the hotel’s fastidious concierge, whose career hinges on flawless execution. He has been meticulously preparing for a surprise evaluation, hoping to prove his competence and finally earn a much‑needed break with his two teenage sons. Kyle and Brian accompany him, sharing the eager anticipation of a promised family vacation in Barbados—a trip that seems within reach if the inspection goes smoothly. Their dynamic blends sibling rivalry with genuine affection, and together they embody the hopeful, slightly frazzled spirit of a family on the cusp of relaxation.

The arrival of an unexpected guest—a charismatic orangutan named Dunston—upends the careful choreography Robert has crafted. Though introduced as just another “guest,” Dunston’s wild energy and mischievous charm quickly spill beyond the confines of a standard hotel stay, turning the polished corridors into a playground of slapstick mishaps. The juxtaposition of a high‑end hospitality setting with the untamed antics of an exuberant primate creates a tone that balances polished comedy with heart‑warming chaos, inviting the audience to wonder how far the staff—and especially Robert—can stretch their composure.

As the hotel’s staff scramble to maintain their immaculate façade, the looming inspection becomes a backdrop for a larger, more personal test: can Robert keep his cool, protect his sons’ dream getaway, and maybe discover that a little unpredictability—embodied by Dunston—might be exactly what the Majestic needs to truly shine?

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:31

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Movies with mischievous animal chaos like Dunston Checks In

Stories where a clever or clumsy animal turns a tidy world upside down.If you enjoyed the playful hotel havoc in Dunston Checks In, you'll love these comedies where animals create delightful disorder. Explore movies featuring clever pets, escaped zoo animals, and other furry troublemakers turning organized lives into a whirlwind of slapstick fun and lighthearted adventures.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist with a controlled life or high-stakes situation, into which an animal is introduced. The plot revolves around the escalating, often slapstick, chaos the animal causes, forcing the characters to adapt, problem-solve, and ultimately form an unlikely bond with their new chaotic friend, usually triumphing over a minor, cartoonish antagonist.

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Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared premise of animal-induced anarchy. They prioritize fast-paced, physical humor, a light and playful tone, and a sense of affectionate chaos where the 'problem' is ultimately a source of joy and connection.

Movies with hotel chaos and adventures like Dunston Checks In

Fast-paced capers and comedic disasters set within the walls of a hotel.Fans of Dunston Checks In will enjoy these fast-paced adventures and comedies set in bustling hotels. Discover movies where the hotel setting becomes a character itself, hosting mischievous antics, frantic chases, and heartwarming stories about staff and guests banding together to save the day.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative uses the hotel as a microcosm, where various characters and secrets intersect. The plot often involves a dedicated employee or guest trying to maintain order or achieve a goal while a series of unforeseen events—pranks, mistaken identities, or hidden guests—threaten to cause public disaster, leading to a frantic and funny climax.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared setting and the specific type of chaos it enables. The hotel provides a contained world for slapstick chases, hidden-room antics, and a mix of eccentric characters, all contributing to a fast-paced, lighthearted vibe with low stakes but high energy.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dunston Checks In

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