The pairing of a police officer and James Belushi! While pursuing crime boss Lyman, Detective Dooley finds himself pushed to his limit when a misleading clue results in an attack on his life. Determined to finally apprehend Lyman, Dooley brings a police dog named Jerry Lee (also known as The Killer) into the mix, hoping he can locate the drugs Lyman is suspected of dealing. However, Dooley struggles with how to care for a dog, and Jerry Lee turns out to be just as unconventional a cop as Dooley himself! Considering its modest rating, it's difficult to determine what expectations critics or moviegoers had for this film. The premise—a buddy-cop movie starring James Belushi and a German Shepherd—suggests exactly the type of film that audiences received. By the time K-9 was released, it became clear that this kind of role would be Belushi's reliable source of income: one requiring him to play a wisecracking character with a certain charm. Belushi attempted to move away from comedic roles after Curly Sue (and who could really blame him?), aiming for more dramatic action parts. This didn’t quite work out; his strong performances in Oliver Stone's Salvador and The Principal were already behind him. So, when you hear James Belushi's name associated with a film, you generally expect lighthearted action comedies. Released just a year after Red Heat (Belushi appears to be wearing the same suit from that movie!), K-9 delivers precisely what it promised from the start. Technically, there aren’t many aspects of the film worth praising, but as a family-friendly action comedy, it has much to offer. The interactions between the man and his dog are genuinely amusing; they're both animals with needs, and they're both effective officers. It's clear from the beginning that despite a rocky start, they will become close friends and ultimately succeed in their mission, whatever it takes. Belushi is skilled at physical comedy, and he consistently delivers witty lines with flair and confidence, even when his characters are facing difficulties. The dog himself is also hilarious (a nod to animal handler Robert Zides). Thanks to the writing of Steven Siegel & Scott Myers, this is a dog who enjoys eating chili and competing with Dooley for Tracy’s affections (played by Mel Harris as Dooley's frustrated girlfriend). This leads to several funny situations that both man and beast seem to enjoy. Kevin Tighe, as Lyman, feels somewhat underdeveloped, and the predictable emotional scene now seems like an unnecessary addition to a familiar formula. But it is ultimately harmless and clever entertainment that fulfills its purpose without trying to be anything more than what it is. 7/10

Source on TMDB