While there has long been an enormous quantity of direct-to-video horror, science-fiction, and action sequels, the rising cost of feature-film distribution has resulted in a slew of direct-to-video sequels to big-budget, family-oriented fare. Like the recent video-only Casper prequel, Dennis The Menace Strikes Again benefits from being an instantly recognizable property featuring a universally tolerated protagonist. Also like Casper: A Spirited Beginning, Dennis The Menace Strikes Again replaces the original's cast with a string of lower-priced C-list stars. Freshly scrubbed moppet Justin Cooper replaces the aging Mason Gamble as the film's title character, an unintentionally destructive scamp whose one-note antics have somehow survived several decades through various television, print, and film incarnations. Replacing Walter Matthau as Cooper's elderly neighbor Mr. Wilson is Don Rickles, who is sadly and inexplicably shown half-naked in several scenes. Rounding out the cast of vaguely familiar faces are Betty White as Rickles' pleasant wife, George Kennedy as Cooper's sprightly grandfather, and wacky prop comic Carrot Top as a wily con man out to rob Rickles of his meager pension. As can be expected, Dennis 2 is a decidedly minor affair, more akin to a syndicated TV pilot than a major sequel. But there are several scenes that stand out, particularly a dance contest between Kennedy and Rickles set to Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music." This is notable because, 1) It's a fucking dance scene with Don Rickles and George Kennedy; and 2) The director inexplicably chose to utilize a number of Godardian jump cuts, rendering the whole thing far freakier than it needs to be. But apart from a tear-jerking scene involving Rickles that is possibly the most touching display of emotion in film since Joe Pesci's immortal "Froggy" speech in Lethal Weapon 4, Dennis The Menace Strikes Again is pretty lame, even by children's-movie standards.