Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)

Upbeat talking-animal adventure is fun for kids.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
  • Directed By: Raja Gosnell
  • Cast: Drew Barrymore, Jamie Lee Curtis, George Lopez
  • Running Time: 91 minutes
  • Release Date: 10/02/2008
  • Genre: Family and Kids
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • MPAA Explanation: some mild thematic elements.

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that, like most movies featuring talking dogs (or animals of any kind, really), this upbeat adventure comedy will interest young pet lovers. The film doesn't have much in the way of iffy content except for some mild peril revolving around a dogfight promoter's mean mutt and a group of mountain lions that endanger the pup protagonist. Two dogs have a heartfelt romance, and two humans flirt. There are a few insults and some silly Mexican jokes (said by animals); e.g. "We're MexiCAN, not MexiCAN'T."

Families can talk about the class and cultural issues the movie explores. At first, Chloe pretends not to like Papi. Why? How did Chloe's troubles in Mexico open her eyes to how other dogs live? Is that an important message for people too? What does Monte teach viewers about being proud of our heritage? What other does the movie send to viewers? Families can also discuss what made kids want to see this movie -- the story, or all the advertising for it.

Message

Social Behavior:

Chloe realizes that there's more to life than being a pampered lap dog, and Rachel learns to be more responsible after Chloe runs away from her. Chloe overcomes her princess-y prejudices to form bonds with Delgado and Papi. A few silly Mexican jokes (said by animals).

Consumerism:

The movie is about a pampered pooch from Beverly Hills... Brands include Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston, and Gucci. Rodeo Drive is also featured.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Mild peril: Chloe and Delgado confront mountain lions, dog-fight promoters, and a mean attack dog. Cops brandish their guns to arrest a character, but the weapons are only shown, not shot.

Sex

Dogs flirt/kiss and discuss dating; two humans also hug and flirt.

Language

Mild insults: "idiot," "stupid," "failure," "prissy."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Sandie Angulo Chen

Carried around in the latest Louis Vuitton dog purse and sporting a diamond-encrusted Harry Winston collar, Chloe the titular BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is an ultra-pampered lap dog. When her owner, filthy-rich cosmetics maven Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis), goes on a business trip to Italy, she leaves Chloe in the care of her irresponsible young niece Rachel (Piper Perabo). During a "girls' weekend" trek to Mexico, Chloe leaves Rachel's hotel and is immediately dognapped into the seedy world of dog fighting. With the help of former police dog Delgado (Andy Garcia) Chloe escapes and attempts to return to Beverly Hills.

Is it any good?

3
Featuring a voice cast of mostly Latino stars -- from George Lopez as Chloe's courageous suitor Papi to Edward James Olmos as a mean attack dog named El Diablo -- Beverly Hills Chihuahua starts out feeling like a canine-focused episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and then morphs into a homeward-bound odyssey. As Chloe and Delgado try to cross the border and form an odd-couple friendship, he reclaims some of his former glory as a K-9 officer and she discovers her true "bark."

This talking-animal comedy even offers a perfectly timed lesson in Mexican dog heritage. Cornered by mountain lions, Delgado and Chloe are saved by a band of "tiny but mighty" Chihuahuas, whose leader, Monte (Placido Domingo), explains that the ancient breed used to be the chosen companions of the great Aztecs. They're not meant to be frivolously dressed lap dogs named FiFi but small warriors with a powerful bark. Ultimately, like Chloe, the movie looks like fluff but has a surprising amount of substance and style. Viva La Raza (of Chihuahuas, anyway)!

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

1

Posted on 11/08/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Not appropriate for tender-hearted children

My 5 year old was very scared of this movie. We made it only 25 minutes into the show before asking for our money back. He cried in the theatre because he was terrified at the dog fighting scene. Especially since the thought of the chihuahua being lost was enought to scare him. We have seen other movies but this was the scariest of all.
4


Posted on 11/07/08 by Erica Rios Adult contributor

Fun to watch!

I went to the theater with my whole family - my daughter, my parents, and my nephews. We laughed the entire movie and quoted it for weeks. And while George Lopez is a favorite of the grown-ups of our family, it was kinda nice that our kids could enjoy his flavor of Disney humor. I recommend everyone go watch it. 'Cuz after all, who can resist such cute little dogs!?!

Adult Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

1

Posted on 11/08/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Not appropriate for tender-hearted children

My 5 year old was very scared of this movie. We made it only 25 minutes into the show before asking for our money back. He cried in the theatre because he was terrified at the dog fighting scene. Especially since the thought of the chihuahua being lost was enought to scare him. We have seen other movies but this was the scariest of all.
4


Posted on 11/07/08 by Erica Rios Adult contributor

Fun to watch!

I went to the theater with my whole family - my daughter, my parents, and my nephews. We laughed the entire movie and quoted it for weeks. And while George Lopez is a favorite of the grown-ups of our family, it was kinda nice that our kids could enjoy his flavor of Disney humor. I recommend everyone go watch it. 'Cuz after all, who can resist such cute little dogs!?!

Kids Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no kids reviews.

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