Review: 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' a Fun-for-All Flick

By Kenneth Chan, Friday, October 03, 2008

Disney's "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" is sure to top the box office this weekend and also happens to be the most, if not only, family-friendly flick of those debuting Friday.

And because it's a movie for all ages, it will likely rack up some big numbers – it's just a matter of how much.

Kids will enjoy "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" because it brings the animal world smoothly to life while older moviegoers will like it for the witty humor and frequent spurts of action.

And for those looking for a movie with a positive message, they'll certainly find several here – including those on loyalty, the power of love, and the importance of looking beyond face value.

The story centers around Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore), a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua whose life is filled with glamor and glitz. As the beloved pet of a wealthy cosmetics entrepreneur (played by Jamie Lee Curtis), Chloe has a life that even most people would find luxurious, let alone dogs. Designer clothes, trips to the spa, diamond-laced necklaces – they're all Chloe seems to know and care about.

So when Chloe finds herself "dognapped" while under the care of her owner's niece (Piper Perabo) in Mexico, the Chihuahua with her own trust fund gets a rude awakening.

With the help of a protective and dutiful German Shepherd (voiced by Andy Garcia), Chloe makes her way back from Mexico's ghettos to the streets of Beverly Hills. But along the way, she finds more than what she was looking for – including friendship, humility, and a change of heart.

Packed with fun, action and warmth, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" is a movie you'll want to take the whole family to watch.

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua." MPAA rating: PG for some mild thematic elements. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes. In general release.