“Movie fans, I speak the truth when I say that this is the funniest canine movie you will see in your lifetime. This film portrays Chloe (Drew Barrymore) and Papi (George Lopez) as two Chihuahuas living in Beverly Hills. Chloe is a pup living in the lap of luxury and Papi is the gardener’s dog. Ah, the classic love story of rich girl falls for the help…” Joshua J. (age 10).
The quote above is from my own son and I couldn’t help but include it in this review. Now getting down to business, let me advise you that I went to see this movie from two perspectives:
1. Mother of two boys ages 10 and 6 (I mean really, talking dogs?)
2. Life long, multi-generation Chihuahua owner and breeder.
Chloe lives better than the cast of “The Hills” and is loved beyond reason by her owner/mother Aunt Viv (Jaime Lee Curtis). Her wardrobe is pure couture, her jewels from the finest jewelers and she has doggie play dates with only the crème de la crème of pups. That is of course except for Papi. He loves her with no reservation, calls her his “Corazon” and does not give up on loving her no matter how she treats him. He is as hard working as his owner, Sam (Manolo Cardona) the landscaper.
Life is a dream for our little Chloe until Aunt Viv has to go away on a business trip to Italy and has no one to leave her with except her Niece Rachel (Piper Peraboo). Rachel is typical for Beverly Hills in that she only cares about her own needs, shopping and having fun.
The old adage goes “when the cats away the mice will play” but in this case when Aunt Viv’s away Rachel will play. Rachel’s friends convince her to go on a road trip to Mexico and poor little pampered Chloe is all but ignored. Being the little princess that she is, she will not sit still and be taken for granted and decides to go give the girls a piece of her mind when she loses her way and the adventure begins.
Of course, as the title denotes, there are great views of some of the best shops in Beverly Hills but the true scenic star of this film is Mexico in all its glory. Not the Mexico that spring breakers know, but incredible views of a Mexico I remember from my younger days: Chapultepec Park, Puerto Vallarta, Chihuahua (the town, not the dog) and so much more. But enough of my reminiscing.
This was an oh so cute film and quite surprising when you sit down and list the fine actors that leant their voices and talent to this film. You will be impressed to find actors such as Andy Garcia (Delgado), Edward James Olmos (Diablo), and Placido Domingo (Monte) to name a few.
The movie is cute, exciting and truly fun for the whole family. Chloe runs into so much trouble, danger, and mayhem still managing to find a faithful friend and guardian in Delgado. There is also a small but important message in this film, that if you blink you might miss and that is Animal Rescue. Please remember that dogs are not accessories before you grab that cute little pup at the store and then when it grows and actually has needs and a personality, they end up abandoned. All of the friends that Chloe met along the way found homes before the gang left Mexico and I can’t help but get on my soapbox about animal adoption.
This film will take you on a great adventure abroad and bring you home to a cute little love story.
Review By Priscilla
