A DULCET BARK

Finally the Paris Hilton of the Chihuahuas has arrived the Philippine shores. I've been waiting for this Disney movie for four months after it debuted #1 at the US BOX Office last October 2008!!!! Beverly Hills Chihuahua's bootleg DVDs are even selling like hotcakes and our local distributor doesn't care at all. Shame on them! The movie tries to be “Babe” and it almost won me over. However, despite its “cheesiness”, I find this movie so charming, watchable and needless to say fashionable.

Chloe is the darling, diamond-festooned, bootie-wearing Californian chihuahua companion of cosmetics doyenne Vivian Ashe, who lavishes all of her love and her hefty bank balance on the pampered bow-wow. When Vivian is called away to Europe on business and the usual dog sitter is seedy, the fond owner entrusts her most prized monomania to niece Rachel, who only wants to party with her friends. With that, Rachel heads for Mexico on a weekend break with two gal pals and takes Chloe along for the trip. Unfortunately, the persnickety Chihuahua is stolen by a villainous dog-napper. Luckily, a plucky German Shepherd called Delgado steps in to save Chloe and they form a farfetched friendship. Thy must find a way to return to Beverly Hills.

Surprisingly, the story is really good but it's really corny. Nevertheless, I find it humorous and heartfelt. Thanks to the monologues of Chloe. She is a terrific Chihuahua! I love her. This is directed by Raja Gosnell who has done some family movies before like Never Been Kissed (no wonder she hires Drew here), Home Alone 3 , Yours, Mine & Ours and Scooby Doo movies. Gosnell surely knows how to conceal a corny screenplay with his dog trick The canines are simply adorable and they do much better than the actors in the cast. Of course this is their movie. The cheesiness never stops actually because the songs we hear in the movie are bromidic too except the song “Hero” by Enrique Eglesias. When you hear that song in the movie, I think you'll shed a tear. It happened to me. Gosh! The best part in the movie is the friendship of Chloe and Delgado. Their adventures are truly remarkable. Again, these dogs know how to make people cry. I caught some kids on my back weeping on their parents' lap. I advice you to bring some hanky.

The cast is powerful especially the voices. Drew Barrymore is the perfect choice for Chloe. Her voice is simply sweet. When Chloe is pleading, Drew's voice is simply heart-wrenching. Andy Garcia does an excellent job to Delgado. Papi amazingly captivates the kids and thanks to the funny voice of George Lopez. Hands down to the casting director for including Piper Perabo here. I love this lady from Coyote Ugly. She is simply a charming actress. Who is this Manolo Cardona? Oh my God this Latino Hunk is truly scorching. Oh no he has no naked scenes. This is rated GP unfortunately. His eyes are mesmerizing. Piper and Manolo look good together. Jamie Lee Curtis is only visible for a mere 5 minutes I guess and I think she is memorable in her scenes.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is a pleasant family movie. It's not offensive and sincerely creates a lot of giggles. Yeah, it's terribly corny but you won't even mind in the end. The main thing here is amusement. Truly it offers 100% fun! Try to watch this with your kids, young siblings and even with your lovers, you'll be surprised that you are actually enjoying the ride.