Beverly Hills Chihuahua Parent Guide
Parent Movie Review
It’s not often a Disney movie comes with a disclaimer but Beverly Hills Chihuahua has one pasted into the closing credits where, unfortunately, most of the audience will miss it. The statement encourages viewers to carefully consider the commitment of pet ownership before getting a dog.
It’s easy to understand the reason behind the rider. Dalmatians surged in popularity after the updated release of 101 Dalmatians and already Chihuahuas are becoming trendy among more than the fabulously rich of Beverly Hills.
Yet most dog owners won’t be able to outfit their puppies in an array of cashmere sweaters, stylish bikinis and designer diamonds that Aunt Vivian (Jamie Lee Curtis) does. As the force behind an exclusive, upscale company, this woman has plenty of money to splurge on her little pet, Chloe (voice by Drew Barrymore). However, when the business mogul is called out of town for a promotions tour, the only person she can find to dog-sit is her rather irresponsible niece, Rachel (Piper Perabo).
Heading out with her friends for a weekend visit to Mexico, Rachel promptly disregards Chloe’s routine of spa treatments and prime rib dinners in favor of a cheap hotel and canned dog food. But after leaving the Chihuahua alone in the rented room, Rachel returns to find the miniature pedigreed pooch is missing.
On the lookout for new competitors, a band of illegal dogfighters has scooped Chloe up and tossed her into a makeshift cage where the pampered puppy awaits her turn in the ring with a Doberman (voice by Edward James Olmos). Luckily another stray takes compassion on the little quivering canine and before long Delgado (voice by Andy Garcia) reluctantly agrees to help Chloe find her way back to her expensive California estate. Meanwhile, Rachel and Aunt Vivian’s Hispanic landscaper, Sam (Manolo Cardona) are hot on Chloe’s trail with the help of Sam’s dog, Papi (voice by George Lopez).
While adults shouldn’t expect too much from this doggy adventure, the film seemed to resonate with the under 12 crowd in the theater I attended. Addressing cultural and economic disparities that are becoming increasingly prevalent in multicultural societies, the script goes beyond a simple lost mutt story. Used to spending her time in expensive boutiques, Rachel has no appreciation for Sam’s skill in the garden, his intellect or his dedication to her aunt. Likewise, Chloe’s snooty attitude toward Papi is unbearable, even for a dog. Fortunately both “girls” are ultimately able to look past those exterior differences and appreciate the “guys” for who they are. Chloe’s introduction to her breed’s history also helps change this lapdog from a snobbish pooch into a four-legged heroine.
With lively Latin tunes and some adult-oriented jokes about the spending habits of the excessively rich, Beverly Hills Chihuahua isn’t the dog of a story I was anticipating. And while some moments of peril and slapstick-style violence make it inappropriate for very young or sensitive viewers, this scruffy script about friendship, teamwork and believing in yourself is one most kids will likely enjoy.
Starring Drew Barrymore, George Lopez. Running time: 91 minutes. Theatrical release October 2, 2008. Updated March 5, 2009
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Rating & Content Info
Why is Beverly Hills Chihuahua rated PG? Beverly Hills Chihuahua is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild thematic elements.
Used to being a rich and famous purse puppy, Chloe the Chihuahua finds herself lost on foreign soil and surrounded by mutts. She is soon kidnapped, caged and sent into a dogfight with a Doberman. After escaping, she and a group of dogs dash through narrow city streets, knocking over people and carts. A character is mistakenly thrown from a bed and later pushed into mud to cover its scent from a tracking dog. Two animals steal Chloe’s dog collar and identification. A pooch is put in peril on several occasions including falling down a well, jumping from a moving train and being attacked by mountain lions. While attempting to illegally cross an international border, a pack of canines are almost discovered by officials. A police dog and his human partner are attacked and injured by criminals. Humans are bitten on several occasions (once in the face). A storeowner attempts to hit small animals with a broom. Following a dogfight, a character appears to be dead. Dog saliva and bathroom activities are briefly depicted, along with a few mildly sensual comments. A human couple kisses and one dog licks another.
Page last updated March 5, 2009
Beverly Hills Chihuahua Parents' Guide
What do Chloe and Rachel discover about Papi and Sam? Can general perceptions of different cultural groups affect the way we see individuals?
What does Chloe learn about her heritage? What impact can the knowledge of family history have on a person? Do you think it is important to understand your ethnic and cultural roots?
What do Delgado and Chloe learn about teamwork? How does their friendship ultimately help both of them?
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Beverly Hills Chihuahua movie is March 3, 2009. Here are some details…
Walt Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua howls onto DVD and Blu-ray in either full frame or widescreen presentations. Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (English, French and Spanish), with subtitles in French and Spanish. Both formats offer the following extras: deleted scenes (with an introductions by Director Raja Gosnell), an audio commentary by Director Raja Gosnell, an animated film titled Legends of the Chihuahua and two featurettes (Pet Pals: The Voices Behind the Dogs and Hitting Their Bark: On Set With the Dogs of Beverly Hills Chihuahua).
Related home video titles:
In the movie Madagascar, Marty the zebra and his domesticated friends are equally unprepared to face life on the streets after they escape the confines of the zoo in hopes of returning to the wild. The hen house is in an uproar as a group of farm animals plan to fly the coop in the animated film Chicken Run.