Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)

Directed by: Raja Gosnell | 92 minutes | drama, comedy, adventure, family, romance | Actors: Drew Barrymore, Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez, Plácido Domingo, Edward James Olmos, Loretta Devine, Luis Guzmán, Eddie ‘Piolin’ Sotelo, Carlos Juvera, Alex Mendoza, Lombardo boyar

The reason for making ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ is given by the makers at the end: they want every animal and pet to lead an animal-worthy existence and that when you think about getting a pet, you should think carefully about the consequences thereof. A justified reason and it’s also what the film mocks a bit: with the rich and famous who see a dog as a fashion accessory. The trend seems to have been fueled by Bruiser, Elle Woods’ adorable little chihuahua from the ‘Legally Blonde’ movies. Since he conquered the hearts of America, it has become very hip to be spotted by the paparazzi with your furry four-legged friend. The latest clothing should of course not be missing, because a naked dog seems not done in Hollywood. This generation’s Paris Hiltons, Jessica Albas, Lindsay Lohans and Britney Spearses all love to show off their loyal pets in the latest fashion – that is, them and the animal.

‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ gently pokes fun at this; Be careful, because of course it remains a family film. There is still a moral in it, but it has been lost thanks to the Dutch dubbing; spoiled niece Rachel Ashe Lynn (Piper Perabo) of Aunt Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis) falls after some time for Sam Cortez, the gardener, pardon, landscaper, and – oh my gosh – he’s a Latino! It is thus cautiously made clear to the public that interracial relationships can be fun, but in the Dutch version the voice of the handsome gardener is voiced by a Fleming, so that this whole message no longer comes across. It really doesn’t matter, because Rachel and Sam are just minor characters, who purely and solely serve to support the story that ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ is really all about: the adventures of the dog Chloe pampered to the bone. She ends up in Mexico at the hands of Rachel (not coincidentally also the country where the origin of the Chihuahua is believed) and is soon kidnapped there by a criminal organization. Helped by the tough ex-police dog Delgado, the scruffy animal tries to find its way back home. But that’s not easy when you’re chased by a ferocious Doberman Pincher, robbed of your diamond Harry Winston collar by a computer-animated rat and his sidekick the iguana and the people around you can’t hear you, but only hear barking. The adventure also has positive consequences, as Chloe meets her ilk, led by Montezuma, in a desert (after a bizarre confrontation with a couple of lynxes – you have to see it to understand it). This wise Chihuahua teaches Chloe an important life lesson: These Chihuahuas are tired of hearing their owners’ baby babbling and being used as a dress-up doll. No-mas! is the accompanying cry and a real revolution seems to be unleashed. This fact makes for one of the most catchy scenes in the film. Furthermore, this film by Raja Gosnell is especially reminiscent of another Disney film, the classic ‘Lady and the Tramp’. Even the non-smelling Trusty regaining his sense of smell is featured here.

Technically ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ is excellently performed: the dogs ‘speak’ very believable, it’s just a shame that (as an adult viewer) you can often see what the original English text is. The locations are colorful and some action scenes are filmed excitingly (the highlight being the train ride through Mexico).

Unfortunately, the satire that was so skilfully performed in the beginning is not sustained until the end and ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ has a predictable ending. But that was actually predictable. It won’t matter at all for the target group; young children (not too young, in view of some exciting scenes) will enjoy this light-hearted family film.