Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Another Talking Dog Movie
When I first heard about Beverly Hills Chihuahua, I was not all that thrilled. I have always thought that, although computer effects have come a long way, talking dogs just look ridiculous in a live-action movie. However, in the production notes one of the writers points out, “There’s such a long tradition of talking dog films because everyone who has a dog knows it has its own personality.”
Hmmm... I don't own a dog, but I do like dogs, and I bet they do have very unique personalities when you really get to know them. I wonder if my inexperience with dogs is part of the reason that, while I have enjoyed some of the many dog films, none of them are really on my list of favorites. I'm not sure Beverly Hills Chihuahua will be any better than previous talking dog attempts, but I love the trailer. Papi's accent reminds me of the little Taco Bell dog we all loved so much, and the theme song is always getting stuck in my head. "Oh, Chihuahua!"
(Photo © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
I have owned dogs before but not currently. I think as adults we think the talking dogs are a little ridiculous, but my kids love the trailers and really want to see the movie. I hope it isn’t one of those that you really force yourself to sit through because your kids are really enjoying it.
Hey Carey,
I have to say that comparison to an annoying Taco Bell commercial is a pretty pathetic endorsement. In my humble opinion, this film represents everything wrong with mainstream Hollywood entertainment for kids: mindless, formulaic drivel with no underlying value. Like chicken fingers for the soul.
As founder and director of New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival, I believe things like beauty, depth, intelligence, and nuance can go hand in hand with entertainment value–just like they do in the (better) movies for adults.
As counter programming to BHC, your readers might want to check out Azur & Asmar, a stunning and deeply moving animated adventure from French animation master Michel Ocelot. The film is strikingly beautiful (a “visual masterpiece”), enormously entertaining, and deals with topical issues like race, immigration, and family in a subtle and non-preachy way. The film opens Oct 17 in New York City and will be visiting cities around the nation in the coming months. It is finding its way to audiences by working completely outside the Hollywood system. I hope you can give the film support in your column.
For more information, go to http://www.gkids.tv
Best,
Eric
This comment is directed back to Eric. First, I don’t think she is endorsing the Taco Bell dog or commericals here – it sounds more like she thinks the movie isn’t going to be that great. So, I am not sure she is the one you should be bashing.
More of it comes down to companies like Disney that need to hurry and pump out movies. It seems like all of the companies are either pumping out sequels or stuff like this movie.
The problem for the rest of the world outside of New York is that kind of stuff never comes where we live. So, we just have to wait for DVDs. But, the work you are doing sounds like a good deal for those that can actually go.
i my humble opinion, beverly hils chihuahua is a masterpiece of film making… a must see for all