MPAA Rating: PG, for some mild thematic elements
Genre: Adventure/Family/Comedy
Age range: Ages 3 and up
Runtime: Approx. 98 minutes
Starring: Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona, Jamie Lee Curtis, Andy Garcia, Placido Domingo, George Lopez, Drew Barrymore
Studio: Walt Disney
Release Date: October 3, 2008
Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Summary
Aunt Viv is famous and filthy rich, and she showers all of her love, money, and attention on her much adored Chihuahua, Chloe. Pampered pooch doesn't begin to describe Chloe's luxurious lifestyle, and she has a bit of a snooty attitude because of it. She will have nothing to do with the gardner, Sam's, feisty Chihuahua, Papi, who is desperately in love with her.
Needless to say, Chloe is not happy when Viv has to go on a business trip and leaves precious Chloe in the care of her irresponsible niece, Rachel. Not taking her responsibility to Chloe seriously, Rachel carts the perturbed pup off to Mexico on a spontaneous get-a-way. Rachel neglects Chloe, and when she is dog-napped by a bunch of dogfighting thugs, Chloe is on her own for the first time ever.
Scared and lonely, Chloe is lucky to meet Delgado, a German Shepherd who helps her escape the terrible dogfights. Reluctantly, he sets out to help her escape from the vicious fight dog, Diablo, and get back to Beverly Hills. He is not the only one who wants to help Chloe, though, Papi and Sam meet up with Rachel and begin a frantic search for dear Chloe. Through all of her travails, Chloe learns about the things that are really important to her, and she begins to see dogs for who they really are, and not just for their pedigree charts.
Diablo (voice of Edward James Olmos) in 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua'
Photo © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Guide Review for Parents
Kids love dogs, especially talking dogs, and this movie is definitely not the worst in the live-action talking dog flick category -- if you can get over seeing Drew Barrymore's face every time Chloe speaks (of course, this won't be a problem for kids, just us parents). Chloe is a fun character for kids, not only because she talks, but also because she wears designer outfits and beautiful jewelry. Chloe's story also contains sufficient action and comedy to retain kids' attention, and the movie will likely be somewhat entertaining for parents as well.
As far as content goes, the movie is surprisingly benign. Kids may become frightened by the dogfighters and the mean Doberman pincher, Diablo. The movie does not show actual dogfighting (two dogs are put into the ring, but the fight is stopped just in time), thankfully, so most kids probably won't get the full severity of what could have happened to Chloe if she hadn't escaped. After she escapes, Chloe is still being hunted by Diablo, and some perilous moments may briefly frighten or sadden children, but they will enjoy the obviously satisfactory ending.
The movie does contain some innuendo both on the doggie side and the human side. Papi's attraction to Chloe, and Sam's attraction to Rachel are key to the story. Papi gushes over his "Corazón," and some female dogs make comments about liking boy dogs, saying things like they want to find a mate who is "not fixed." Sam stares after Rachel when he sees her in a bikini and at other times.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Content Overview
The following lists a few of the most prominent examples of possibly offensive content in the movie (may contain spoilers):Violence (Low)
- Dog-nappers steal Chloe and threaten to fight her. They put her in a ring with Diablo, who will likely tear her to shreds. He threatens her and tears off her doggie dress, but before he can do any more, Delgado frees her and all of the dogs run free.
- In a flashback, Diablo attacks Delgado, which results in him being unable to smell. We also see a bad guy hit the cop accompanying Delgado, and as we see the man laying on the floor, it is explained that neither Delgado nor the cop were ever the same after that incident.
- Chloe jumps on Diablo's back to help fight him off, and Diablo flings her into a rock. She lies there briefly, but she ends up being fine.
- Cops in the movie are shown with guns.
Sex/Nudity (Low)
- Papi hits on Chloe, telling her that he will lick her ear or bite hard to reach places. He frequently expresses his undying affection for her.
- Some female characters wear bikinis and somewhat revealing dresses. Also, in Mexico, men and women are shown in bikinis and swim suites.
Language (Low)
- The phrase "My God" or variation is used.
Alcohol/Drugs (Low)
- People are briefly shown with drinks.
Bad/Disrespectful Behavior (High)
- Rachel and Chloe look down on Sam and Papi. Rachel is irresponsible with Chloe, and she tries to hide everything that happens from Aunt Viv.
- Dogfighters steal dogs and force them to fight (dogfighting is not shown)
- A mouse and iguana steal Chloe's necklace.
Scary Scenes (Medium)
- Scenes listed under violence may be scary for young kids.
- Diablo is frequently shown as he finds clues in his hunt for Chloe.
- As the characters try to stop Diablo and Vasquez (the lead bad guy), in the ruins, the rocks begin to crumble and the situation becomes perilous.
Sad/Unsettling Scenes (Low)
- Delgado feels bad that he can't smell anymore. Diablo taunts him about his past.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Discuss the Movie
- After watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua, children may have questions about the following topics: Dogfighting, dogs' ability to think and feel emotions, doggie accessories, dogs' sense of smell, police dogs, ransoms.
