Thursday, October 24, 2013

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (BD Live) (2008)

Beverly Hills ChihuahuaI am writing this after having seen the film, but before the DVD has come out. I know how much cinephiles loathe this film, but, dudes, loosen up! Sure, it is more than a little "sappy", but take some time out to be "sappy and happy" viewing this movie! The adventures of these chihuahuas, other dogs, and assorted animals is a delight, especially for those who have a "tender spot" for the hounds! This movie never was meant to appeal to the viewer's sophistication. On the other hand, it is not any sort of "chihuahua exploitation film", either.

My favourite hounds in this California-Mexico romp are Papí, Chloé's ardent male admirer and very determinedly valient chihuahua, and Delgado, the down-on-his-luck, butch German shepherd who comes to the rescue and various acts of kindness for Chloé, even when he misinterprets the reasons for Chloé's second disappearance. Then, too, who cannot love the thronging hoarde of chihauhuas among the ruins of an ancient indigenous culture? Seeing Chloé try to find the mighty voice of her "inner chihuahua" (as opposed to pampered pet squeaks and whimpering) with the aid of the leader of this pack of chihuahuas is very amusing; I wish that this bit of animal humour had been more extended!

This is a pack of fun, and not just for children! Have a barking good time watching this film, in the theatre or at home!

I (a middle-aged woman) got talked into seeing this movie with a couple of friends and will admit I wasn't really looking forward to it. But as soon as the action moved to Mexico, I found myself totally caught up in the characters and the story. The animals were very well trained, the "talking" animation was great, the voice-overs were handled very well by the cast, and the story was involving, funny, and ultimately even moving. I'm completely happy that I gave this one a try!

Buy Beverly Hills Chihuahua (BD Live) (2008) Now

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua" raises the bar on the cute quotient! I can't remember the last time I walked out of a movie theater grinning. I laughed through several parts of the film and the happy ending was just right.

I'm definitely getting this movie for my parents. They are an older couple who seldom go to movies because they cannot stomach the language and content of most films; so "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" is perfect for them. Although the movie was about a lost dog, it wasn't so sad or overly dramatic that I would be afraid to take a young child to see it. There are absolutely zero swear words, and the movie is just plain fun, whether you are 6 or 60.

Read Best Reviews of Beverly Hills Chihuahua (BD Live) (2008) Here

I was waiting for this movie to come out because we own a Chihuahua but was wondering if it was going to be really good or really bad?

I loved it! It was funny, happy, good teaching lessons for my kids and it even had a little romance.

We are buying this DVD for sure. It needs to go in our Disney collection.

Take the time to watch it, it is worth it.

Want Beverly Hills Chihuahua (BD Live) (2008) Discount?

The trailer for this film was a spectacular Busby Berkeley-style musical number that looked mighty fun, but has little to do with the final film. Personally, I thought this film was going to be a turkey, but it turned out to be a very well-done and fun family film.

Here's the story: Vivian (Jamie Lee Curtis) is a wealthy Beverly Hills businesswoman who practically worships Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore), her chihuahua, dressing it in designer outfits and giving it an over-the-top real diamond collar. When Chloe has to go out of town, her flakey niece Rachel (Piper Perabo) is left in charge. Rachel goes south of the border to Mexico to party with her friends and Chloe gets dog-napped while there. Chloe is rescued from the Mexico City dog fights by a German Shephard, Delgado (voiced by Andy Garcia), who becomes her "bodyguard." The dognappers learn of Chloe's/Vivian's wealth and they want her back at all costs. Rachel also desperately wants Chloe back and teams up with Viv's landscaper handsome Sam (Manolo Cardona). Predictably, the journey is about Chloe losing her Beverly Hills snobbery (and Chanel No. 5 scent) and Rachel maturing; this helps pave the way for Chloe and Rachel to find true love with mates they would have previously not thought worthy. Sam's chihuahua Papí (voice of George Lopez) pursues Chloe during the entire movie and helps Sam & Rachel find her. Naturally, the motivation of the movie is to find and return Chloe before Viv returns from her trip.

Is the plot predictable? Sure...but boy is it fun to watch. Barrymore, Garcia, and Lopez have great chemistry, and the special effects/stunt work for the dogs is amazing. You actually believe they are talking after awhile, it's that good. There are a few semi-scary scenes that the younger ones might be a little freaked by, but nothing having an adult nearby wouldn't take care of. Although a dialogue-driven film, the lively music and some of the sound effects will give your speakers a more than ample workout.

DVD & Blu-ray Extras:

* Legend of the Chihuahua: An all-new animated short that is very fun; very reminiscent of the Disney classic cartoon "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom" in its style and storytelling.

* Blooper Scooper: Blooper reel that shows a little of the difficulty in getting the dogs to do what they were supposed to do.

* 3 Deleted scenes with intros by Director Raja Gosnell: These are fun, but not essential to the plot and were wisely removed. They are shown at various stages of development, as the animation (for the dogs to speak) is missing in many of these. Scenes are:

1. Chihuahua Nation

2. Chloe's Vision Quest (would have really dragged the plot down)

3. Mi Corazón: Chloe and Papi's Duet

* Audio commentary (widescreen version only) by Director Raja Gosnell. Interestingly enough, Gosnell had the voice talent dub together, so that ad-libbing could be used and that they could play off each other. It works, as the chemistry in this film between the dogs really is apparent.

Blu-ray Exclusive Extras:

* Pet Pals: The Voices Behind the Dogs

* Hitting the Bark: On set with the dogs of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua"

* Additional deleted scenes

* BD-Live (US Only)

Specs:

Audio-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, French & Spanish Language Tracks (Dolby Digital 2.0), French & Spanish Subtitles * Video: Widescreen (2.40:1) or Full Screen (1.33:1)

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