Beverly Hills Chihuahua MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +3

Drew Barrymore, George Lopez, Andy Garcia, Piper Perabo. Comedy. Written by Analisa LaBianco and Jeff Bushell. Directed by Raja Gosnell.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore), a diamond-clad, bootie wearing Beverly Hills Chihuahua, enjoys her luxurious lifestyle so much, she hardly notices Papi (voice of George Lopez), a tough looking Chihuahua who happens to be head-over-paws for the pampered pooch. But when Chloe gets lost in the rough streets of Mexico with only a street-wise German shepherd (voice of Andy Garcia) to help her find her way home, Papi heads south of the border -- joining forces with a motley crew: two humans (Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona), a sly rat (voice of Cheech Marin) and a nervous iguana (voice of Paul Rodriguez) to rescue his true love.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Were Mexican, not Mexicant! So says Papi, the adorer of our canine heroine and a practitioner of the self-worth philosophy. Now, Ill admit, as the film opened and I heard/saw canines conversing, I thought this was going to be, you should forgive the expression, a real bow-wow. But it was a good line. I began to realize the film was full of good lines. And sure enough, I got caught up in the fluff. And it is fluff. Fluffy fluff. It is, however, the kind of fluff that entertains and teaches an often overlooked audience the wee ones.

Writers Analisa LaBianco and Jeff Bushell have penned a script that registers with little kids trying to cope with the bigness of the world. Whats more, the screenwriters do so while showcasing dogs of all breeds. In other words, their film embraces all races and shows the wonder of different ethnicities and cultures. Anything wrong with that?

Animals, stuffed or real, are often used to help abused or frightened children express their fears and apprehensions. Here we have a Chihuahua that thinks of herself as only a lapdog. To add to that confusion, she is taken from her world and must survive in an all new one. Kids can identify, for they are being thrust into new worlds and situations each day. Chloe learns that there are good guys and good creatures, but also bad ones, a reality kids must quickly process these days.

Loaded with teachings such as finding your voice (learning to make yourself heard), caring for others, and sacrificing your wants for the needs of others, Beverly Hills Chihuahua can be placed alongside Disney classics such as 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp. The pacing is lively, the humor bright and clean, and the messages reassuring. Charming, funny and uplifting, it is a movie for the doggie in all of us!

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Disney