This film falls into the "It could have been worse" department. But not by much.
This new Disney production features talking dogs, thieving rats, a meek iguana and the overshadowed acting talents of Jamie Lee Curtis and Piper Perabo ("Cheaper By the Dozen").
On a scale of 1-10, this effort does not rate very high. In fact, the most interesting aspect of a movie like this will be trying to figure out some of the animal's voices.
To help with this, let me explain the very weak plot line: Curtis is Vivian, the super rich owner of a cosmetics company who lives in a sparkling, opulent mansion and owns a spoiled white Chihuahua named Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore).
Treating the pet better than any child would ever be, Vivian is forced to go to Italy on business. She decides to leave Chloe in the care of her irresponsible slut of a Chloe-hating niece, Rachel (Perabo), but the ditsy girl loses the pooch in Cabo San Lucas.
For some reason, the two-ounce pup is nabbed by some of Michael Vick's dog-fighting friends and taken to Mexico City, and then put up inexplicably against a huge Doberman Pinscher (Edward James Olmos), who is owned by the evil Vasquez (Jose Maria Yazpik).
A disgraced police dog, Delgado (Andy Garcia), however, saves Chloe and the two escape to various Mexican locations before finally working their way back to Tijuana.
Of course Rachel is now repentant and with her Latin gardener, Pedro, and his Chihuahua, Papi (George Lopez), is in hot pursuit all over the Yucatan Penninsula.
Aided by the Manuel the pack rat (Cheech Marin) and a pit bull named Chico (Paul Rodriguez), Chloe and Delgado make their way north only to be attacked by cougars. Some fun, huh? But thanks to Placido Domingo (as the voice of the Mighty Chihuahua, Montezuma) and thousands of such dogs, the day is saved.
One may read this and wonder why I'm spending so much time describing this silly film. Well, it's currently No. 1 at the box office, millions having already paid to see it, so why not read an unbiased review.
The theme of talking animals has been a staple of comedy films since Francis the Mule mouthed off to Donald O'Connor and Mr. Ed wisecracked with Alan Young. The difference here is that most of the beasts being Chihuahuas, there's a Spanish appeal. Plus, most of the picture is a travelogue showcasing the more beautiful parts of Mexico.
The human acting is fairly abysmal, while the dogs should keep little ones entertained for awhile. Like all movies of this ilk (i.e. "Shaggy Dog," "Dr. Dolittle") the goings-on are basically harmless and there are one or two somewhat humorous moments.
Not enough to ever pay full price to see, however.
This new Disney production features talking dogs, thieving rats, a meek iguana and the overshadowed acting talents of Jamie Lee Curtis and Piper Perabo ("Cheaper By the Dozen").
On a scale of 1-10, this effort does not rate very high. In fact, the most interesting aspect of a movie like this will be trying to figure out some of the animal's voices.
To help with this, let me explain the very weak plot line: Curtis is Vivian, the super rich owner of a cosmetics company who lives in a sparkling, opulent mansion and owns a spoiled white Chihuahua named Chloe (voice of Drew Barrymore).
Treating the pet better than any child would ever be, Vivian is forced to go to Italy on business. She decides to leave Chloe in the care of her irresponsible slut of a Chloe-hating niece, Rachel (Perabo), but the ditsy girl loses the pooch in Cabo San Lucas.
For some reason, the two-ounce pup is nabbed by some of Michael Vick's dog-fighting friends and taken to Mexico City, and then put up inexplicably against a huge Doberman Pinscher (Edward James Olmos), who is owned by the evil Vasquez (Jose Maria Yazpik).
A disgraced police dog, Delgado (Andy Garcia), however, saves Chloe and the two escape to various Mexican locations before finally working their way back to Tijuana.
Of course Rachel is now repentant and with her Latin gardener, Pedro, and his Chihuahua, Papi (George Lopez), is in hot pursuit all over the Yucatan Penninsula.
Aided by the Manuel the pack rat (Cheech Marin) and a pit bull named Chico (Paul Rodriguez), Chloe and Delgado make their way north only to be attacked by cougars. Some fun, huh? But thanks to Placido Domingo (as the voice of the Mighty Chihuahua, Montezuma) and thousands of such dogs, the day is saved.
One may read this and wonder why I'm spending so much time describing this silly film. Well, it's currently No. 1 at the box office, millions having already paid to see it, so why not read an unbiased review.
The theme of talking animals has been a staple of comedy films since Francis the Mule mouthed off to Donald O'Connor and Mr. Ed wisecracked with Alan Young. The difference here is that most of the beasts being Chihuahuas, there's a Spanish appeal. Plus, most of the picture is a travelogue showcasing the more beautiful parts of Mexico.
The human acting is fairly abysmal, while the dogs should keep little ones entertained for awhile. Like all movies of this ilk (i.e. "Shaggy Dog," "Dr. Dolittle") the goings-on are basically harmless and there are one or two somewhat humorous moments.
Not enough to ever pay full price to see, however.