The Wow in Chihuahua

Unlike some of the nicer areas in Chicago, the billboards in my neighborhood advertise "cerveza Budweiser," Cacique: The Official Sponsor of Mexico's World Cup team, DJ Montano, Univision, and for a few weeks in 2008 -- Beverly Hills Chihuahua. That is how long I had secretly wanted to see this movie. I finally saw it on cable over this past Memorial Day weekend and realized I have nothing to be ashamed about. BHC has something for everyone: non-animated, talking dogs (not just chihuahuas), action scenes, special effects, exotic locations, a catchy soundtrack, and, well, really cute talking dogs. (So cute, in fact, that the movie has a public service announcement at the end warning the audience not to go out and adopt a chihuahua without being committed to being a dog owner in the long term.)

The story is about a chihuahua from Beverly Hills named Chloe. She wears a Harry Winston collar, Chanel No. 5 perfume, and lounges by the pool in a modest, two piece bikini. During a party weekend in Mexico (where she is wearing her signature booties and matching sundress), she gets snatched and sold to a Mexican dog fighting ring. Luckily, she manages to escape and then has to find her way home with the help of a german shepard named "Delgado." (Don't worry, the only love story is among chihuahuas only).

Chloe is voiced by Drew Barrymore. In the interest of full disclosure: I am not a fan of Drew Barrymore as an actress, but think she has a really good voice for a chihuahua from Beverly Hills. I know this is going to get me in trouble, but Chloe has the same acting chops as Drew. I found myself wishing all Drew Barrymore movies could be re-made with Chloe instead (except maybe E.T.).