*** 1/2

Chloe (Drew Barrymore) is a bratty Beverly Hills Chihuahua who gets manicures, goes to dog birthday parties, and has a pool. All of this is thanks to her owner, Vivian (Jamie Lee Curtis). Unfortunately, Chloe has to deal with the annoying Chihuahua, Papi (George Lopez), who loves her so much he would probably lift a fire hydrant for her. He belongs to Sam (Manolo Cardona). Sam is Vivian’s landscaper.

When Vivian has to go away on a trip, she entrusts Chloe to her laid-back niece, Rachel (Piper Perabo.) Rachel and Chloe hate each other. Who could blame them? Chloe is an “I-want-it-now” jerk, while Rachel is a laid-back young party girl. Rachel’s friends want her to go to Mexico, so Rachel reluctantly brings Chloe with her. When Rachel goes to a party, Chloe, wanting to go back to Beverly Hills, follows Rachel out of the hotel. Unfortunately, Chloe gets dog napped by Vasquez (Jose Maria Yazpik)

Chloe meets Delgado (Andy Garcia), another dog who Vasquez captured. Vasquez puts Chloe in the ring at a dog fight with Diablo (Edward James Olmos), a Doberman and the current champion in the ring. Before Diablo can hurt her, Delgado gets Chloe out of the ring and frees all the other dogs with her.

Delgado agrees to help Chloe get back to Beverly Hills, but there are some obstacles in their path, like the fact that Vasquez has sent Diablo to get Chloe back. They also must avoid a con artist rat named Manuel (Cheech Martin), and his iguana accomplice Chico (Paul Rodriguez.) The lovesick Papi, Sam, and Rachel also attempt to get Chloe back so Vivian won’t have Rachel’s head on a gold platter.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is a great family comedy that has something in it for everyone. George Lopez, fresh off his fame of the popular TV show of his name, does a wonderful job as Papi. Drew Barrymore is great at playing Chloe, and her situation is hilarious. Jamie Lee Curtis is brilliant at playing the naïve cosmetics industry executive woman who owns Chloe.

While funny, BHC gets off track for about 15 minutes when Delgado and Chloe find the lost city of Chihuahua, where about 300 Chihuahuas are living. Also, Papi has a smaller role in the film then advertised.

BHC is a light and funny film with good actors, funny lines, and absolutely adorable Chihuahuas. I recommend this film to everyone who is not afraid of dogs and needs a good laugh.

Rated PG for mild thematic elements.

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