My bf and I rented this about two weeks ago. Sadly, I’m actually disappointed especially because I’ve seen quite a few dog movies like Marley and Me, Bolt, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, and Hachiko in the last month. I would definitely have to put Hotel For Dogs at the bottom of my list.

Why? I just felt like the kids weren’t up to par with the acting - way too Disney-like and the main girl just had too many dumb responses. I won’t blame her entirely for my disappointment since she only read what the script told her to say, but c’mon! If she wanted to keep her and her brother together, then why were they stealing? Sure, they have shitty foster parents, but it’s not like they’re living on the streets. Gaahh!! There were other things that annoyed me, but there’s no need to vent since it’s only a movie.

I will say that the dogs were awesome, but that’s it. Oh, and maybe Don Cheadle, but other than that I’d say this movie was a total flop for me.

I think I’ll just wait to see what happens with Richard Gere’s movie. Toodles!

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So we finally decided to rent Beverly Hills Chihuahua - something we never thought we’d watch simply because it looked too corny and stupid.

The verdict? I actually thought it was funny. (You can read Eric Snider’s review from Cinematical.com too.) Not hilariously hilarious, but it definitely had fun, cute, and touching moments. In fact, I’d say it was definitely worth the $1 rental and some.

Wow, now that I think about it, I’ve seen quite a few dog movies in the last few months - Bolt, Marley and Me, Hachiko (Japanese version), and now Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I’m kind of looking forward to seeing Hotel For Dogs.

If you want to talk about ultimate dog  princes and princesses, Beverly Hills Chihuahua is definitely the movie to watch. This movie is the epitome of THE MOST extreme type of dog pampering. I bet anything Chloe’s clothes are a thousand times more expensive than mine. Even her grooming and dining expenses are extravagant. To each their own I suppose. I guess when I have all the money in the world, I’ll be doing something quite similar - minus the prissy hair-dos and extravagant clothes that I’m sure the dog doesn’t care about.

Aside from the pampering, the story line was cute and comical. I knew Delgado was a cop dog when Diablo told him that his hero days were over. German Shephard + Hero? I remember writing about that…hehe. As for Poppy the landscaper, he’s definitely heroic and silly. I wonder if my dogs would come save me if I was in trouble or be like the loyal Hachiko and wait for me forever. Regardless, dogs are definitely Man and Woman’s Best Friend. Woof! Woof!

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In some previous posts we did mini feedbacks on Bolt, Marley & Me, and the Japanese movie about a loyal dog Hachiko Monogatari. Currently I’m waiting to watch the American version of Hachiko - A Dog’s Story starring Richard Gere.

Actor Richard Gere’s interest in Asia is not limited to Buddhism and to the Dalai Lama: he’s also been touched by the story of Hachiko, a dog of breed Akita who lived in Japan more than half a century ago and who rose to fame because of his unconditional love for his owner. Gere has been so moved that he’s been pushing for an American movie adaptation of the story (some people would say a remake of the Japanese movie based on the same true story), even going to co-produce the film with his own money!

Hollywood has embraced dog movies for years and every time they come out with something new, I always give them a go. The ones that usually interest me most are the ones that are based on true stories. Let’s face it. Bolt was funny. Lady and the Tramp was cute and romantic, but Marley & Me gave me the deepest connection that I will never forget. Why? Simple. I can relate to the story.

This particular movie about Hachiko was one of the many animal movies where the American Humane Society was present. Their job is to make sure that none of the animals are harmed during the filming. I highly respect that and am happy to know that these dogs are not mistreated. Seriously, if a dog movie was outstanding, yet we later learn that the dog stars were abused I’d be so pissed.

I know I keep saying that I’m waiting for the American version to come out, but I still haven’t even seen the original Japanese movie. Hopefully I can find it somewhere and watch it before August. I have a feeling I’m going to cry watching these. Sigh…I’m so weak.

Tangent. Did you know that there were 22 different dogs playing the same character, Marley? Incredible! I’ve always had small dogs all my life, but there are times where I have passing thoughts about getting bigger dogs like a lab, husky or an akita…ha! They’re pretty darn cute and irresistable. I just wouldn’t look forward to picking up doo doo.

So what’s YOUR favorite dog movie of all time?

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In a previous post about whether dogs feel love, I mentioned a famous Japanese dog known for his loyalty. It turns out this wasn’t just a fable or a myth. It’s actually based on a true story of a dog named Hachikō, an Akita dog.

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner’s life Hachikō saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno didn’t return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachikō was given away after his master’s death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. After time, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he didn’t see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. Realizing that Hachikō waited in vigil for his dead master, their hearts were touched.They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

Wow. Talk about loyal. If this doesn’t PROVE that dogs love their owners, I don’t know what is.

There is a movie in Japan about Hachiko, and there is a US remake  in the works. Here’s an extremely tear-jerker preview of the Japanese version:

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I just finished watching Marley & Me and I couldn’t stop crying toward the end of the movie. I loved it. I would recommend it to all dog lovers out there. The movie was a touching depiction of Man’s Best Friend from the day they become part of the family till the day they pass on.

I’m starting to reminisce about all the dogs I’ve had in my lifetime that are no longer by my side. Some were lost and others have their beds under our fruit trees in the backyard. I now have three dogs, two of which are most beloved - Cocoa for his puppy wildness and cute antics. Lucky - for his loyalty and obedience although old. I can’t imagine life without them. Sure, I’ve been angry with them many many times and have spanked them for their disobedience, but my love for them only grows and never wavers. I hope they live a very long life and I really hope that they’re happy being with us.  

RIP:  Ricky, Tiny, Bone, Penny, Candy, Nickel

Wishlist: Marley & Me - the book

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