Review: Kids Will Love ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2’

By Michael Lopez

February is almost here and love is in the air, at least for onscreen perritos Chloe and Papi. Yup, even though they’re now on the direct-to-DVD circuit, Disney’s popular Beverly Hills Chihuahuas are back and bringing a batch of cute pups along with them. Tuesday, Feb. 1, marks the video release of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 and we’ve got a brand new review.

When a film sequel gets the straight-to-DVD treatment, you’re going to lose a few things. Gone are the big budgets and exotic locales (sorry, no trips to Tijuana this time), as well as the A-list cast members you know and love. Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, and Jamie Lee Curtis did not return for Chihuahua 2, but Papi’s distinctive George Lopez growl is back in fine form.

So, even though there are some cutbacks in the aesthetics department, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 hasn’t lost any of the franchise’s trademark heart. Great for the 5 to 10-year-old set, this family-friendly romp’s got comedy, romance and plenty of impressive four-legged tricks.

As the story begins, Papi (voiced by George Lopez) and Chloe (voiced by Odette Yustman) bark down the aisle at a cutesy canine wedding. Flash forward a few months and they’ve expanded their brood to include five adorable pocket-sized puppies. George’s Papi spins some hilarious yarns to the little ones about ancient “Chihuahua Warriors,” complete with flashbacks of Aztec yappers.

Marcus Coloma, Erin Cahill and legendary Latina actress Lupe Ontiveros round out the human cast, who look after the pups. Of course, the story wouldn’t be any fun without some exciting subplots featuring dog show villains, clumsy robbers and nasty bankers looking to repossess Papi’s pad.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 may seem a little tedious for the teenage crowd, but kids and parents are sure to love it. The DVD also includes bloopers, interactive games and a music video from Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler. Of course, the true scene stealers are the “Chihuahua Warriors.” Hopefully they’ll get even more screen time in Part 3.

Were you a fan of Beverly Hills Chihuahua? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, George Lopez, Lupe Ontiveros, Movie Reviews, Movies, Odette Yustman