“Hotel For Dogs” – 7/10

A dog with its own concierge service?

Director Thor Freudenthal’s latest film “Hotel for Dogs” is a heartwarming film about two orphan children who create a home for stray dogs in an abandoned hotel.

Even though Nickelodeon and Disney have been competing for years, this film combines the star quality of Nick’s Emma Roberts and Disney’s Jake T. Austin to make an exciting film with bark and bite.

As Andi (Roberts) and her younger brother Bruce (Austin) are shipped throughout the child services system, they refuse to be separated. When they find themselves running from the law, their dog Friday runs into a decrepit, empty hotel.

Chasing Friday into the hotel, the duo discovers two stray dogs who have made a home for themselves in the dusty hotel. With the help of friends, the kids hit the streets to save as many dogs as possible.

Although the film tends to be slow-moving in some places, the film is simple and enjoyable. Freudenthal made a wise choice to include Don Cheadle as Bernie, Andi and Bruce’s social worker. After Cheadle’s role as a hotel manager who helped save Rwandan families in “Hotel Rwanda,” Cheadle shines brightly again. It’s amazing to see how Cheadle’s character fights not only for the children but also for the dogs.

The absolute best moments of the film truly belong to the dogs. By allowing the dogs to remain actual dogs without voices or CGI, the expressions and energy of the canines speak for themselves.

“Hotel For Dogs” is engaging and makes this movie a tail-wagging good time.