From the success of movies such as “Babe,” “Dr. Dolittle,” and various Budweiser commercials, it is not hard to figure out that talking critters are a big hit among kids and adults.

Disney seemed to notice this as well, as the recent fad of pocket dogs has allowed producers to create “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.”

The movie begins in Beverly Hills with Chloe (a Chihuahua) at her weekly trip to the spa with wealthy owner Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis). Though it is hilarious to watch dogs talk as they are getting highlights, mani-pedis, and having their fur up in curlers, looking around the audience, I could not help but notice light bulbs spark in the eyes of children watching. How many “lucky” dogs are going to be treated with perms and manicures when these kids get home, or paraded around in fancy outfits they don’t want to wear? Poor Rover may need to lay low for a while.

When Viv goes out of town, she trusts her niece Rachel (Piper Perabo) to care for her beloved pup. As soon as Viv leaves, Rachel and her pals go on a trip to Mexico. Unfortunately, while Rachel is out dancing at a club, Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is dognapped by a gang of scruffy Mexican dogfighters. From here, the movie follows the same old storyline of owners trying desperately to find a lost pet, while the lost pet tries to be reunited with owners with the help of friendly creatures along the way.

Andy Garcia is the voice of Delgado, an ex-police dog, who helps Chloe find her way home. In one of his best roles to date, Garcia’s vocal talents give his German shepherd character an astounding range of emotions that make the audience almost forget he’s a dog. Rin Tin Tin eat your heart out, and Lassie, watch your back.

The talking dogs should keep the kids entertained for at least an hour and a half, but as a college student, the movie is somewhat lacking. Though there are a few scenes that will have everyone laughing out loud, there are some that will leave audiences scratching their heads.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is a great movie, if looked at from the point of view of the target audience – kids. This is not one of the “Shrek” type movies with adult humor woven throughout to keep parents equally happy.

This flick may be better to fetch on DVD, so the kids can enjoy it on their own.