Star Dogs

Watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2

Some people meditate, go to a yoga class, breathe deep, go for a walk in the forest, or just hang around doing nothing. For my children and me, the way to relaxation is on the screen: we watch dog movies. It's the only kind of movie that will please all with no arguments. The only downside? We all want to have a dog after watching it. And, of course, I keep wondering what happens about the real dogs behind the screen. Unless they are, like Lady, an animation.

Before having children, I confess I would rather watch a French art movie other than anthropomorphic "talking dogs" movies.  I thought they were silly and not worth of my time. Of course I loved Lassie, Snoopy and Snowy (as known as Tintin's Milou), all very cool dogs that never had to use words to be a success.  But I've found that thanks to special effects, it's almost impossible to find a contemporary dog movie without a dog that talks. Unless it's a documentary based movie or an independent production, there are not many Rin-tin-tins out there.

My boys tell me that doesn't matter if dogs talk or not on the movies.  They are cute, mostly always they have a happy ending and they are just plain fun to watch. But after the entertainment we are also happy to consider adopting a dog. And we all know that there aren't many dogs like Snoopy, Buddies or Beethovens available. On the other hand, chiuauas like Papi and Chloe are all out there, at least in one of our closest California adoption shelter.
         

For a good selection of dog movies, I recommend to check out the Humane Society's website movies review list, offering an extensive list of movies certified by the "No Animals were Harmed". In the list you'll have access to backstage info about all sorts of movies that include animals on set.  If in doubt if your movie choice is a good one for the little humans, check out what Common Sense Media has to say about it.

And, just in case you need a little help choosing, here are some options of the ones we watched lately, and our fast reviews about them:

• Good Boy - What if dogs are aliens and don't want to be pets anymore? Sounds like a tragedy, but it's actually a comedy. Even if the critics don't like it, we enjoyed some of it. Specially Vanessa's Redgrave voice over of The Great Dane! 
• I Heart Shakey - The story of some dog parents when they have to relocate. It has some not so funny scenes, but overall it has some good advice. 
• Step Dog - Scruffy dog and spoiled pooch meet in a surprising adventure.