The only thing more annoying than a Chihuahua is a movie about talking Chihuahuas — especially when they come from Beverly Hills. Despite how awful the premise is for “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” it could have been a lot worse, but that doesn’t make it good.

I’ve been dreading having to see this movie since I first heard about it a few months ago. I know it’s going to make money, mostly from kids and tiny dog-lovers, at least it will be better than they expected and will entertain them. Although the plot is rather lame, the yippy dogs are somewhat cute and you can’t help but like them at least a little bit. That is one of the only good things going for “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.”

What this movie lacks in a good plot and decent writing, it tries to make up for using clichés and the “ahhh” factor — cute, cuddly-looking dogs who look forlorn into the camera every so often. Writers Jeff Bushell and Analisa LaBianco fall into the common trap of writing dialogue based on stereotypes. They use the Chihuahuas as if they are Mexican, which is OK as long as it’s done the right way.

Director Raja Gosnell generally picks family-friendly films like “Scooby Doo” that incorporate CGI with live action. In most situations, this doesn’t turn out very well. The art department manipulates the dogs’ mouths to make it seem as if they’re talking. Audiences aren’t dumb, they know what’s going on and aren’t fooled. But this isn’t really necessary. People know dogs aren’t able to speak — as humans do — so why go through the trouble of making their mouths move. If we hear the voice and see the dog we can assume it’s that dog’s thoughts.

In “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore), loves her pampered life and her wealthy owner, Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis). Chloe spends her days having manicures, lounging by the pool and going to dog birthday parties. When Viv goes to Europe, she decides to leave Chloe in Beverly Hills under the care of her irresponsible niece, Rachel (Piper Perabo). Viv probably thinks everything will be fine because her landscaper Sam (Manolo Cardona) and his dog Papi (voiced by George Lopez) are there to watch over things.

One of Rachel’s friends has an idea of driving to Mexico for a short getaway. While they’re out partying, Chloe slips away from the hotel and is picked up by a dog-napper. She’s taken away to an underground dog-fighting arena where she’s pitted against Diablo (voiced by Edward James Olmos) but is rescued by Delgado (voiced by Andy Garcia). Chloe and Delgado — who used to be a police dog but lost his sense of smell — try to make their way to someone who can take Chloe home.

Meanwhile, Rachel realizes the big mistake she’s made and solicits Sam’s help to find Chloe. Papi, who’s expressed his love for Chloe, also tags along hoping to pick up on her scent, Chanel No. 5. However, Diablo and Vasquez (Jose Maria Yazpik) — the operator of the dogfights — are hot on Chloe and Delgado’s tail.

After jumping a train for Tijuana, Chloe and Delgado wind up in the middle of a desert surrounded by mountain lions when out of nowhere a pack of Chihuahuas save them. It turns out there is a special place where all Chihuahuas come from and those who remain there are trying to preserve their ancestry. Even though Chloe now knows where she comes from, she still wants to get back home and Rachel has to find her to do so.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” is like an up-tight, prissy version of “Homeward Bound,” except there’s only one dog and no cats. They have the same type of adventure and still want to get home, no matter what.

Kids and dog lovers, especially those who like Chihuahuas, will love this movie. Everyone else will find it quite lame.

Missy Thompson: missy@tooeletranscript.com Grade: C

Rated: PG

Time: 92 minutes

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