'Beverly Hills Chihuahua'

2 1/2 stars = Average
Ratings explained

Drew Barrymore's vulnerable, little-girl voice is perfect for the pampered pooch, Chloe, in this Disney film that is more adventure than comedy.

Chloe has more designer outfits, not to mention a diamond collar, than most humans in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." That's because her wealthy, indulgent owner (Jamie Lee Curtis) considers Chloe her "greatest treasure," and when her regular dog nanny is unavailable, she hands Chloe over to a niece (Piper Perabo).

She traipses off to Mexico, where Chloe is dognapped, in the grand tradition of movies from "101 Dalmatians" to "Beethoven." And, in twists borrowed from fish-out-of-water comedies along with such favorites as "Homeward Bound," Chloe must try to find her way home -- with a little help from a gruff German shepherd (voice of Andy Garcia).

The humans are absolutely secondary to the hundreds of dogs, whose mouths move in realistic fashion and who react on cue. The best of the bunch are Angel, a white Deerhead chihuahua, and four doubles as Chloe, who gets in touch with her Mexican roots and learns to appreciate the landscaper's dog (voice of George Lopez) she dismissed.

Although some references to Rodeo Drive and the Four Seasons hotel are a little too inside and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" isn't a classic, it allows every dog to have its day. It's good, clean entertainment for younger children and, to its credit, reminds moviegoers that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment.

Rated PG for some mild thematic elements.

-- Barbara Vancheri

'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People'

2 stars = Mediocre
Ratings explained

The problem with "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" is that the movie wants to be your friend and it doesn't want to alienate you.

Simon Pegg plays Sidney Young, a British tabloid journalist who is recruited by a U.S. Vanity Fair-style magazine to write profiles of celebrities. Sidney, who is taken aback by the softball approach he's asked to use for his new job, is based on Toby Young's memoir.

While the book named names, specifically that of eccentric Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, screenwriter Peter Straughan and director Robert B. Weide opt for a gentler, fictionalized approach (Jeff Bridges, having a high old time as Sidney's boss, plays "Clayton Harding").

Celebrity journalism is a prime target for mocking, but the filmmakers seem more interested in turning this into a Nick Hornby-style romantic comedy, with Sidney doing the flirtation dance with colleague Alison (Kirsten Dunst, in one of her more awkward performances).

This is a movie that plays it too safe, one that wants to give a comforting shoulder rub when it should be jabbing you in the side.

Rated R for strong language, nudity and drug use.

-- Robert Philpot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram