Recently, many people have been up in arms about the purported economic crisis. The Dow Jones has fallen to record lows, credit markets have been failing and the banks are going down the tubes. Yet, none of these financial woes signifies the end of civilization as we know it. That fateful sign occurred this past weekend, when Beverly Hills Chihuahua"" made $29.7 million, topping the box office. For a country in crisis, where people will supposedly soon be losing their homes and their life savings, people sure seem willing to throw $9.25 at a movie starring Drew Barrymore as the voice of a whiny rat-dog named Chloe.
Lowlights of the movie include having A-List Latino actors like Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez and Placido Domingo join on to play stereotypically Mexican canines named Delgado, Papi, Manuel, Chico and Monte, respectively, and Chloe's catchy saying regarding being a Chihuahua; ""Tiny, but mighty!""
What happened to our sense of taste, America? I thought the nation was making strides this summer, when ""Disaster Movie"" made ONLY $14 million during its short theatrical run. Frankly, it was $14 million too much, but at least the movie only debuted at No. 8 on the weekend box office list, showing America wouldn't necessarily see any Paris Hilton-related movie. This time, however, America showed up in droves to see a pampered Chihuahua played by Barrymore get lost in Mexico, face trials and tribulations, and ultimately prevail, but not before learning a few things about humility and friendship. Generic kiddie film? Perhaps. Insidious undermining of America's mental stability? I think so.
As a movie critic, my tastes in cinema can run a bit artsy. Some of my friends call me a movie snob, a title which I accept, if not relish. Normally, I don't make a big deal if someone likes a movie which I find to be unappealing or boorish, yet in the case of some movies, such as this new-age ""Homeward Bound"" knockoff, I can't hold my tongue. People complain constantly about the amount of junk in the theaters, yet continue to show up and provide box office revenue for lame movies.
It's time to put up or shut up America, because unless movies like ""Beverly Hills Chihuahua"" are box office flops, the film industry will have no prudent choice but to continue to make them.
Know a better way for Kevin to squandor his dwindling savings? Email your ideas to kevslane@gmail.com.
