OK, I admit it. I had very low expectations for “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” – a story about a pampered pup named Chloe (Drew Barrymore) and her neurotic owner, Aunt Viv (Jamie Lee Curtis), a cosmetics company magnate, and what happens after Aunt Viv goes on a business trip, leaving Chloe in the care of her equally indulged niece Rachel (Piper Perabo).

Disney Piper Perabo (left) is Jamie Lee Curtis' niece and the caretaker of her aunt's precious pooch, Chloe, in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." This turns out to be not such a good idea.

Neither the pooch nor the young party animal is happy about this situation. One thing leads to another – specifically to Rachel and friends heading south of the border to party, where Chloe is grabbed by guys who need more players for a dogfighting operation.

Back in 90210, Sam the landscaper (Manolo Cardona) and his Chihuahua, Papi (George Lopez) – who has fallen for Chloe – are clueless. So is Aunt Viv, leading to one of the funniest scenes: Rachel, in the middle of a Mexican police station, yipping and yapping into the phone to Viv, who's called to check on her baby.

In the meantime, Chloe's been thrown, not to the wolves, but into the ring with Diablo (Edward James Olmos), a menacing Doberman. Enter Delgado (Andy Garcia), a German shepherd that used to be a police dog till he turned deaf. He grabs Chloe, and they take off.

But Diablo's owner, dogfight ringleader Vasquez (José Mariá Yazpik), noticed Chloe's diamond-encrusted collar and, via the Internet, figures out who owns Chloe. He sics Diablo on their trail, from Mexico City to Tijuana – Sam, Rachel and Papi in hot pursuit. Before it's all over, Chloe falls victim, again, to Manuel (Cheech Marin), a little rat con man and his partner, Chico (Paul Rodriguez), an iguana with a conscience, in some hysterical scenes.

It's funny, endearing and unbelievable, beginning with talking dogs. There's adventure, love and a little history to digest with your popcorn.

You learn a little about the country's four-legged citizens when Monte (Plácido Domingo) tells Papi and Chloe about their regal heritage in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

There are a few stereotypes, but it's an affectionate nod to the Mexican culture, applauded by a packed house at a screening for an Hispanic audience.

And lest everyone head for the pet store, there's a message reminding audience members that owning a pet is a big responsibility.