IslandGuru Who payed the critics

SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Sameer Callahan It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

davyd-02237 Largely a cast of young people plus dogs. very entertaining, if you want to be cheered up and laugh or cry and have some fun with a film, this one would suit you well. Great entertainment. This year I think I have seen either 2 or 3 films only that I would class as entertaining, this is one of those. Wonderful to watch

Jackson Booth-Millard This really is one of those duh! titles about what it is about, and it was so obviously a film made for families and dog lovers, it had moderate reviews from critics and sounded like it could be fun, directed by Thor Freudenthal (Diary of a Wimpy Kid). Basically in Central City, Louisiana, orphans Andi (Aquamarine's Emma Roberts) and Bruce (Jake T. Austin) have gone from one foster home to another for some time, social worker Bernie Wilkins (Don Cheadle) finds them new foster parents, they are uncaring Lois Scudder (Lisa Kudrow) and her untalented wannabe rock star husband Carl (Kevin Dillon). Andi and Bruce are strictly forbidden from bringing animals into their new home, but they are secretly caring for their adorable Jack Russell Terrier dog named Friday, they were originally willing to risk everything to look after their dog, but they know that he needs a place to stay out of sight. One night while on the run from police officers Andi and Bruce stumble into a huge abandoned hotel across their street and use this as the ideal shelter for their dog, soon enough they are joined by more dogs from the neighbourhood who have escaped the pound. The hotel soon becomes a paradise for the many breeds of stray dogs, and thanks to the ingenious engineering of Bruce there are many gadgets and activated systems to clean up after and feed the canine guests, they have help along the way from new friends from the pet shop, Heather (Doctor Dolittle's Kyla Pratt) and Dave (The Perks of Being a Wallflower's Johnny Simmons). Of course the dogs are not completely safe in the hotel, their barking gets the attention of the neighbours, and the dog catchers do eventually find and capture all the furry friends, but in the end Bernie helps the city see what good Andi and Bruce are doing for the many stray dogs of the city, and the end of the film sees an official Hotel for Dogs in business. Also starring Troy Gentile as Mark and Robinne Lee as Carol Wilkins. Roberts and Austin are likable as the young leading stars helping the dozens of mutts, Cheadle is fine but perhaps odd big star casting, and Kudrow nd Dillon get their moments as the mean and daft foster parents, it is a very simple story of children doing good helping dogs who don't have homes and saving them from the nasty dog catchers, there is a fair amount of slapstick to keep you entertained, and plenty of mischief, it is a fun family comedy. Worth watching!

MLDinTN This was a simple story. Two foster kids team up with some friends to save stray dogs from the pound by putting them in an abandoned hotel. They rig the hotel with all these devices, like a way to feed the dogs at one time, entertainment for the dogs, a moon to howl at, etc... One of the kids works at a pet store which is how the kids are able to afford to buy all this dog food. So, of course, conflict ensues when the foster parents find the dog hotel and call the pound. Then it is up to the kids to save the dogs again.Nothing original about this movie. The dogs were the best part for me. 10 year old kids will probably like the story.FINAL VERDICT: I'd only recommend it for kids.

mulveymeister A few basics first! Kids will like this! There is little for adults. We have become so used to 'films for kids but written for adults' that it is nice to see something just for the kids again. A parent may be useful with very young kid for the slightly 'spooky' bit. The kids and dogs all act well and Emma Roberts is a great anchor. Don Cheadle is giving his time competently but Lisa Kudrow is miscast. Now the important news. This has very, very little to do with Lois Duncan's book! You can be sure that the book is better and a perfect read for any dog lover. Buy both or buy the book! With only 5 dogs, 2 kids and a family life there is much more depth of character in the book. This film is a good one off. The book will be a favourite reread :)