We finally bought the movie “Hotel for Dogs” for our kids. It was not at all what I expected it to be, but it turns out to be a pretty good movie. I had no idea it was about foster kids, which as you know is a topic near and dear to my heart. The “hotel” the kids establish is designed to take in the “throwaway” dogs left out on the street, an obvious metaphor for foster kids.
It’s not as heavy-handed as that might sound, though. The kids are cute, but not cutesy, if you know what I mean. They are shown with the flaws that most foster kids have as a result of losing so much throughout their lives.
The dogs are amazing. I haven’t checked into the making of the movie – wonder how many dogs they had to use in filming, or if they just had one well-trained dog for each character.
The only character I thought was too “Disney-esque” (i.e. everything he does is goodness and light) was the social worker, who provides the happy ending to the story.
Yes, it was pretty predictable, but after all it was a kids’ flick.
Any opinions from readers?
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Would the film remind one of Dr. Doolittle? He usually has a houseful of animals going in and out – even a tiger with a toothache!