Review of Hotel for Dogs (2009) by Teneisha N — 06 Dec 2009

This movie had so many plot failures and horrible lessons for kids, I wanted to tear my hair out.

For example: Running from the cops, whether or not you are guilty, is a FELONY. And yet in this movie, when they unguiltily run, they are rewarded with a wonderful hiding place for their dog(s). The two main characters are godawful thieves and scammers, yet we are supposed to find them charming and funny and understand that "they're actually very good kids". Social workers can't adopt their cases.

The dogs were cute, and I like the idea of helping out strays... IF you have the means. You can't just throw a ton of dogs together and hope that they get along fine; you can't steal food for them; you can't lie to everyone you know to try and keep them a secret. These are all terrible lessons.

The depiction of the pound was unbelievable. In real life, the employees there do care for the dogs. They know their stories and treat them well. Not to say that anyone wants animals to end up there, but in this movie, the pound people were abusive and all too keen to kill.

And the ENDING! With all the puppies, as if breeding a bunch of homeless mutts is a good adorable thing to do.

Have we learned nothing, through this whole movie? Spay & Neuter- prevent overpopulation for christ's sake! Stealing and lying do NOT make happy endings! Running from the cops is a BAD idea!