Hotel for Dogs Poster
Adventure
Comedy
Family

Hotel for Dogs (2009) Review in 2025

7.5/10
Blockbuster

Hotel for Dogs is a fun and entertaining movie about two orphaned siblings who turn an abandoned hotel into a home for stray dogs.

1 hour 37 minutes
English (Dubbed: None)
Age group: 6-25, Interests: Family, Adventure, Comedy
Director:
Mark Waters
Budget: 60 million USD
Gross: 177 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This movie is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above, as it has a light-hearted tone and exciting dog-related adventures.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is worth watching for families with children or anyone who loves dogs and light-hearted adventures. It's a fun and entertaining film that's suitable for streaming or watching in theaters.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie follows Andi and Bruce, two orphaned siblings who stumble upon an abandoned hotel and decide to turn it into a home for stray dogs. They face various challenges and obstacles, but ultimately succeed in creating a loving community for the dogs.

Review Details

story8.00/10

The story is engaging and fun, with a good balance of action, adventure, and heartwarming moments. However, the plot is not overly complex and can be predictable at times.

acting8.00/10

The acting is solid, with Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin delivering strong performances as Andi and Bruce. The supporting cast is also good, with notable performances from Don Cheadle and Kyla Pratt.

characters8.00/10

The characters are well-developed and relatable, especially Andi and Bruce, who are likable and endearing. The supporting characters, such as the hotel staff and the stray dogs, add to the humor and excitement.

direction7.00/10

The direction is competent, but not outstanding. Mark Waters does a good job of balancing the tone and pacing, but some scenes feel a bit rushed or convenient.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is colorful and vibrant, capturing the excitement and energy of the hotel and its inhabitants. The dog scenes are particularly well-done, showcasing the animals' personalities and antics.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The movie has a fun and engaging story, well-developed characters, and exciting dog-related adventures. The cinematography is colorful and vibrant, and the acting is solid.

Cons

The plot can be predictable at times, and some scenes feel a bit rushed or convenient. The direction is competent but not outstanding.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not a dog, I'm a human being!"
"This hotel is going to be the best thing that's ever happened to these dogs!"
"You can't just abandon a dog, it's like abandoning a family member!"

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