Hotel for Dogs is a Movie and Videogame, Not a Break from Your Pets

When I got this email in my box this morning, I was honestly thrilled because I mistakenly thought it was literally a “Hotel for Dogs” and being very tired of breaking up fights between the two I have and the resident groundhogs, I thought that this was just the mini-vacation I was looking for. Sadly, if I had read more than just the first three words of the subject line, I would have not had my hopes lifted for naught.

Hotel for Dogs is not an actual kennel, a spa for pets or a babysitting company–instead it is a videogame based upon the upcoming film of the same name from DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. It is expected to be released for the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC in January 2009 to coincide with the movie’s debut.

The live-action Hotel for Dogs movie stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa “My Career is Officially Over” Kudrow, Kevin ” Matt’s my Brother” Dillon and Don “I was Drunk When I Agreed to This” Cheadle. When their new guardians forbid 16-year old Andi (Roberts) and her younger brother, Bruce (Austin) to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog, Friday. The kids stumble upon an abandoned hotel and, using Bruce’s talents as a mechanical genius, transform it into a magical dog-paradise for Friday – and eventually for all Friday’s friends. When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering their secret.

In the game, players enter an old abandoned hotel to help two siblings, Andi and Bruce, feed and entertain a collection of canines by building gadgets, playing with the pooches and keeping the dogs happy in their new home. Navigating through 10 different levels, players must accomplish various goals to keep their canines healthy and amused. Players will even explore the areas outside of hotel as they attempt to locate and rescue additional pups in need of some major TLC.

You know, its funny, but when you look at the website for the film 80% of the “stray” dogs look purebred. While I am not saying that purebreds are not abandoned as well, it is just that the majority are mutts… but since when is Hollywood or gaming companies for that matter in the habit of portraying reality? It does not matter though, kids will like the movie, and I am sure it will be a great game for kids as well.