PetSugar -- Girl's Best Friend.

Name This Movie Cat!

PetSugar — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:00:07 -0800

"Like a seeping mist, I will creep into the dogs' center of power, and make them quake in fear at the very mention of my name!" What is this movie cat's name?

Will You Go See Marley & Me in Theatres?

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 04:00:37 -0800

For those of you who read the book (or plan to), will you be checking out Marley & Me, opening in theaters today? I already saw a press preview and, lemme tell you – it's a tearjerker. After leaving the movie, all I wanted to do was go home and play with my dog . . . well, more than usual. I think I was touched by how much love the couple showed to their insanely mischievous dog and how, through it all, their "clearance puppy" was always there for them. Source

Will You Go See Marley & Me in Theatres?

Absolutely, I'm going to the theater pronto.

Probably, I'll check out in the next month or so.

I haven't decided yet either way.

I'll wait for the DVD.

No, I'm not watching this ever.

What Motivates Beethoven To Act?

PetSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:30:47 -0800

I've always wondered how animal trainers safely get pets to act as we see them on-screen – especially when what they're doing looks dangerous! Why am I not that surprised to see what the key variable is?! Find out for yourself in this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from the making of Beethoven's Big Break (coming out on DVD on Dec. 26).

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Did You Read Marley & Me?

PetSugar — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:00:26 -0800

Although I think North could definitely give this mischievous pup a run for his money, I have to admit Marley was pretty darn naughty in the book . . . and the four-legged actor (Clyde) looks so cauuuute here at the recent movie premiere in LA. Before I ask if you'll check out the upcoming flick, I wanna know if you've already picked up the book? Source

Did You Read Marley & Me?

Woof! I already read it.

I'll get back to you. It's on my "to-read" list.

Maybe . . . after the movie?

Not for me. I haven't read it and don't plan to.

Something else. I'll share in the comments below.

Bring Home One of the Furry Faces From Hotel For Dogs!

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:15:52 -0800

Since scoping the trailer for the upcoming Hotel for Dogs film, I couldn't wait to learn the names of all the four-legged cast members we spotted (refresh your memory here). A couple of the film's human stars – Jake T. Austin and Emma Roberts – made a special stop earlier this week to promote the movie and show a whole line of special-edition stuffed animals at FAO Schwarz.

In addition to ones depicting Friday, Romeo and Juliet seen here, check out the cute toys to treat kids this Holiday season – let them get all their cuddles in while waiting for the film to open in January.

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Keira Knightley Lallygags with Lovely Lab Last Night

PetSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:45:38 -0700

Between ducking into DKNY between takes, Keira Knightley also found the time to walk this cute (costar?) pooch through NYC's Meatpacking District on Tuesday. I mean what better way to pass time and stay in shape by lallygagging with a Lab as company. I'm personally hoping (fingers crossed) that we'll see the pup again when this film, Last Night, comes out . . . who's with me?

Check out more pictures of the duo when you

Four Chloes, Six Delgados But Only One Papi!

PetSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:56 -0700

I totally enjoyed Beverly Hills Chihuahua (did you?) – so here's a tail-waggingly good tale about one of the film's heroes, the lovable and macho Papi. The bat-eared Chihuahua mix named Rusco was rescued for the part from the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter by a trainer who's now the pup's proud parent, too.The lil guy was a fast learner (just like another rescue-turned-star pooch I remember) able to quickly acclimate to a role in front of lights, cameras and action. His fave rewards during the learning process . . . steak and a stuffed, squeaky flower named "Daisy May." Ahh, tough life.

Find out about the furry costars of Rusco . . . errrr, Papi . . . when you

Behind-the-Scenes: Chloe's Beverly Hills Chihuahua Wardrobe

PetSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:50:35 -0700

While several of the pups of Beverly Hills Chihuahua sported fashions I recognized from doggie couture label Little Lily, for most of her clothed scenes, star pup Chloe wore handmade outfits of sleek and chic materials imported from Europe . . . all to give her a look modeled after Chanel, Valentino, and the like.

Costume designer Mariestela Fernández designed 30 dresses to fit a prototype of the canine actress (named Angel) and worked with the star's animal coordinator over three fittings to select the final 17 outfits used in the film. From nightgowns to ball gowns, most outfits featured specially created booties meant to stay on her paws (well, most of the time . . . wink wink to those of you who've seen the film already).

Curious about that diamond collar (and to see photos from the film!)

Will You See Beverly Hills Chihuahua?

PetSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:25:59 -0700

I couldn't pass up the chance to see a press screening of Beverly Hills Chihuahua earlier this week – after all, I love dogs and totally will watch a film just for featured furballs. There were tons of super-cute pups and I was totally entertained by the talking animals and fab fashions (more on that later). The movie opens in theaters tomorrow (Oct. 3). Is it something you'll check out, too?

Will You See Beverly Hills Chihuahua?

Yes, I'm going to the theater pronto.

Maybe, I'll likely wait for DVD.

No, I'm not watching this.

At the Movies: Hole in the Paper Sky

PetSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:07 -0700

I've already mentioned another film on a controversial topic making its way around the festival circuit, and here is another: now it's animal testing. But this isn't a documentary showing you disturbing secret footage shot guerrilla style about things that go on behind closed doors. This film is brought to you by Jessica Biel, one of my favorite dog lovers! It's called Hole in the Paper Sky, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for Jessica to make considering the horrible feelings I've got in my stomach . . . just from watching the trailer!

The 30-minute-long short has already taken in two awards at the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival for Best Drama and Best Director, and I'm sure it will rack up plenty of others on its national tour. For festival dates where you can catch Hole in the Paper Sky check out Jessica's Myspace blog.

See the short, but moving – get your Kleenex ready! – trailer for Hole in the Paper Sky when you

At the Movies: Wiener Takes All

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:00:36 -0700

If there were any event I might want to see in person besides the World's Ugliest Dog Competition, it'd be a screening of Wiener Takes All! I've been hearing rumblings for weeks now about this new "dogumentary" that takes a behind-the-scenes look at competitive dachshund racing, and I finally found the trailer. While I definitely don't support dog racing of any kind, I've heard the film is packed with juicy bits of controversy – lying, cheating, steroids! – about this, well, controversial sport.

Since the dogs are oh-so-adoro, and they've been selling out all screenings during their recent Film Festival tour, I have a feeling Wiener Takes All must pack a pretty powerful pawful of information to be so popular. Check out the cute trailer for this indie film when you

Movie Trailer Sneak Peek: Hotel For Dogs

PetSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:00:45 -0700

This Hotel for Dogs isn't a swank, professionally-run doggie facility, but instead one started by two driven foster children just looking for a good home for their pooch, Friday. With Nickelodeon stars Emma Roberts (from Unfabulous) and Jake T. Austin (the voice of Diego on Go, Diego, Go!), the duo finds an abandoned hotel and their imaginations run wild! Check out the trailer to get a sneak peek – eyes peeled for a cutie pie smooshy named Georgia! – because the movie won't hit big screens 'til Jan. 16, 2009!

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Guess Who?

PetSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:30:05 -0700

This lovable Basset Hound stars in the new movie Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, what's her name in the books/film?

Can You Name Charlotte's Dog?

PetSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:00:37 -0700

The day is finally here - Sex and The City opens in theaters nationwide! I know we had a blast at the Sugar Premiere Party on Wednesday where I got a sneak peek at the soon to be blockbuster hit all you SATC fans have been waiting for. So, in celebration, I wanted to give you a little SATC trivia on the furriest member of the cast to see how well you know the show! Do you remember the original name of Charlotte's dog? And bonus – why couldn't she be shown?

Breaking News: Lucy, the Lucky Palm Dog Winner at Cannes!

PetSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:23 -0700

Four paws up to the super cute canine, Lucy, this year's lucky Palm Dog winner at Cannes! This mixed-breed pooch is part hunting dog and part retriever and was lucky enough to star alongside Michelle Williams in Wendy and Lucy. From what I can tell, the pup plays a major role in the film that follows their journey to Alaska, where Wendy hopes for a Summer of lucrative work at the fish cannery . . . until her car breaks down in Oregon, that is. Learn who accepted this award on her behalf when you

Forget About the Palme d'Or, What About the Palm Dog?

PetSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:30:48 -0700

With all the excitement of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival hitting the Sugar Network, we don't want to forget about our furry, four-legged actors and actresses out there in showbiz! Not only are animals key players in film, but they deserve an award all their own: The Palm Dog.

An event that began in 2001, The Palm Dog is taking place this year right along side heavy hitters like Angelina and Brad at the UK Film Pavilion at Cannes this Friday. Past Palm Dog winners include "Mops" from Marie Antoinette (2006), "Moses" from Dogville (2003), and "Otis" in The Anniversary Party (2001) which starred Jennifer Jason Leigh and her own pup, Otis!

Remember how excited we got about the Corgi-licious winners of The Fidos last fall? I've heard the pooch starring alongside Julianne Moore in Blindness is the early favorite this year! It's hard for me to say – 'cause I couldn't be with those lucky guests to see that opening premiere at Cannes. Sigh. Stay tuned – I'll bring you the winner list as soon as the ceremony wraps up.

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Guess Who?

PetSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:00:20 -0700

This dog is certainly legendary in my book, who is she?

The Scoop: London's Dog Walk of Fame

PetSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:00:36 -0700

As we were discussing our fave animals in film and TV, I discovered that London was way ahead of the game when it comes to honoring our favorite furry actors. London's Dog Walk of Fame, unveiled in November in the heart of Battersea Park, spotlights achievements by beloved animal actors. Founded by the Kennel Club and Sky Movies, the Dog Walk of Fame's goal is to honor the work and contributions of the world's scene-stealing pups of the silver screen.

Each year, the British public votes on a new four-legged star to induct into the walk of fame. Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies knows how important animals are to our lives, as well as film:

"Dogs were long-overdue a permanent celebration of their unique contribution to film history. The Dog Walk Of Fame will do just that. The first inductees into the Dog Walk of Fame - from Gromit to Lassie, Toto to Fang, share an indelible place in the hearts of film lovers of all ages.”

To see why this Walk of Fame is different from the one we know in Hollywood,

Reader's Choice Recap: Your Fave Animal Movies!

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:00:25 -0700

After I shared my 10 fave movies starring animals, I opened it up to all of you to suggest movies with animals that you loved. And, whoa, you had some awesome ideas! In addition to several Disney movies where animals played important roles, you picked other live-action hits (Dunston Checks In) and book adaptations (Because of Winn-Dixie), over 40 suggestions in total. Not only were several mousey must-sees missing, my forgotten favorite was The Fox and the Hound – how could I have left out that one?! To see what else I forgot

Reader's Choice: Share Your Fave Animal Movies With Us!

PetSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:00:52 -0700

After working through a list of my favorite animal movies, I realized there were a lot of great films I couldn't include in the top 10 — from Homeward Bound to 101 Dalmatians, there are many classics I simply love to watch again and again. Because it's nearly impossible to come up with them all on my own, I want you to share your favorite movies in your comments below. All I ask is that there is an animal playing a fairly large part in the movie, and next week I'll create a new list of all our fave flicks!

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Knut the Cute on the Big Screen!

PetSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:30:17 -0800

OK, so never mind that I can't understand anything that they're saying, the adorable footage says it all. Meet Knut und Seine Freunde (Knut and His Friends) starring the most famous white furball of all, lil Knut! The documentary not only follows this cub and his handler, but also shows us a Polar Bear family in the Arctic wilds — Maidu and her cubs Lasse and Linn – and two orphaned Brown Bear cubs in Belarus, Masha and Pasha. I can't wait to see more of Knutie the Cutie — be it in the rumored US animated film or this film, which opened in over 150 theaters in Germany today . . . and hopefully makes it stateside pronto!

Name That Movie!

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:30:00 -0800

Pets Portrayed in Films?

PetSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:18 -0800

From increased demand for particular animals like dalmatians or collies (that may later end up in shelters) to movies where particular breeds are portrayed to be exceptionally violent (Cujo, No Country For Old Men) and damaging their reputation, pets in flicks is a tricky sitch. On one hand, I can't imagine a movie with a killer Boston Terrier would make me fear North, but on the other I still flinch at swarms of birds. What do you think about the portrayal of animals in film — is the scene stealing worth the misconceptions?

Pets Portrayed in Films?

Does more harm than good.

Does more good than harm.

Equal parts of help and hurt.

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

No Animals Were Harmed During the Making of This Movie...

PetSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:00:23 -0800

I'll admit that the gory plotline of last night's big winner No Country For Old Men made the film not appeal to me — I'm a movie wuss at even the slightest hint of violence and bloodshed! However, despite the dark subject matter (which included the shooting of a dog), the set was monitored and detailed evaluations were given . . . no pups were hurt during the making of this film.

The American Humane Association (not to be confused with the animal protection organization, the Humane Society of the United States) has overseen movie sets since 1940 to make sure animal actors stay safe while portraying heroes, villains, companions, and comedians. Even in films (and commercials) where animals are shown in passing, this organization will be on set to monitor practices and offer ratings from unacceptable (where disregard for safety directly caused the injury or death of an animal) to outstanding. No Country for Old Men was awarded the "monitored: outstanding" designation meaning that AHA observed the filmmaking, screened the finished product, and cross-checked all animal action seen on screen, and offered it the end credit disclaimer of "No Animals Were Harmed."

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Would You Bring a Pet to the Movies?

PetSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:30:00 -0800

I've spotted a tiny Maltese secretly carried into a Columbus Circle theater and North loves to go to Film Night in the Park, but I can't imagine bringing bigger pups, cats, or naughty/noisy pets of any size to catch an indoor flick. Vienna's Admiral cinema has recently started a Doggy Day to compete with the new multiplex cinemas built nearby – for around $8 a (human) ticket, a pup can go in free and gets a blanket to make the seats more snuggly, too. I'm pretty sure this violates health codes here in the US, but let's pretend for a moment that it didn't – if you could, would you do it?Source

Would You Bring a Pet to the Movies?

Totes, he'd love to come with!

Paws-sibly...

Are you barking mad?

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

The Leading Lady of I Am Legend

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:30:09 -0800

The (other) star of I Am Legend was not discovered on the streets of NYC or at a Hollywood casting call – Abbey, the 3-year-old German Shepherd, who appears in this new film alongside Will Smith, was hand picked (and rescued) from a California kennel. Experienced trainer, Steve Berens, selected and offered three weeks of intensive coaching to the pooch before introducing her to the rest of the cast. While there may have been some "creative differences" at the start (she barked at Will when he first walked up), after a short while, the two became friends and traveled to New York together to shoot this film. She stepped up to the role of co-star with style and grace, performing beautifully throughout the shooting. The only thing she wouldn't agree to do was play fetch – a backup pooch had to be called in to do the deed for that scene. I guess that would be too dog-like for her! After the film wrapped, Will offered a touching description of leaving his co-star:

It was painful. She is way on another plane of connecting to what your energy is, what your feelings are, and protective. It’s beautiful.

I can't wait to check her big screen debut — the film opens today nationwide.

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How Well Do You Know Animated Mice?

PetSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:00:41 -0800

Hooray! Ratatouille comes out on DVD today, and to celebrate I've made a list of some of the most memorable rodents around. Think you know your animated mice and rats? Match each character's name with his or her feature film!

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The Queen's Corgis Sweep Fidos!

PetSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:00:56 -0700

Winning both the "Historical Hound" and "Best in World" awards, the Corgi stars of The Queen represented in royal fashion at The Fidos. Four of the five pooches – Anna, Poppy, Megan, Alice, and Oliver – who played the part(s) were present on the red carpet in England at yesterday's event, and are pictured above with Oscar winner, Helen Mirren. The other winners included pups from Year of the Dog ("Comedy Canine"), Shooter ("Blockbuster Bowser"), and short film, Dog Flap ("Cupcake Cinema").

These awards were produced by Toby Rose, also the producer of the prestigious Palm Dog award at the Cannes Film Festival. This event is the world's first international award ceremony exclusively for canine stars of the big screen, and marks the first time dogs have been allowed on the red carpet and into the National Film Theatre building in Southbank. Congratulations!

The Fidos Crown Top Dog From the Silver Screen

PetSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:44:40 -0700

Inspired by the Palm Dog, the canine version of the Palme d'Or award at Cannes each year, the BFI London Film Festival now presents The Fidos, the world's first international awards for dog stars of the big screen on October 28.

Up for grabs are awards in the following categories:

Historical Hound – a dog in a film set in bygone days.
Blockbuster Bowser – for achievement in an action flick.
Comedy Canine – the smoochiest pooch in a romantic comedy.
Cupcake Cinema – dogs in a short film.
Best in World – the top honour, for a top dog.

Among the nominees are dogs featured in movies like Molière and Control. My favorites are the five Corgis (Anna, Poppy, Megan, Alice, and Oliver) from The Queen. Their onscreen mama, Helen Mirren, already won an Oscar for her royal role... and, personally, I found the well-behaved, scene-stealing pups in the film to be worthy of an honor as well.