The all sub-plot story is a veritable self-help manual for tweenies-a sort of Se7en for ages seven-and-up-with greed, pride, sloth and envy bested by humility, team work and fair play.
Firehouse Dog (2007)
Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Theatrical Release: 20-07-2007
Synopsis: Rex, Hollywood's top-grossing canine, is known for his extreme athletic abilities and diva-like demeanor. His perks package, rivaling that of any A-list celebrity, includes Kobe beef, a poodle harem, and a diamond collar. Rex’s luck – and Hollywood high life – runs out while shooting a... Rex, Hollywood's top-grossing canine, is known for his extreme athletic abilities and diva-like demeanor. His perks package, rivaling that of any A-list celebrity, includes Kobe beef, a poodle harem, and a diamond collar. Rex’s luck – and Hollywood high life – runs out while shooting a commercial; an aerial stunt goes awry, leading Rex’s handlers to presume he’s dead. But Rex is merely lost – alone, filthy and unrecognizable in an unfamiliar city. Chased by animal control, he takes refuge in grubby abandoned lofts, a far cry from his former luxurious lifestyle. Shane Fahey (Josh Hutcherson), a bright but rebellious 12-year-old, has exasperated his father Connor (Bruce Greenwood) for the umpteenth time. A single parent and captain of the rundown inner city fire station known as Dogpatch, Connor is charged with inspiring the sad-sack company: veteran and firehouse cook Joe Musto (Bill Nunn), the super-fit and strong-willed mother hen Pepita “Pep” Clemente (Mayte Garcia), the exhausted family-man Lionel Bradford (Scotch Ellis Loring), and the calendar-worthy rookie Terence Kahn (Teddy Sears). The team is still coping with the recent loss of their former captain, Connor’s brother. Shane is also troubled by his uncle’s death, and he’s been acting out by ditching school. As Connor reprimands Shane for his unruly behavior, Dogpatch gets a call to put out a blaze tearing through the lofts where Rex has been hiding Trapped on the loft’s burning roof, Rex makes a death-defying leap and is rescued by Connor. Once they are safe on the ground, Shane is tasked with finding the mutt’s owner. The pompous, fastidious Rex and the troubled, messy Shane immediately clash. Unaware of Rex’s true identity, Shane becomes his reluctant new master. But his attitude changes when he discovers Rex’s spectacular skills, which the firefighters put to use during rescue calls. Inspired by the dog’s talent and courage, Dogpatch makes Rex its mascot. It’s just the boost the company needs – and what Shane and Connor need to help bring them together. But Rex’s fame has drawn the attention of his Hollywood handlers who want him back – while father and son face a deadly challenge from an unexpected source. -- © 20th Century Fox [More]
Genre: Childrens
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Bree Turner, Dash Mihok, Steven Culp
Screenwriter: Michael Colleary, Claire-Lee Lim, Mike Werb
Producer: Michael Colleary, Mike Werb
Composer: Jeff Cardoni
Reviews
Breezy, silly and energetic, this canine frolic won’t win top prize at Crufts, but it should offer an alternative to Pottered-out parents with young pups to please.
Firehouse Dog certainly won’t be the hottest thing to hit cinemas this summer.
The dog is as cute as you’d expect, while Hutcherson gives a characteristically believable performance. Adults may not be quite as enamoured, but Firehouse Dog should keep them awake to the end
As well as potty humour, this canine Backdraft has its share of adult moments. Mostly, though, it’s family fun, with Hutcherson showing he’s the go-to kid for sensitive loners.
It may sound like cute family entertainment, but the dog's no good - he's unappealing and looks depressed.
I myself growled and whimpered like an abused canine after a couple of hours of this sub-Lassie silliness, though the film threw me the occasional choc-drop in the form of a gag.
Todd Holland’s film manipulates the prickly issues with scant regard for emotional credibility. The sentimentality is ghastly, but Rex has his moments.
No matter how you hose it down, it's always gonna smell of wet dog.
Enjoyable, well made family drama with strong performances, an engaging plot, impressive action sequences and a decent script.
It may not set the box office on fire, but this canine caper is more agreeable than your average underdog tale.
The strong performances and sharp dialog more than make up for some corny effects.
A quietly moving story about a single Father and his Son. This decent film gets better as you watch it.
Neither memorable nor innovative, Firehouse Dog ekes out success by executing a familiar family film formula faithfully.
Even when the dog is real, he has about as much charisma as a wet sack
Perhaps the lesson to be learned is that just because we can use computer technology to give dogs goofy faces, that doesn’t mean we should.
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