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
Firehouse Dog (2007)
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Reviews Counted:79
Fresh:31
Rotten:48
Average Rating:4.9/10
Consensus: Firehouse Dog’s cute premise is ruined with endless fart and poop jokes, and an overlong run time.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for sequences of action peril, some mild crude humor and language
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Childrens
Theatrical Release:Apr 4, 2007 Wide
Box Office: $13,881,654
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... 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]
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Bree Turner, Dash Mihok
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Bree Turner, Dash Mihok, Steven Culp, Mayte Garcia, Bill Nunn
Director: Todd Holland
Director: Todd Holland
Screenwriter: Mike Werb, Claire-Lee Lim, Michael Colleary
Producer: Michael Colleary, Mike Werb
Composer: Jeff Cardoni
Studio: 20th Century Fox
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Release:
Mar 17, 2009
Reviews for Firehouse Dog
Though it never completely catches fire, there's enough earnestness and warmth that makes it a welcome alternative in a family film arena dominated by computer animation and associated toy lines.
It may not set the box office on fire, but this canine caper is more agreeable than your average underdog tale.
'Firehouse Dog' is sure to please most youngsters despite its silly scenes showing an Irish terrier's pampered life as a movie star.
Neither memorable nor innovative, Firehouse Dog ekes out success by executing a familiar family film formula faithfully.
A quietly moving story about a single Father and his Son. This decent film gets better as you watch it.
It has one of the best -- if not always the most heartwarming -- dog-and-his-boy relationships since Lassie.
Firehouse Dog is a wholesome throwback to a time before computer animators made animals talk and penguins hogged the glory.
In a film that's effectively the canine version of Doc Hollywood, the title character learns to sift false from true values. It's barking up the right tree.
Firehouse Dog has good fire action, an engaging cast and enough vividly shot turns, surprises and bowwow reactions to hold the firm attention of pet lovers from age 5 on up. Go fetch.
A quality dramedy that knows how to satisfy its target audience. Rexxx is talented in tricks and stunts, but this is Josh Hutcherson's film all the way.
It's about a boy and his dog, and also about firefighters, and so I don't see how it's possible not to have warm feelings toward it.
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.
In Firehouse Dog a pampered Hollywood pooch trades his movie-star lifestyle for a run-down firehouse sadly in need of a mascot.
It's not animated.It's not Disney.It's not moronic.And, sadly, that might mean that the entertaining, worthwhile "Firehouse Dog" could go missing.
Despite a clunky start (and pedestrian filmmaking) the story has enough humour and heroics to amuse viewers of any age.
Enjoyable, well made family drama with strong performances, an engaging plot, impressive action sequences and a decent script.
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