Firehouse Dog Movie Review

Rating: PG

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Bill Nunn, Scotch Ellis Loring, Mayte Garcia

Director: Tod Holland 

Genre: Family, Action, Comedy

Violence: None

Profanity: Minor

Sex/Nudity: None

Recommended for: Dads and boys

Age Groups: 6 to 10 years

Release Date: April 4, 2007

Run time: 1 hour, 51 minutes

Firehouse Dog deals with father-son relationships, choices made between wealth and worth, overcoming perceptions, and dealing with grief. It is a heartwarming tale of a dog named Rexx, who, during the course of the movie, goes from being a world famous celebrity to a mascot for a firehouse. This wandering and misplaced pooch plays a crucial role in the lives of 12-year-old Shane Fahey (Josh Hutcherson), his father Conner Fahey (Bruce Greenwood), and that of the firehouse.

After a spell of bad luck, Rexx is seen, lost and filthy, hungrily roaming the streets of an unfamiliar city. He takes refuge in a loft, which is a far cry from the usual comforts of his celebrity home. Before long, the pampered pup is caught in a blazing inferno. Connor Fahey, captain of an inner city fire station, rushes to the scene to put the blaze out. In a heroic rescue, Connor saves the prized pooch and takes him home, and puts the dog under the care of his son, Shane. Shane, a rebellious kid, befriends the talented pooch once he realizes the dog’s special abilities. Rexx soon becomes the firehouse’s mascot, bringing new life to a decrepit fire fighting force.

Dads will love to watch this movie with kids since it addresses some very common parenting issues: the story has a single father trying to bridge the generation gap with his rebellious son; the canine helps them to bridge it. The movie also has some satirical elements that dads will enjoy. Todd Holland has crafted a movie that is humorous to watch, yet has suspense and action in it as well. It’s a movie that has a little something for everyone. Kids will love this lovable pooch’s antics. Be warned dads, your kids may start begging for a pet after watching this movie!