Movie Review: Firehouse Dog

Suitable movies for children are few and far between these days, and finding one the whole family enjoys is almost impossible. Firehouse dog is one of the best rentals of the summer for children. It is suitable for preschoolers and preteens, perfect for families. While there are a couple of crude words that could have been left out of Firehouse Dog, it is otherwise a wholesome family movie. Parents will enjoy the fact that Firehouse Dog is a live action movie complete with actors and real scenery, as opposed to another animated film.

Josh Hutcherson, whose film credits include RV, Zathura, and The Polar Express, stars as the troubled preteen son of a firehouse captain, played by Bruce Greenwood. Firehouse Dog features a host of other recognizable actors and actresses including Steven Culp, whom many parents will remember as Bree's husband, Rex Van De Camp, on the hit series Desperate Housewives. Bree Turner who appeared in Just My Luck, starring Lindsey Lohan, Dash Mihok, from The Day After Tomorrow, and Bill Nunn, from The Runaway Jury. Mayte Garcia, Claudette Mink, Scotch Ellis Loring, Teddy Sears, and Hannah Lochner, all skilled actors and actresses with many television and movie appearances to their credit, round out the cast of Firehouse Dog.

Firehouse Dog is the story of Rex, a big-time Hollywood, action hero dog. The story begins when a movie stunt goes wrong and Rex is catapulted through the air at night, eventually landing in a tomato truck. In a series of twists and turns, Rex finds himself the pet of Shane, played by Josh Hutcherson, and also the unofficial firehouse dog of Dog Patch Station, a fire company struggling to stay open. Rex finds himself the town hero when he rescues a pretty blonde fire captain from another engine company, played by Claudette Mink, from certain death. Rex also helps Shane and his Dad reconnect after a hard year. While Rex has been accustomed to living the good life in Hollywood, he finds that being an actual hero is far more fulfilling than being an "actor".

Kids can learn valuable lessons by watching Firehouse Dog, as hard work and perseverance pay off big in the end for Shane and the firefighters at Dog Patch Station. Firehouse Dog is the perfect family night film. Parents can feel good about watching Firehouse Dog with their children (of all ages). Firehouse Dog won't disappoint, it is a feel good movie for kids and grown-ups alike.