A pampered Hollywood pooch rescues an inner-city station house from closure in the catch-all family comedy Firehouse Dog (Fox). The exploits of multitalented canine Rex aren't matched by any human being in or behind this relatively long movie.
Director Todd Holland is faced with trying to cram three distinct movies into one: a Hollywood parody, a murder mystery and an action adventure. The movie's choppy first half is broken up by numerous flashbacks and, denied the opportunity to focus on one plotline, viewers may wander off.
Star of such fictitious hit movies as Jurassic Bark and The Fast and the Furriest, Rex goes missing while filming an aerial stunt and is found by 12-year-old Shane (Josh Hutcherson). Shane's father, Connor (Bruce Greenwood), is captain of Engine Company 55, a group of stereotypical bumblers slated to be disbanded.
After a difficult getting-to-know-you stage, Rex is adopted as mascot. He helps whip the underdog company into shape, improving their response time and morale. His heroics include rescuing a downed firefighter and nabbing the arsonist responsible for the death of Shane's fireman uncle. He even does housework.
Naturally, all this has a positive effect on Shane's rebellious behavior and brings single father and son closer together. Yet a heavy burden is placed on Rex's capable shoulders; figuratively speaking, he's asked to put out too many fires.
The few laughs in Firehouse Dog are derived from spoofing showbiz. Adults planning to have youngsters in tow should be forewarned about the degree, if not amount, of toilet humor. Rex suffers from flatulence which, on one foul occasion, goes beyond inoffensive. There's some cruder than expected language and an unnecessary strain of sexual innuendo, albeit in reference to canines. For these reasons and because of the movie's structural defects, Rex can't give Rin Tin Tin, Lassie or Benji a run for their money.
The film contains mild crass language and humor, scenes of action peril and one brief instance of physical violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
