Firehouse Dog:
A barkingly clean and upbeat movie for kids

By Nicky Vanvalkenburgh

A Hollywood stunt dog named Rexx jumps from an airplane, and lands in a truck full of tomatoes. The botched movie stunt becomes the dog’s ticket to freedom, as Rexx discovers a down-on-its-luck firehouse and becomes their mascot. When the firehouse catches fire, Rex makes a death-defying leap into the Captain's arms. The Captain’s son, Shane (Josh Hutcherson,) becomes the dog’s reluctant new master. A friendship develops between Shane and the dog (an Irish Terrier.) Shane is amazed at Rexx's stunt skills, which the firemen put to use during rescue calls. Everyone is inspired by the dog's talent and courage, but trouble looms when Rexx's Hollywood handlers try to get him back.

There are plenty of heartwarming scenes in this movie, such as Rexx getting the beauty treatment, the dog’s skateboard antics and miraculous escape from a burning house. Elementary schoolers will laugh at Rexx’s skateboard antics, and it’s kind of funny when the dog burps and belches. If you have children ages 5 to 12, they’ll love Firehouse Dog.

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