NOW IN THEATRES

FIREHOUSE DOG

Rated PG

Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Dash Mihok

Brian’s Rating   

I can honestly say that I have rarely seen a movie whose storyline was built around a dog that I didn’t like. I don’t care if it’s Beethoven 12 or Cujo. If it has a dog in it, and the dog is an essential part of the story, chances are I’m going to like it.

So, why didn’t I like Firehouse Dog? Well, first of all, I didn’t care much for the dog, some kind of terrier whose role calls for him to wear a hair piece. The beast is clever, but he’s not cute. Second, the kid who befriends him is just a sullen, petulant, rotten little punk and I had a hard time even liking him must less sympathizing with his plight. Next, the story has so many moving parts that it gave me cerebral whiplash. And finally, Firehouse Dog is nearly two hours long which is way too long for a five year old to sit in a movie theatre without mischief.

There are plenty of other options currently in theatres, so I suggest you skip this one until it comes out on DVD.