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Firehouse Dog
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTodd Holland
Written byClaire-Dee Lim
Mike Werb
Michael Colleary
Produced byMichael Colleary
Mike Werb
StarringJosh Hutcherson
Bruce Greenwood
Dash Mihok
Steven Culp
Bill Nunn
CinematographyVictor Hammer
Edited byScott J. Wallace
Music byJeff Cardoni
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release date
  • April 4, 2007 (2007-04-04)
Running time
111 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$17.3 million

Firehouse Dog is a 2007 American family film produced by Regency Enterprises and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Directed by Todd Holland, it stars Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, Dash Mihok, Steven Culp and Bill Nunn. It was released on April 4, 2007, in the United States. It received negative reviews for its scatological humor.

Plot

[edit]

Irish Terrier Dog superstar Rexxx lives the high life with adoring crowds, a loving owner and an array of best-selling blockbusters under his belt. Unfortunately, when his owner Trey tries to convince him to perform a skydiving stunt and Rexxx is airborne, a lightning strike causes the plane to malfunction. Rexxx tumbles from the sky, landing in a tomato truck. While Trey mourns his dog's apparent death and regrets his failure to treat Rexxx like a "real dog", Rexxx settles into an abandoned warehouse, desperately missing his owner.

Meanwhile, in the city of South Harbor in Lincoln County, Shane Fahey is mourning the death of his uncle, Capt. Marc Fahey, and Blue (The former "Firehouse Dog") after they were trapped in a fire in a disused textile mill. Realizing he forgot to study for a test, Shane ditches school, but is quickly caught by two other firefighters, Lionel and new recruit Terrence. Arriving at the fire station (known as 'Dogpatch', home to Engine 55 & Rescue 26) in disgrace, he is chastised by both driver Joe and his own father Connor, the recently promoted Captain, who is having problems of his own. The station is about to be closed due to a lack of funding and overall bad publicity. Before Connor can properly address his son's problems, Dogpatch is called out to a fire in a derelict apartment building. Due to a slow suit-up and Engine 55 having engine trouble, the team is the last to arrive and is put on standby by rival Greenpoint station Captain Jessie Presley. Shane notices a terrified Rexxx balancing atop the burning building; Connor manages to rescue him and orders Shane to put up "Lost Dog" flyers. Due to the name on his collar (a prop from filming at the time of Rexxx's accident), the station renames the dog Dewey and keeps him until someone claims him.

While city manager Zachary Hayden reminds Connor of the station's upcoming shutdown, Shane struggles to cope with Dewey's spoilt needs and strange habits. Realizing the dog is fast and active, Shane enters him in a firefighter's competition, where they are pitted against rival fire station Engine 24 Greenpoint. Although Dewey initially beats the other station's score, he is distracted by their Dalmatian, who reminds him of a female Dalmatian that broke his heart. Despite losing the competition, Shane and Dewey begin to bond.

The next morning, the station is called out to a tunnel collapse. Everyone has already been evacuated upon their arrival, but Capt. Fahey notices Captain Presley is unaccounted for and initiates a search. Connor rushes into the wreckage, and Shane, fearing for his father's safety, allows Dewey to run in after him. Dewey alerts Connor to Jessie's presence, saving her life. Following this, the station begins to gain popularity, as they realize Dewey could become a potential firehouse dog. Due to this change in circumstances, Zachary notifies them that the station is saved.

Shane's excitement disappears when he discovers his father has moved to his uncle's former office. Angered that his dad is apparently trying to take his uncle's place, he roots through the files, where he discovers an unnerving number of suspected arsons within the general area of the station. Upset that Shane felt he was being neglected, Connor makes an effort to reconcile with his son, and is shocked when Shane reveals that he feels guilty for being relieved that it was his uncle who died instead of his father. Later that night, Dewey is awarded a medal for his bravery at a firefighter's gala. However, the dog ends up reuniting with Trey upon spotting him among the attendees; Connor reluctantly allows an ecstatic Trey to keep the dog.

A few hours later, Dewey escapes Trey's hotel room to chase after the station's engine, which was called out to another fire on a garbage barge at the City Harbor. The team is only too happy to allow him to climb aboard. As they struggle to put the barge fire out, Shane returns to the station and discovers that the fire was simply a decoy, so that the suspected arsonist could burn the "Dogpatch" station to the ground. Panicking, he calls his friend JJ (Jessie's daughter) to figure out what to do, before hearing the arsonist's footsteps upstairs.

Ignoring JJ's warnings, Shane heads upstairs for a confrontation. To his horror, the arsonist is city manager Zach Hayden. Hayden wanted to destroy buildings in Engine 55's patch in order to build a football stadium for City Chief Corbin Sellars – killing Shane's uncle in the process. After the station's closure was denied, Zach felt he had no choice but to burn it down himself, but didn't know Shane was inside. The two are trapped in the burning building when Zach's incendiary device ignites; Shane loses consciousness and Zach is forced to leave the building prematurely.

Meanwhile, Dewey – sensing that Shane is in danger – races back to the station as Connor, having been alerted to the fire by Jessie, follows behind. Dewey finds Zach trying to escape, and traps him in a phone booth (which he also escapes from) before finding Shane. Dewey revives Shane by licking him and the two try to find a way out of the burning fire station. Connor arrives on the scene, only to find the station completely inaccessible. Hearing Dewey's barking, he eventually manages to break down the garage door and finds a terrified Shane. Shane manages to convince him to pass him his axe through some broken glass so he can try to break the hinges himself; this works and Dewey leads them outside where Shane manages to tell Connor about Zach's arson attacks before he is put on oxygen. Furious, Connor confronts Zach and Pep gets her own payback on him before the other Dogpatch firefighters hand him over to the police.

City Chief Sellars' scam is exposed and he is also arrested. Following the events of the fire, all the firefighters at the station are awarded medals, including Shane and Dewey. J.J. invites Shane and Connor to Baskin-Robbins with her and her mom, hinting at relationships between the four of them. Upon seeing how happy Dewey is with them, Trey allows Shane to keep him, adding that now that Dewey has been a true hero, he won't be content with just acting like one. Both Shane and Connor are overjoyed, with Dewey realizing his true potential as a firehouse dog. "Dogpatch" is repaired and restored from the fire damage it sustained, and Engine 55 receives a brand-new 900bhp engine. The team heads off to a grass fire with Dewey following behind.

Cast

[edit]
  • Josh Hutcherson as Shane Fahey
  • Bruce Greenwood as Captain Connor Fahey (Engine 55)
  • Dash Mihok as Trey Falcon
  • Steven Culp as City Manager Zachary "Zach" Hayden
  • Bill Nunn as Driver / Engineer Joe Musto, The Station Cook, Engine Chauffeur & Pump Operator (Engine 55)
  • Bree Turner as Liz Knowles
  • Scotch Ellis Loring as Firefighter Lionel Bradford (Engine 55 / Rescue 26)
  • Mayte Garcia as Firefighter Pep Clemente, The Station Mechanic (Engine 55)
  • Teddy Sears as Probie Firefighter Terrence Kahn (Engine 55 / Rescue 26)
  • Claudette Mink as Captain Jessie Presley (Engine 24)
  • Hannah Lochner as Jasmine "J.J." Presley
  • Matt Cooke as City Chief Corbin Sellars
  • Shane Daly as Firefighter Burr Baldwin (Engine 24)
  • Randy Triggs as Captain Marc Fahey (Engine 55)
  • Arwen, Frodo, Rohan, Stryder as Rexxx / Dewey The Dog

Production notes

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Release

[edit]

The film was filmed in 2005 but not released until April 4, 2007.

It grossed $3.8 million in its opening weekend for a 5-day total of $5.1 million. Firehouse Dog grossed $13.9 million in the United States and $3.5 million in other countries for a worldwide total of $17.4 million.

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on DVD on July 31, 2007.

Reception

[edit]

Firehouse Dog received mainly mixed to negative reviews from film critics. From 81 critics, it garnered 37% positive reviews on the film-critic aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. The site's consensus states: "Firehouse Dog's cute premise is ruined with endless fart and poop jokes, and an overlong run time."[2] The film garnered a score of 43/100 on Metacritic from 20 reviews.[3] Justin Chang of Variety called it, "A likable but ungainly mutt of a movie".[4] Ty Burr in The Boston Globe found "the human scenes in Firehouse Dog are perfectly acceptable on the level of a heartwarming family B-movie" but "that dog—or, rather, that digitally enhanced replicant—is just plain creepy".[5] While Carrie Rickey of The Philadelphia Inquirer called it "a touching, family-friendly entertainment about a dog and his boy",[6]

Chris Kaltenbach of The Baltimore Sun felt it was "too busy being inspirational and cuddly to be funny or pointed" and "plays out as though its plot was stuck in molasses".[7] Frank Lovece of Film Journal International capped his review by suggesting that, "Firehouse Dog should be put to sleep before it can do the same to audiences".[8] Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune (April 11, 2007) says: "Once it figures out it is more drama than comedy, "Firehouse Dog" exceeds your limited expectations....While the movie's ad campaign suggests wacky antics all the way, a surprisingly affecting and well-acted father/son relationship develops."

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Firehouse Dog is a 2007 American family comedy film directed by Todd Holland and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The story centers on Rex, Hollywood's top-grossing canine stunt star, who becomes lost during a film shoot and ends up at a rundown fire station in Washington, D.C., where he is mistaken for a missing Dalmatian named Dewey. Adopted by the station's captain and his reluctant son, Rex helps revitalize the struggling firehouse, uncovers an arson plot, and strengthens family bonds while facing attempts by his former handlers to reclaim him. The film stars as Shane Fahey, the captain's son who initially resents the dog but grows to appreciate his heroism, and as Captain Connor Fahey, a widowed fighting to keep his station open. Supporting roles include as Trey Falcon, Rex's handler, as the scheming city manager Zachary Hayden, and as Joe Musto, a at the station. The role of Rex (also known as Rexxx) was played by four Irish Terriers named Arwen, Frodo, Rohan, and Stryder, trained for the film's action sequences. Produced by with a screenplay by Claire-Dee Lim, Mike Werb, and , it was released in theaters on April 4, 2007, with a runtime of 111 minutes and a PG rating for action peril and mild crude humor. Upon release, Firehouse Dog received mixed reviews, praised for its heartwarming premise and the dogs' performances but criticized for juvenile humor and a predictable plot, earning a 36% Tomatometer score from 80 critics on . It grossed $13.9 million in the United States and $17.4 million worldwide against a modest budget, performing moderately at the during its spring run. The film highlights themes of redemption, teamwork, and the bond between humans and animals, making it a staple in family-oriented cinema about heroic pets.

Synopsis

Plot

Rexxx, a renowned Hollywood stunt dog and celebrity, is filming an action sequence aboard a small aircraft during a promotional shoot when a severe storm causes the plane to crash, separating him from his trainer and leading to his presumed death. Disoriented and injured, Rexxx seeks shelter in an abandoned warehouse that suddenly catches fire; he leaps to safety into the arms of firefighters from the struggling Station 55, known as Dogpatch, a rundown facility facing imminent closure due to budget cuts and poor performance. The dog, mistaken for a stray, is temporarily taken in by 12-year-old Shane Fahey, the resentful son of the station's new captain, Connor Fahey, who is also grappling with grief over the recent death of his brother in a suspicious fire. Shane, exhibiting behavioral issues including skipping school and clashing with his father, names the dog Dewey after the tag from his acting role and is initially tasked with caring for him while trying to locate his owner. Despite early tensions—marked by Dewey's spoiled habits and Shane's reluctance—a bond forms between the boy and the dog as Dewey demonstrates his and , first by aiding in the of a trapped during a call, which garners positive media attention and temporarily boosts the station's morale. Inspired by this, Shane and Dewey begin training together for the annual Firehouse Dog Competition, hoping a win will secure funding to save Dogpatch from shutdown ordered by Zach Hayden. As their partnership deepens, Shane opens up about his guilt over his uncle's , improving his attitude, academic performance, and relationship with Connor, while Dewey adapts from pampered to dedicated team member. The duo's investigations into a series of local arsons, initially suspected to be random, reveal a sinister plot orchestrated by Hayden, who is intentionally setting fires to discredit the station and facilitate its closure for a lucrative development project. In the climax, Shane confronts Hayden at the station during a deliberately ignited blaze intended as the final act in the scheme; trapped amid the flames and collapsing structure, Shane is heroically rescued by Dewey and Connor, who expose Hayden's crimes with evidence from the dog's keen senses. With Hayden arrested and the ring dismantled, is saved, receiving renovations and renewed community support. Dewey, reclaimed briefly by his Hollywood handler, chooses to stay as the official mascot, solidifying the Faheys' reconciliation and marking Shane's growth into a more responsible young man.

Cast

The principal cast of Firehouse Dog features as Shane Fahey, the reluctant teenage son of the who forms a bond with the stray .https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ portrays Connor Fahey, the dedicated facing challenges to keep his station operational.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ Dash Mihok plays Trey Falcon, an arrogant rival firefighter from a competing station.https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/firehouse_dog/cast-and-crew Steven Culp appears as Zach Hayden, the scheming city manager serving as the film's primary antagonist.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ is cast as Joe Musto, the supportive deputy chief at the .https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ Supporting roles include as Liz Knowles,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ as Jasmine "J.J." Presley, a young girl connected to the station,https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ and Scotch Ellis Loring as Lionel Bradford, a at Engine 55.https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/firehouse_dog/cast-and-crew The central animal role of Rexxx (later renamed Dewey) is performed by four Irish Terriers named , Frodo, Rohan, and Stryder.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476995/fullcredits/ These dogs, trained by Ursula Brauner of Boone's Animals for Hollywood, underwent preparation for various stunts including skateboarding, agility courses, and fire rescue simulations to depict the character's heroic actions.https://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2007/firehouse_dog.htmhttps://dailybruin.com/2007/04/11/puppy_love

Production

Development

The development of Firehouse Dog began with an original concept pitched by Claire-Dee Lim, who sought to create a family-friendly "dog movie" and approached her former UCLA classmates, writers Mike Werb and , to collaborate on the . The trio co-wrote the script, which centered on a pampered Hollywood canine finding purpose in a struggling , highlighting themes of heroism, bonds, and the value of animal companionship as a unifying force. Following the script's completion, Mike Werb, one of the co-writers, recruited his friend and colleague to direct, drawing on Holland's experience with family-oriented projects such as episodes of the television series and the film . Holland, motivated by his affection for dogs and interest in stories of redemption and community, accepted the role, viewing the project as an opportunity to blend humor, action, and heartfelt moments suitable for all ages. The film was produced under , with and Mike Werb serving as key producers alongside Michael J. Maschio, and 20th Century Fox handling distribution as a mid-budget family comedy. Pre-production planning in 2005 focused on casting and animal selection to support the story's emphasis on relatable human-animal dynamics. For the child lead role of Shane Fahey, Regency executives recommended Josh Hutcherson shortly after his work on their recent production Little Manhattan, citing his ability to convey emotional depth in youthful roles. The titular dog character, Rexxx, was portrayed by four Irish Terriers—named Stryder, Frodo, Arwen, and Rohan—chosen after auditions with trainers to ensure the breed's energetic, loyal traits aligned with the heroic arc, marking a departure from traditional Dalmatian firehouse mascots. Production preparations culminated in filming commencing later that year, setting the stage for the film's blend of live-action and visual effects.

Filming

Principal photography for Firehouse Dog took place from September 18, 2005, to December 20, 2005, primarily in and , , which served as stand-ins for an American city. The fire station scenes were filmed at 455 Cherry Street in , where production constructed interior sets, including a garage, to depict the rundown 17 station. The role of Rexxx/Dewey was portrayed by four Irish Terriers named Arwen, Frodo, Rohan, and Stryder, each trained extensively for stunts such as jumping through obstacles and navigating simulated fire environments while ensuring their safety. American Humane Association monitors oversaw the animals' welfare, confirming no harm occurred during production. To achieve family-friendly realism in action sequences, the film relied on practical effects for fires and explosions, including flame bars and fire paste positioned at least five feet from the dogs, with pathways cleared of debris before animal involvement. Despite the complexities of coordinating animal performances and outdoor shoots, wrapped efficiently, contributing to the film's final runtime of 111 minutes. followed, culminating in the film's theatrical release on April 4, 2007.

Music

Score

The original score for Firehouse Dog was composed by , an American composer known for his work on television series such as CSI: Miami and Entourage, as well as feature films including Just Friends. Cardoni's scoring style in this project emphasizes uplifting orchestral elements, drawing from his experience with comedic and dramatic narratives. The score features key motifs tailored to the film's family-friendly tone, including energetic action cues reminiscent of composers like , employed in fire rescue sequences such as "Conner Rescues Shane" and "Loft Fire" to heighten tension and heroism. Playful, light-hearted sections with urban percussion, electric guitars, and pan-flutes underscore the dog's comedic antics, as heard in tracks like "Rexx Meets Shane." Sentimental piano-driven passages support emotional bonding moments, evident in cues like "Trey Takes Back ," balancing humor and heart without overpowering the 111-minute runtime. Composed and recorded during , the fully orchestral score was integrated with sound effects to evoke the firehouse's bustling ambiance, ensuring seamless support for the narrative's blend of excitement and warmth. Cardoni's approach prioritizes restraint, avoiding excessive bombast to maintain the film's accessible, undemanding energy. The score briefly complements featured songs in transitional scenes, enhancing key emotional beats. While the score received no major awards, it has been praised for its enjoyable and surprisingly exciting contributions to the story's momentum.

Soundtrack

The official soundtrack album for Firehouse Dog, titled Firehouse Dog (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released on April 3, , by Lakeshore Records, compiling 18 tracks with a total runtime of 54 minutes and 37 seconds. The album features a selection of vocal songs integrated into the film's narrative, blending licensed tracks and original compositions to enhance key moments. Prominent tracks include "Count on Me" by The Meadows, which accompanies a promotional featuring the film's canine and underscores themes of companionship. "Lost Till I Found You," written and performed by Scotch Ellis Loring, serves as the closing theme song, playing over the end credits to highlight the emotional resolution of the story. Additionally, "," a cover of the classic by performed by Left Alone, energizes an action sequence involving the dog and firefighters. Other notable songs on the album include "The Envy" by Melissa Ritter and Doug DeAngelis, and "Stop Press" written and performed by John Cameron, both of which appear as licensed cues to support the film's adventurous tone. The soundtrack also incorporates instrumental score tracks by composer , which seamlessly underscore transitions into the vocal songs. The album was initially released on and later made available on digital platforms such as and , primarily supporting the film's marketing efforts without achieving significant commercial chart success.

Release

Theatrical release

Firehouse Dog was released theatrically on April 4, 2007, by 20th Century Fox in a across the and , opening in 2,860 theaters. The film received a PG rating from the of America for sequences of action peril, some mild crude humor, and language, making it suitable for a family audience, particularly children, timed for the and holiday period. No major film festivals or red-carpet premieres were associated with its debut, focusing instead on broad accessibility for young viewers and families. The movie's opening weekend generated $3,838,916 in domestic ticket sales over the traditional three-day period from to Sunday, placing it in the top ten at the . Benefiting from the extended holiday, the five-day cumulative gross reached $5,101,907, reflecting strong initial interest from demographics during the seasonal break. Marketing efforts centered on trailers that showcased the dog's action stunts and heartwarming themes to appeal to pet-loving audiences and promote themes of heroism and . The campaign aligned with broader initiatives encouraging fire safety awareness and responsible pet adoption, as highlighted by contemporaneous announcements from organizations like the . Internationally, the film was released in select markets, including the starting April 25, 2007, earning a total of $3.5 million outside the . It was followed by a home media release on DVD in 2007.

Home media

The DVD release of Firehouse Dog occurred on July 31, 2007, through 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, available in both (anamorphic 1.85:1 ) and full-screen editions with 5.1 surround audio, including English, French, and Spanish tracks. The disc featured a range of special content aimed at family audiences, including the "Dog Treats" featurette series with segments on such as "Tricks of the Trade" and "Stunt Dogs: Who Protects Them?", a look at the production titled "Firehouse Dog: A True Hollywoof Story", additional featurettes like "Firehouse Tour" and fire safety public service announcements, deleted scenes with optional director commentary, and tips for in "A Friend for Life: Dog 'Shopping' Tips". No official Blu-ray edition has been released, with the film remaining exclusive to DVD formats in . Following Disney's 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the movie became available for digital streaming on Disney+ in multiple regions, enhancing accessibility for international viewers. sales performed strongly, with the DVD selling over 242,000 units in its first week for approximately $4.8 million in the U.S., contributing to robust family rental demand. International variants included localized editions in Europe, such as the DVD with region-specific previews and packaging.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Firehouse Dog received mixed reviews from critics, who praised certain elements of its family-oriented appeal while critiquing its uneven tone and execution. On , the film has a 36% approval rating based on 80 reviews, with an average score of 5.1/10; the consensus describes it as a "cute premise... ruined with endless fart and poop jokes, and an overlong run time." Similarly, assigns it a score of 43 out of 100 based on 20 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reception, with reviewers divided on the balance between its comedic and dramatic elements. Positive feedback often highlighted the performances, particularly Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of the Shane, and the charm of the titular . Justin Chang of Variety noted the "affecting father-son reconciliation scenes" and commended Hutcherson and for delivering emotional depth amid the film's lighter moments, describing it overall as a "likable but ungainly mutt of a movie" with touching bonding. Carrie Rickey of called it "a touching, entertainment," appreciating its themes of reconciliation and heroism suitable for young audiences. The 's antics, played by four Irish terriers, were frequently cited as a highlight, providing visual appeal and humor that endeared it to children despite the script's flaws. Critics commonly faulted the film for its reliance on scatological humor and a contrived plot that strained credibility. Chang in Variety pointed out the overuse of "doggie-fart jokes," which undermined the more sincere dramatic beats, while the 111-minute runtime exacerbated pacing issues, making the narrative feel dragged out and predictable. The film garnered no major awards but received minor recognition at youth-oriented events, including nominations at the 2008 Young Artist Awards for Best Family (Comedy) and Best Performance in a by a Supporting Young Actress for .

Box office performance

Firehouse Dog grossed $13.9 million in the United States and Canada, and $3.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $17.4 million. The film opened in 2,574 theaters and earned $3.8 million in its first weekend, ultimately expanding to a wide release of 2,881 theaters during its domestic run. The production budget for Firehouse Dog was not publicly disclosed by Regency Enterprises or 20th Century Fox, though estimates place it between $10 million and $15 million, consistent with mid-range family comedies produced by Regency during that era. Released on April 4, 2007, the film achieved a modest box office performance amid a competitive spring season, where it faced established hits like Blades of Glory, which debuted with over $33 million the following weekend. Despite a significant marketing campaign from Fox targeting family audiences, Firehouse Dog underperformed relative to expectations, partly due to mixed critical reception affecting word-of-mouth. Ancillary revenue, particularly from home media sales, significantly bolstered the film's overall profitability for 20th Century Fox, with domestic DVD sales alone estimated at $17.9 million. As of 2025, no re-releases or special anniversary events for the film have been announced; it is available for streaming on Disney+.

References

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