43
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Chicago TribuneMichael PhillipsChicago TribuneMichael PhillipsA surprisingly heartfelt father/son relationship, handled with restraint by director Todd Holland.
- Though it never completely catches fire, there's enough earnestness and warmth that makes it a welcome alternative in a family film arena dominated by computer animation and associated toy lines.
- 50VarietyJustin ChangVarietyJustin ChangLeaving no heartstrings untugged and no doggie-fart jokes uncracked, scruffy pic reps a very mixed breed of obvious humor, gently moving father-son drama and sub-"Backdraft" trial by fire.
- 50Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerSeattle Post-IntelligencerSean AxmakerThis larger-than-life cartoon of a trained dog has more character than the two-legged co-stars.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttThe Hollywood ReporterKirk HoneycuttNo best in show but a decent family comedy.
- 50The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisWorking with four interchangeable Deweys, the filmmakers create a sufficient number of lively stunts to keep the kiddies amused, though the film's wittiest moment -- a canine parody of Dudley Moore's first glimpse of Bo Derek in "10" -- will be appreciated only by their parents. In trying to straddle both age groups, however, Firehouse Dog proves decidedly less nimble than its furry star.
- 50New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanIf Firehouse Dog was on cable, where it belongs, it would make a passable diversion from homework or chores. But a kid would have to be pretty desperate to leave the house - and waste allowance money - for this modest distraction.
- 50Washington PostStephen HunterWashington PostStephen HunterFirehouse Dog goes into the marginally watchable category, aimed as it is toward the middlebrow family trade, preferably dog owners with their own Sparky slopping up the station wagon windows.
- 38New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithThere's too little dog and too much fire house in Firehouse Dog, a mild kid comedy that turns into a flaming arson mystery with some scenes that could be too scary for little ones.
- 25San Francisco ChroniclePeter HartlaubSan Francisco ChroniclePeter HartlaubPerhaps worst of all, the movie is painfully long.