Firehouse Dog

A DISTURBING scene in the final act of this routine family comedy finds Rexxx, a canine movie star, temporarily believed dead, reunited with the toads and lickspittles who run his career. He is directed towards a bed where three garishly dyed poodles await his amorous intentions.

Sorry? Have I got this right? We are being presented with an allusion to a four-in-the-bed love romp in a jolly kids' film? Later somebody makes a crack about a video featuring Rexxx and Paris Hilton's poodle. Now we know why he spells his name with a triple-X.

It would, to be fair, take a very grubbily minded infant to make a connection between Rexxx's erotic adventures and those of, say, Rob Lowe. Firehouse Dog is a decent, harmless picture intended for the sort of kid who will happily watch any old rubbish if it somehow involves a hairy quadruped.

After encountering a mishap during an aerial shoot, Rexxx parachutes towards an urban wasteland, which, though nominally in the US, abuts topography of suspiciously Canadian aspect. Adopted by a troupe of firemen, he goes on to save lives, attract media attention and - you've guessed it - heal a rift between father and son.

Given that the stunts are acceptable and the performances sound, it might seem a little mean-spirited to point out that none of the various plotlines meshes with any other. But even the youngest viewer may find himself wondering why the film-makers totally abandon any reference to the star's celebrity for the main body of the film to concentrate their attentions on a lame drama concerning real estate corruption. Any kid who finds that section entertaining should, perhaps, think about getting outside a bit more.