I spotted this family film and I assumed it was made by Disney, it isn't, but I guess I was going to watch it and still give it a chance, as there have been the occasional dog hero films that have proved worth watching for me. Basically Rexxx the Dog (Arwen, Frodo, Rohan and Stryder) is Hollywood's top canine talent with a string of hit movies, stunt dog credentials and a line of cool doggy products, and naturally he is treated like a star diva. When lightning strikes the plane carrying him to another location, and landing in a truck of tomatoes, Rexxx winds up stranded and taken by a dogcatcher, and after getting out of this he is found by Shane Fahey (Zathura: A Space Adventure's Josh Hutcherson). At first the young boy is not all that interested in looking after a dog that is a little annoying and troublesome, but his father Connor (Bruce Greenwood) encourages him to look after the dog, wearing a tag with the name Dewey, this is what they call him. As time goes by Shane does find better friendship with "Dewey", especially as he has great agility, bravery and characteristics that make him unlike your regular dog. This bravery especially shows as a number of fires have been going on around the area, and Connor is the fire chief at the station Engine 55, also called the Dogpatch, and Rexxx proves reliable as a great smeller and rescue dog for the fire department. The filmmakers that knew Rexxx assume by the way that he died falling out of the plane, and held a funeral, but when they see the news report with their star dog on it they go to where he is and sadly have to take him back to where he belongs. Rexxx does escape though, and he goes to help the fire brigade as they tackle another fire, but Shane overhears a conversation by ruthless businessman Corbin Sellars (Matt Cooke) that this arson is a diversion. Sellars has been creating these deliberate fires around the area in order to buy the land, and the last place in the way of achieving this goal is the fire station, but in the end Rexxx, or Dewey, saves the day, the villain is caught, and the dog is allowed to stay with his new family. Also starring Sister Act's Bill Nunn as Joe Musto, Scotch Ellis Loring as Lionel Bradford, Mayte Garcia as Pep Clemente, Teddy Sears as Terence Kahn, Steven Culp as Zachary Hayden and Dash Mihok as Trey Falcon. The human actors do their parts reasonably, and the dog is obviously the cuddly and lovable star, the story suffers though with predictable material and a subplot that not everyone may be interested in, if you like animals (specifically dogs) then you will like this, but otherwise it is not something I would feel like watching again, a silly action comedy. Adequate!

Some of the people commenting on this movie really need to lighten up and learn to enjoy life! They must be awfully unhappy people.Other reviewers need to remember that this movie wasn't made for grown-ups looking for witty repartee and clever insults; it wasn't made for teens looking for sex, violence, and explosions, and it wasn't made for jaded, cynical people of any age. It was made for kids who are still kids, and for the adults who love them, and love seeing them happy.Personally, I loved this movie; it was charming and heartwarming without being saccharine, funny without being stupid. My kids are grown and moved out, but my two dogs sat and watched about 90% of this movie, so I guess they liked it. Sure, it was corny in places, but why does that have to be a bad thing? I will have to put this one on the list for the grandkids when they show up...Bruce Greenwood is a really under-rated actor; and does a great job playing a father who's not perfect, but one you could always count on. Josh Hutcherson also does well, considering he plays second fiddle to the real star of the movie, Rexxx/Dewey the Wonder Dog. The credits say his part was actually played by 4 dogs, and I assume their trainer was a "Lord of the Rings" fan. Regardless, the dogs are impressive with both their stunts and their "acting".Highly recommended film for families with kids and dog-lovers, young and old.

ref: I saw a similar one about a girl who denies her black African heritage and thus her mother until the mother dies and she weeps over the coffin - buckets. Sadly I can't remember the name of that film, one I'd like to see again someday.The movie you are thinking of is "Imitation of Life" with Lana Turner. Story about Sarah Jane who denies that she is born black ending with the subsequent death of her mother Annie who spends a lifetime attempting to love her daughter unconditionally. One of the best tear-jerker movies ever made (along with Brian's Song). Need plenty of tissues for each. This movie is definitely a keeper if you want the best in your library. I can't rave enough about "Imitation of Life"

My son was raving about this film (he's 10) and suggested I watch it with him-which I did. Outside of wanting to smack the previous owner of Dewey (nee' Rexxx) for looking 40 and sounding like a 20 year old wuss reading from a translation book titled "How To Sound Cool,Dude" to impress the "cool kids"-I liked the film. Was it believable? No, but come on-neither is making a star dog do a stunt jump from a plane-one would use a stunt dog-IF they were allowed. I was frankly shocked that even the concept wasn't lit upon by the ravinging extremist groups. Anyway, we have the basis of a film good for kids: family situation-single dad firefighter dealing with also the recent death of his brother-which promoted him to Captain and his son acting out over this-we have Silly Animal-hamming it up with cute looks, well placed dog fart noises and of course defecation. and then the fish outta water-female firefighter who is an extreme tomboy, and of course-the underdog (no pun intended) firestation that-GASP! will be closing down soon due to the decline in the area. The villain doesn't have a waxed, twirly mustauche, however I think this is done to keep us from figuring him out-outside of the whole guilty looks, giant sign pointing at him. We even have insight for the life of a pampered dog (3 tri-colored poodles waiting for him-yeah..............??). The movie is watchable, and the plot, although cookie cutter Hollywood style, is OK. Kids do enjoy it, even if you get sick of the reference of the dog critiquing the Firehouse cook's food creations visa ve pooping on it, it is a cute movie.