Shaggy dog story for kids

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

But though the bewigged doggy (or doggies, as four terriers shared the role of Rex) does well, Todd Holland's film can never decide whether to be a fantasy or a spunky picture of a fire station trying to avoid redundancy because of city cuts.

The result is one of those comedy-dramas that covers every possible option. It's at least 15 minutes too long and, as Rex becomes the prized possession of the Captain's rebellious boy, gives its non-canine cast the sort of screenplay that would make a genuine Irish terrier howl.

But one shouldn't be too harsh. The firefighting scenes are good, while Rex (Arwen, Frodo, Rohan and Stryder) emulates Lassie as a hero and Josh Hutcherson as the boy is more than adequate. Take the kids and have a nap in the dull bits.

Firehouse Dog
Cert: PG