This kiddie comedy is so overstuffed with heavy themes and convoluted plot lines that it barely manages to squeeze in the requisite gags about canine flatulence. The picture centers on a Hollywood stunt dog who gets lost and is reluctantly adopted by the grouchy son (Josh Hutcherson) of a fire captain (Bruce Greenwood), both of whom are grieving over the death of their firefighter relative. Neither actor looks embarrassed enough, especially when the dog defecates in a pot of soup.
