Chestnut: the Hero of Central Park
By Jessica S. Schepler
Apr 8, 2008, 21:30
Chestnut: the Hero of Central Park
Starring Barry Bostwick, Irene Olga Lopez, Justin Louis, Ethan Phillips, Maurice Godin, Christine Tucci, Makenzie Vega, and Abigail Breslin.
Directed by Robert Vince.
Copyright 2004, Miramax Films.
Rated G, 1 hour 27 minutes long
Reviewed by Jessica S. Schepler
There is nothing in the world that young orphan Sally Ann (played by Makenzie Vega) wants more than a dog. She and her sister Ray (played by Abigail Breslin) pray for one each and every day. God seems to answer their prayers and the two young girls find a Great Dane puppy left in the road near the orphanage. After Sally Ann risks her life to save him from oncoming traffic, the girls hide the puppy, who they name Chestnut, at the convent where they live.
After learning that they have been adopted by Matt and Laura Tomley (played by Justin Louis and Christine Tucci), the girls sneak Chestnut into their luggage, planning to tell their new parents about the puppy after they settle into their new home in New York City. Unfortunately, the children discover that not only is their new father allergic to dogs, but their upscale New York apartment building has a very strict "no dogs allowed" policy.
Hilarity ensues as the girls and their family's house-keeper Rosamaria (played by Irene Olga Lopez) find increasingly creative ways to hide, feed, walk and potty-train Chestnut as he grows to full size. Unfortunately, the pony-sized dog is discovered when he chases the two devious men who abandoned him by the orphanage through the apartment building.
After the owner of the apartment building (played by Barry Bostwick) orders the Tomleys to get rid of the dog, young Sally Ann runs away with Chestnut and hides with him in Central Park. With Chestnut no longer in the residence to protect the occupants, the two devious men execute their plan to break into the apartment building.
I knew I was going to love this movie from the opening scene where you see Sally Ann giving obedience commands to what appears to be a dog. As she is teaching the dog to sit, stay, shake hands, etc., the camera angle shifts and you realize that the "dog" is actually her younger sister Ray. The girls are only playing. Unlike most children's movies, most of the dialogue in this movie seems genuine and believable. The acting by young Makenzie Vega and Abigail Breslin is fantastic.
Partially the result of good writing, and partially the result of good chemistry and great acting, Chestnut transforms what could have been a predictable children's movie into great film that will entertain and warm the hearts of anyone who has ever yearned for a pet as a child. This is a funny, entertaining film that is suitable for all audiences. I highly recommend it.
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