Chestnut: Hero of Central Park

Two sisters living in a stylish downtown apartment face life after becoming orphans, yet they cling to each other as their makeshift family. Ray, the protective elder, and Sal, the quick witted younger sister, stumble upon a big but gentle Great Dane and decide to bring him into their world in secret. The luxury building where they live forbids pets, so the girls improvise every day to keep Chestnut hidden from strict caretakers and curious neighbors. The story follows their clever schemes to feed, shelter, and care for the dog while balancing school, friendships, and the demands of grown ups who insist on rules. Through Chestnut they discover responsibility and belonging.

Directed by Robert Vince, Chestnut: Hero of Central Park is based on ideas by Anna McRoberts and Anne Vince. It fits the director's tradition of family friendly canine comedies and features a young Breslin in an early lead.

Audiences and critics alike generally receive the film as light entertainment that centers on resilience, teamwork, and the bond between kids and a pet. The themes of found family, responsibility, and compromise come through in Ray and Sal's choices, while the puppy's presence brings warmth without over complicating the premise.

Although not widely cited in mainstream pop culture, the film sits among mid 2000s kid friendly titles that highlight dogs as catalysts for growth. It also marks an early screen milestone for Abigail Breslin before her later breakout.