Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)

Some people think "family entertainment" is an oxymoron, but even they might enjoy Because of Winn-Dixie. This straightforward story of a girl and her dog is simple without being simplistic, heartfelt without being sappy, and thoughtful without being ponderous. Opal (Annasophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, who manages the near-impossible feat of being cute without being cutesy) can't make any friends in the small town of Naomi until she hooks up with a dog that's running loose in a supermarket. She spontaneously names him after the store and soon the dog is leading her into unexpected places--a pet store, where she meets an awkward musician (Dave Matthews); a library, where she meets a librarian with as many stories as books (Eva Marie Saint); and into a house shrouded with underbrush, where she meets a blind old woman who sees with her heart (Cicely Tyson). This could have been sentimental glop, but director Wayne Wang (Smoke, The Joy Luck Club) and a restrained script draw honest emotions from the actors and an eerie beauty from the Florida landscape; this one of the few family movies that captures the childhood sense that everyday life can be mystical. Also starring Jeff Daniels (The Purple Rose of Cairo, Something Wild) as Opal's minister father. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

I believe this one will be a classic

This is one of the best children's book that I have read in a long time. I read books prior to giving them to my 9 year old grand daughter, or we read books together for the fun of it.

This story is so clever that we both liked it. As an adult it was just as entertaining for me as it was for a 9 year old. The characters are charming, clever and endearing. The diaglogue flows along easily and is very witty. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to see the movie. Hope the movie is as good. October 13, 2008

Nice little adaptation of the book

I'm weird about great books being turned into movies. While I consider "Winn-Dixie" to be one of those stories better left as a film, it still turned out truly darling. Anna-Sophia Robb is a cute and talented little actress (and I must say how impressed I am about the path her career is goin) and she is able to pull off the character of the precocious and adorable India Opal. Still, as great as the cast is, the story is a little awkward on film--what is sweet on paper needs to be careful about the cheesy line on the big screen. I'm a little reluctant to recommend this to fans of the books just because this movie could go either way of opinion. But, for all it's worth, I liked it and thought it was a decent tribute to the great book. September 27, 2008

The Dog Saves It From Being NO Star

Too much little girl and not enough dog. This movie should have been titled 'Because of Opal'. Plot excruciatingly dull. Very unsubtle proselytizing. Truly unpleasant movie masquerading as a feel good flick. I only gave this film one star because I love dogs, otherwise, it deserves NO stars.
What a stinker! April 4, 2008

Because of Winn-Dixie, a winner

If you enjoy family movies like "Second-Hand Lions" be sure to catch this one. It has an "Andy Griffith" feel to it. An excellent cast with great acting by young and old alike and includes some well known stars. The story centers around a young girl finding a dog going crazy in a Winn-Dixie and taking it home. What happens after that almost seems magical in a warm-hearted story about a small towns people and how they all come to love a dog. This dog has a true doggy smile that will likely crack you up a few times, but especially when he does it at the pratfalls of the sheriff played by Harland Williams.

Great acting and wonderful story make this DVD a keeper for the whole family. I bought it sight unseen based on reviews here and I am glad I did. This is a must see movie for animal lovers. The price was good and this is a very entertaining family movie that has good replayability. Good quality picture and sound and includes basic extras. I recommend this as a purchase since you will many times recoup the $10 in sound family enjoyment. If you enjoy movies that include a wonderful character narration and respects everyones intelligence, get this. January 9, 2008

****** BEST MOVIE - Ordered to have a family get together movie

I saw this movie and it is very good. The characters blend to create a story that is full of feeling, showing that each person has needs and desire to find happiness.

I could watch this movie a dozen times and it would be difficult to say which part of the movie or character is my favorite.

ATTN PARENTS: The storyline has meaning, is about compassion and understanding, how to be a good friend --- is what it is about.... great for all ages.

A MUST SEE MOVIE!!!

December 7, 2007

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