My Dog Skip (2000)

This boy-and-his-dog movie, a nonpareil family film, is, as one of the characters so aptly puts it, "a heartbreak waiting to happen." Frankie Muniz, winning over audiences in the TV series Malcolm in the Middle, has competition in My Dog Skip--Skip himself (adorably played by a total of six Jack Russell terriers). Muniz, an inveterate charmer, stars as Willie Morris (from whose memoir the film is adapted), a gawky, awkward boy growing up during World War II under an overly protective father (Kevin Bacon). When his mom (Diane Lane) gives him Skip on his 9th birthday, his life is changed in every way for the better. Previously disinterested peers become pals, and he experiences puppy love with a girl named Rivers (Caitlin Wachs). There are plenty of high jinks and rah-rah touches of Americana, and the film also attempts to deal with sophisticated emotions--Willie's boyhood hero turns out to be less than heroic--but its devastating emotional core comes, simply and obviously, with Skip's eventual aging and demise. Dog lovers will be wiped out; those who don't care for canines shouldn't even be bothering to read this review. (Ages 8 and older) --David Kronke Amazon.com

Read the book first!

This is a great movie, but like most I didn't care for the ending of it. After seeing the movie, I read the book which the movie was based on. The movie takes a few liberty's, increases the importance of the other characters and some of the story line. In the movie, at the end, they show Willie getting on a bus heading for England. Skip is sitting next to Willie's parents. He gives his mom a hug and just gets on the bus, he doesn't pick-up Skip or doesn't say anything to him. There is no way that would have happened in real life. Willie knew he would never see him again. I read the book basicly to see how it ended, and it wasn't like the movie. I am not sure why they didn't use the books ending. I am only giving it 4 stars because of the ending. December 17, 2008

Wonderful Story, Until...

I know better than to watch movies about dogs, or animals in general. If it is a true story, or based on fact, the dog dies at the end. I cry enough over my own dogs. I don't need to subject myself to added pain. I never could stand to watch "Lassie" TV shows even though they had happy endings, just because the story line would stress me out too much.

I made the mistake of watching this movie not too long ago. It is a wonderful story based on fact. The first 45 minutes I would recommend to anyone for a pleasant, family movie. The ending I would not recommend to anyone who is especially sensitive, whether they be child or adult. I found the ending to be cruel compared to the rest of the story.

Yes, I know kids have been growing up for years and leaving childhood pets behind while they go off to school. Do I have to be subjected to it in a movie? I had a dog myself from age 10 to 27. She was 17 when I lost her and the longest I ever left her was 2 months. I think it is cruel to be tricked into the wrenching emotions of watching an aging dog be left behind by the boy who grew up. And we are told Willie gets a transatlantic phone call to tell him Skip died. Thanks. What a nice ending. Not.

This movie deserves 4-5 stars for being a well-made, quality movie. But I give three stars for my own personal reasons. I should have known better. Once and for all I am sworn off all animal movies and books.
November 14, 2008

My Dog Skip--movie

My Dog Skip is a very poignant tale about the love of a dog and how it changes a boy's life. Skip seems to effect everyone in a positive way and is loved by an entire town. This movie is entertaining and enlightening at times, but is meant more for adults than children. For a period piece set in the 1940's it is very accurate. All the actors do a stellar job. My Dog Skip is one of the best films I have ever seen and I am glad I purchased it. July 25, 2008

One of my favorites

This little known movie is so awesome if you are a dog lover and it may bring you to tears as we know that dogs have a much shorter life span than us humans (10-15yrs for most dog breeds). It is a heart warming story that may remind you of your childhood and your first dog as a kid. Kevin Bacon and Frankie Muniz are great as Father and son and the dog is pure joy and as mischevious as any puppy or child. April 1, 2008

Good movie for all ages

This is my son's favorite movie of all time. He is 13. I bought it for him for Christmas this year and it was pretty hard to tell wether he liked this better or the laptop he got, lol. It really is a good movie that is suitable for all ages. December 31, 2007

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