Because of Winn Dixie (2005)

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

Great movie

A perfect pair for my daughter (8). She watched the movie first and then read the book. She enjoys comparing them. November 24, 2007

I'm Gonna Call My Dog "Walmart"!!

There are two true stars of this wondrous family movie from 2005 - the Dog, and Dave Matthews. Yes, THAT Dave Matthews (of the Dave Matthews Band). Here, he is given a couple of plaintive guitar solos in his pet shop, and it actually works. Being a DMB Fan, it was sort of ironic to see one of my favorite musicians sitting on the ground next to pigs and rabbits, with a dog and a little girl for an audience, and as 'Otis', his role here is not very well written either. But he is a revelation in the screen time he does have, because I really think he has that *it* factor which makes him watchable no matter what.

Thankfully, this is no Disney flick. So themes of separation, broken families, lies, betrayal and young loneliness are all given due importance. This was crucial to whether the film worked or not, and here it works in spades. The best part is the dog - and yes, they do make him cute and fluffy here and there, but the beast itself looks more like a rough worn horse, and this works as well.

The lead actress isn't exceptional, but brings a light, warm freshness to her role that maybe other actresses could not have. She is India Opal here, a motherless child who has no friends, and her immediate friendship with stranger mongrel 'Winn Dixie' forms the basis of this sweet story.

Like all kid-and-their-dog movies, the duo make new friends (an old woman, an old man, etc) and there is a lost-and-found segment that also seems cliched, but hey, this is solid family entertainment that is absolutely suitable for any age group. I like that there are some movies only full of positive messages for young kids, and this is surely one of them. A rarity these days. November 13, 2007

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