Because of Winn-Dixie: Great Family Movie with Dave Mathews
watching with kids, experienced parent, looking for good, clean fun
| Pros |
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MAY
5
2008
2005
Rated PG for thematic elements and brief mild language.
Directed by Wayne Wang. (Smoke, Joy Luck Club, Anywhere but Here)
Because of Winn-Dixie is based on the book by the same title written by Kate DiCamillo.
Cast of Because of Winn-Dixie:
A young AnnaSophia Robb stars as the main character, Opal. Robb was absolutely fresh and delightful and it was no surprise to see her turn up next in The Bridge to Terabithia. Her father, "the preacher," is played by Jeff Daniels who I will forever think of as "Flap" from Terms of Endearment. Oh, how I loved to hate and hated to love the charming but unfaithful Flap! There was an excellent performance by Cicely Tyson, who was very involved in shaping the look and feel of her character, a blind and misunderstood neighbor. Other cast include Eve Marie Saint as local Miss Franny and musician Dave Mathews as Otis, a loner who works at a pet store and charms the animals with his music. Oh and of course, another star of the show was the lovable mutt, Winn-Dixie.
Synopsis of Winn-Dixie:
Opal, who was deserted by her mother as a young child, relocates to a new a town with her father, a small time preacher. On a trip to the grocery store, a lonely Opal, becomes determined to save an homeless dog from the dog catchers. In a scene reminiscent of the quick witted Annie naming "her" dog Sandy, Opal quickly claims the dog as her own and declares that his name is (zoom in to the grocery store sign) Winn-Dixie.
Her father reluctantly agrees to let her keep the dog only until a home is found. In a variety of ways Winn-Dixie leads Opal to friendships with other misunderstood loners in the community and rebuilds her strained relationship with her father.
Genre of Because of Winn-Dixie:
Because of Winn-Dixie is tagged as a Comedy, Drama and Family movie. I give this movie mild marks for comedy. This is not a laugh out loud film but there are many cute scenes including the dog-chases-a-mouse and everybody-chases-the-dog scene in the church. I do give this movie high marks for drama. There are conflicts and resolutions both big and small. I also give this movie two big thumbs up as a family film. It really is all about families- individual families, church families and community families.
Award Nominations for Because of Winn-Dixie:
Because of Winn-Dixie was nominated as Best Family Feature and AnnaSophia Robb was nominated for Best Performance by the Young Artist Awards.
Dave Mathews in Because of Winn-Dixie:
Musician Dave Mathews explains, with a busy music career and a history of turning down many movie scripts, why he chose to be part of Because of Winn-Dixie- "I was drawn to this project because I am a big fan of Wayne Wang's work. And I didn't want to play a musician. I sing just a little bit in the picture but I liked the chance to play an interesting role in a rich ensemble of characters." Mathews adds, "One of the big reasons was that I have twin daughters, and so the idea of doing a big film they might find somewhat interesting at some point in the next few years was cool." Along with his speaking role, Dave Mathews enhanced the film with his music in "Pet Store Humming," "Butterfly" and "Glory, Glory."
My Viewpoint:
Because of Winn-Dixie is a heart warming story with interesting characters and fine acting. This is a "feel good" movie for the whole family.
Because of Winn-Dixie is recommended by AngelaWLaFon
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