2009 VIP
AngelaWLaFon
Big Island, VA
Because of Winn-Dixie: Great Family Movie with Dave Mathews
5 star rating

watching with kids, experienced parent, looking for good, clean fun
Pros

    Great Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Dave Mathews, Eve Marie Saint, Universal themes of love, acceptance


MAY
5
2008
 
 

Because of Winn-Dixie — 

Because of Winn-Dixie

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.



I_thumb_up Because of Winn-Dixie is recommended by AngelaWLaFon

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about AngelaWLaFon’s Review

 


DUISparky wrote on Jul 24, 2008 at 1:19PM

One of my daughter's favorite movies. I've only seen it once, but she's watched it numerous times (at her mom's). I thought it was pretty well done, just a touch of humor and a good message. I really enjoyed Cicely Tyson's "mean, scarey blind lady" part. d;-)

Fardreamer wrote on May 6, 2008 at 2:15PM

In response to AngelaWLaFon's comment from May 5, 2008 at 3:23PM:

You're welcome very much! The compliment, though, is well-deserved/ (Now, if only I had invented the word "dramedy....")

AnnaBanana wrote on May 6, 2008 at 12:27AM

Sometimes these "family" movies are real winners. I might take a look at this.

LisaCarey wrote on May 5, 2008 at 9:56PM

Poor Jo, soon you will be back to civilization . . . great review Angela, this is definitely one of your best!

MikeMaroon wrote on May 5, 2008 at 8:52PM

You mean this isn't about a supermarket??? Crap!!!! Sounds like one of the few movies the whole family can watch. Nice job!

gitbean wrote on May 5, 2008 at 8:35PM

Your review confirms I need to see this movie....thanks!

Jo wrote on May 5, 2008 at 4:55PM

I just (well with Desperate Housewives) discovered the joys of my computer (other than writing reviews:). There's no anything in FL - just TV - can't tape!! My mom lived in the dark ages.

AngelaWLaFon wrote on May 5, 2008 at 3:27PM

In response to Jo's comment from May 5, 2008 at 1:17PM:

You are so welcome. I don't often see them in the theater so I won't review a lot of new releases but we do have quite a large DVD collection because there is very little on television I will allow my children to watch. Even if the content is O.K. I don't want the commercials. You can still watch movies in your shell. ha ha Thanks for reading Jo!

AngelaWLaFon wrote on May 5, 2008 at 3:23PM

In response to Fardreamer's comment from May 5, 2008 at 1:31PM:

Thank you so much. That's quite a compliment from you! I like the word "dramedy." Comedy is there but drama is higher.

Fardreamer wrote on May 5, 2008 at 1:31PM

So, is this one a comedy-drama or a "dramedy"? I like the way you analyzed the movie....Great review!

Jo wrote on May 5, 2008 at 1:17PM

I am living in a shell - well I do have a lot of things going on. I have so many movies to catch up on. Thanks for the terrific review. Jo

5 star rating
"Winn Dixie is a wonderful dog!"
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"Looking for a miracle, and the miracle finds you!"



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