Because Of Winn Dixie Review
by Steve Rhodes (Steve DOT Rhodes AT InternetReviews DOT com)February 16th, 2005
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2005 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): **
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, a sometimes sweet film, produces a high fidget factor due to its excessive length and thin plot. Director Wayne Wang (THE JOY LUCK CLUB) is hopelessly lost in figuring out the right rhythms for a kids' picture, mixing long sappy moments with fast pratfall episodes. The best examples of the latter are an incident about a doofus cop running into his own police car and one about a goat who butts his head against the car in rapid repetitions. Neither are terribly original, but they do produce the expected laughter from the little ones in the audience.
The story concerns a gregarious, scruffy dog named Winn-Dixie by Opal (AnnaSophia Robb), the girl who rescues the mischievous mutt. Based on a best selling book, the story has Opal living with her dad (Jeff Daniels), whom she always refers to as "the preacher." The preacher's small congregation meets not very conveniently at a convenience store whose door produces an annoying bell sound anytime someone opens it during the Sunday service. Much is made of the sad, mysterious incident that caused her mother to leave the family when Opal was a toddler. A drinking problem is identified as a possible cause, but the preacher doesn't like to talk about it since his heart still aches.
The movie tries to be a comedic drama that is a blend of BEETHOVEN and OLD YELLER, designed to appeal to all ages. What it ends up being instead is a mess that does have its moments. Although she may be no Dakota Fanning sensation, newcomer Robb demonstrates considerable promise while playing ten-year-old charmer Opal. I would advise skipping this movie of hers, however, and waiting for her next project, which will undoubtedly be better.
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE runs way too long at 1:46. It is rated PG for "thematic elements and brief mild language" and would be acceptable for all ages.
My nephew William, age 10, thought the movie was pretty good. His favorite part was when the goose pulled the policeman's pants down. His sister Liana, age 8, found the movie funny. She liked it best when the goose ran into the grocery store, causing a big commotion.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, February 18, 2005. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the AMC theaters, the Century theaters and the Camera Cinemas.
Web: http://www.InternetReviews.com
Email: Steve.Rhodes@InternetReviews.com
***********************************************************************
Want free reviews and weekly movie and video recommendations via Email?
Just send me a letter with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
More on 'Because Of Winn Dixie'...
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
