Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)

Thanks for the memories!

Really Surprised!

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

What do I need to say? I absolutely adore this movie. I remember seeing it on TV as a little girl and forgetting what it was called, not finding it again until a few years later. One day I saw it on a discount rack at the store and begged my nan to buy it for me.It's actually been a few years since I'd seen it, but I found the DVD in my bookshelf and popped it in for another watch. The story is very sweet and the dog is beautiful. The overall message of the story is wonderful.They really don't sugarcoat Opal's (the protagonist) situation and instead explain how life has both happy and sad moments, and that everyone should be given a chance. It's certainly worth a watch with the family! It does have some sad moments, but it gives the story depth and really makes you understand more about the characters. It will always have a special place in my heart as the dog resembles our old family dog from when I was young.

this is such an amazing movie and it is so sweet and it has such an amazing message! The actors in this are so great and they have such great chemistry together. This is a classic family film to me. The dog in this is so cute and so sweet and has such personality as well. The little girl in this is so sweet and this movie has such heart in it! Love this movie!

Many of the actors I'm familiar with, either from the stage, Broadway, musicals, movies, etc. I'm delighted now to see this adaptation of the magnificent children's book was first filmed in 2005. Here it is,June of 2016, and in humble opinion this particular film is more refreshing and encouraging than ever, especially in the face of all the increased, horrific violence all over our planet. Bravo to all, and many thanks for those who have posted positive reviews! IMDb insists I write ten lines of my review or they will not post it. What else I say except that this new "Because of Winn-Dixie" is inspired, well acted, positive in it's many messages to adults and to children of all appropriate ages, well deserving of it's nominations and it's many awards, the music is lovely.

One of the primary generic recipes for children's films is the animal movie. I have had the unfortunate experience of watching many of these films, primarily on international flights. Some of the tales of horror that I've seen in the past include: MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate, Air Bud, and Look Who's Talking Now. And on my most recent international flight, I had the "opportunity" to "enjoy" this film. Twice.That gave me plenty of opportunity to consider the film. First of all, I'll have to say that it is on a level better than other children's' animal films I've seen in the past. This is not Beethoven. I can honestly say that this film actually has some real drama in it, in the form of a broken family consisting of a preacher and his daughter (and eventually the titular Winn-Dixie).In fact, the film isn't about the dog, but the relationships that are formed "because" of the dog (hence, the title). And the cast of characters are all mildly endearing. These characters include a sad/lonely librarian, a sad/lonely/blind black woman, a sad/lonely/musical Dave Matthews, and you can guess how the characters go. They form relationships and learn to be less sad and lonely and in process, the movie tries to pull some "aww"'s from you.Tries.Actually, I can't say that I was affected by the film and the ending relies on you having a particular affection for the dog, but ultimately, you're more interested in the characters, so it detracts from the direction of the film. Also, the characters do show some depth, but ultimately the story is still generally a little weak.But in the end, the direction is competent, the acting is passable for a children's film, the animal isn't too annoying and generally the film is pleasant enough for a viewing. When I said that there are better ways than Mulan II to entertain kids, this is one of those ways.That said, the second time I was watching this film, I was wishing that the screen (for the projector) wasn't directly in my face. What's whimsical and cute the first time around becomes a little painful the second time. In the end, it's an okay film. I can't say that about all the other children's' animal films that I've noted. 6/10.P.S. General note: avoid sequels (especially direct-to-video) of children's' films, especially animal films. Think that because I gave a passing rating to Because of Winn-Dixie that I'll do the same for the sequel? You know the answer to that.