Opal (AnnaSophia Robb), is a 10-year-old girl who has just moved to a small town in Florida with her preacher father (Jeff Daniels). The move has caused Opal to lose all her friends, and now she must start all over again. Life has been a little tough for Opal, since her mother abandoned them when she was three. Opal's father asks her to pick up a few items for dinner at the Winn-Dixie supermarket. While in the store, a big dog is running loose in the store with clerks chasing after him. The store manager wants to call the dog pound, but Opal says that the dog is hers, and his name is Winn-Dixie. Opal take the dog home, and must convince her father to keep the dog. He agrees to keep the dog temporarily, until a new owner can be found. They go around town putting up posters of the dog, and later in the day Opal goes around and takes the posters down, because she secretly wants to keep the dog. Opal discovers that Winn-Dixie is able to make friends with everyone he meets, and now Opal has some new friends, because of Winn-Dixie. This is a good heartfelt story of the bond between a little girl and her dog. The story shows that a dog can bring happiness to a lonely girl and open up hearts of the people in town. I don't know how they did it, but the dog can actually smile. You can take your children to see this touching story. (20th Century Fox, Run time 1:46, Rated PG) (7/10)
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the-movie-guy17 February 2005
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jotix10011 April 2006Opal, the daughter of a preacher, is a girl with a mind of her own. When she meets Winn-Dixie, she has found a pal. Her father is a man that is in pain. He is trying to reconcile himself to his present circumstances. Arriving at the small southern town, he must do good work in order to attract a faithful congregation. He doesn't have much to fear, just leave it Opal to get everyone together in a place where people have grown apart.
The great book by Kate DiCamillo, is an excellent book for young adults. Joan Singleton adapted it for the screen and Wayne Wang directed a nice cast that produced a movie that, while some would think it's too sugary for their taste, it captured perfectly the essence of a small southern town.
The sweet AnnaSophia Robb plays the leading role. This young actress is a natural, or so it seems. Jeff Daniels, one of our best actors is seen as the preacher who can't forget his wife and who has to come to terms with himself. Cicely Tyson and Eva Maria Saint are perfect as two of the town's oldest citizens that are won over by Opal's goodness. Elle Fanning is seen as Sweetie Pie, a lovely girl. B. J. Hopper and Dave Mathews also contributed to the film.
This film was clearly targeted for young audiences. It has the right ingredients that prove to be a magical combination for family movies, a girl and a cute dog, a sure formula for appealing to audiences. Wayne Wang, an unlikely choice for director, brings all these elements together for a film that will not disappoint. -
cherold30 May 2005The best thing I can say for Winn-Dixie is it is the best movie I have seen on an airplane in years, but that's more a critique of airline movies than praise for this one. It's a pretty standard kid's movie in which a lonely girl adopts a dog that results in adventures, misadventures and all sorts of friends. As I watched it, I saw lots of things that I would have thought were cool if I was a little kid, but as an adult who has seen this sort of thing many times before I really couldn't get that excited about any of it. If I hadn't been trapped on an airplane I certainly would have stopped watching, but since I stopped watching the last three movies I saw on airplanes because they were so painfully awful I have to give this one credit for keeping me mildly entertained for a while.
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cameronroberts1003 December 2006a very charming movie. set in a little town as if the world is not connected at all to America. the acting is excellent especially from the likes of annasophia robb , cecily tyson and jeff daniels.
i thought it would be a really upsetting ending in which the dog runs off and doesn't come back but the sort of film like this that doesn't happen. i know this film is all about the dog but really he's not the character who you focus on its much more on the preacher and insisa opal.the girl seems to keep the world around her going without her life seems to be just sad and quiet.
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TxMike9 October 2005For me, the most interesting thing about this movie is the arrival of a new young star, AnnaSophia Robb, who plays Opal, the 10-year old girl, new in town, without any real friends. Her dad, whom she sometimes refers to as "the preacher" in voice-over, is played by Jeff Daniels. They move around a lot, such is the life of a Baptist preacher. The young actress reminds me so much of a young Natalie Portman, especially her expressions and delivery of certain lines. There are a few scenes where they overdid the closeups of her facial expressions, but that is the director's fault. I wouldn't be surprised to see young AnnaSophia become one of the big stars during the next 8 to 12 years.
We find out that Opal's mother left the family some years earlier, and Opal only has vague memories of her. Dad is very reluctant to talk about her mom, and the audience doesn't find out much, other than she felt under a microscope as a preacher's wife, and left when she couldn't handle it any more.
One day when Opal has been sent to the store for a few items, a stray dog is running through the Winn-Dixie, creating havoc. Opal comes to its rescue, claiming it is hers, and its name is Winn-Dixie. Near the end she says, "all the fun I've had this summer is because of Winn-Dixie", thus the title of the movie.
Several other good actors contribute, such as Cicely Tyson as half-blind Gloria, who the local boys say is a witch. She turns out to be a nice lady. Dave Matthews (of Dave Matthews Band fame) plays Otis, the local tender of the pet store. 80-year old Eva Marie Saint (of North By Northwest and On the Waterfront) is Miss Franny who tends the local library and befriends Opal.
I enjoyed the movie, I found myself wanting more but for what it is, a story of a girl and a dog in a new community, it hits the mark nicely.
update Sept 2011: We recently saw "Soul Surfer" with a teenage Annasophia Robb, so I watched this again to see how she was as a kid just beginning. I actually enjoyed this movie a bit better than when I first saw it several years ago. And it is fun to see how the young actress was back then.
Set in Florida, but filmed in the South Louisiana Cajun country. -
"You are like a butterfly... a caterpillar's dream to fly." -Dave Matthews
First of all let's take this in the right context. This is a kid's movie in the literal sense of the word. So what you are going to find is a semi-unrealistic plot driving a feel good movie. That aside, let's look at the particulars.
Acting. Annasophia Robb is there to steal the show, and she does with flying colors. Her expressions, and mannerisms both physical and vocal are endearing, smart, and mature.
I was a little worried about Dave Matthews being in this movie, but he was great. I love that first scene where the parrot lands on Winn Dixie's head, and Opel says okay so it's all set, thanks for the job you wont be sorry I'm a real hard worker as she is walking out the door, and Otis ( Matthews ) is trying to tell her he can't just hire her, then ends off resigned with "That's nice, thank you for listening", as the door closes behind her, that was sheer brilliance for this genre. The parrot lands on the dog's head and says, Hello!
I loved that scene. The film manages to capture the essence of something so good, and refreshing, it's truly a joy to watch.
Or the scene where Dave Matthews is playing his guitar on the floor of the shop, and he has let all the animals out of their cages, and he's playing for them.. that's so awesome. Hehe, something I'd do if I worked at a pet store.
Then this other little girl walks in, sees the animals all over the store, in repose, and exclaims "I'm going to tell my my mom what I see" she points at Matthews playing the guitar and says, "That man is magic." She nods to herself, "He's a magic man!" like so matter of fact; you gotta love it.
What we come to understand is each character in this movie has been abandoned by someone, and we feel their loss, and their renewal as the movie moves forward. And therein lies the true beauty of Winn Dixie. You will leave this movie smiling. -
ScottDMenzel7 September 2005You know being a 22-year-old male and wanting to see a movie about a little girl finding a friend in a dog doesn't quite match up to well. But I'm weird like that and I wanted to see "Because of Winn-Dixie." The trailer looked pretty decent and it's always nice to see Hollywood release a nice family film, which doesn't involve talking animals or is animated. So needless to say I wanted to see "Because of Winn-Dixie" and did so this afternoon.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" is about a father and daughter who move to a small town in Florida to forget there past. The father played by Jeff Daniels is a Preacher. His daughter Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) is trying to find friends. You see Opal's mother walked out on her and her father without any knowledge of them knowing. This is why they move to the new town. So one day, the Preacher tells Opal to go to the Winn-Dixie Supermarket to get some macaroni and cheese. While Opal is at the store, she notices a dog running around like crazy through the store. The manager wants to call the pound to get the dog removed but Opal has different plans. She tells the manager that the dog running around the store is her dog and it's name is Winn-Dixie. Opal and Winn-Dixie become best of friends and together they meet new friends as the film goes along. A very touching and simple movie ensues .
AnnaSophia Robb is just adorable. I mean seriously she was just a joy to watch on the screen. She made everyone else look like an amateur. I hope she gets big because if Dakota Fanning can make it and lets be real that girl is ugly, I think Anna Sophia Robb can make it. What am I saying she has made it, she has this movie under her belt and is in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" which is going to rock and roll! Moving on, Jeff Daniels does a pretty decent job in the film as well. He plays a very good parent who is having a hard time dealing with life. Jeff Daniels is a good actor and should be in more films. Also in the film is Dave Matthews, which was interesting. Yes, the main singer from the Dave Matthews Band. He was pretty good I would say. His character had some mystery to it. Also Cicely Tyson who played Gloria was a nice touch. She played a very good mysterious old woman who the children were afraid of.
I have not seen many of Wayne Wang's films but I know some of pretty critically acclaimed like "The Joy Luck Club". The only two films of Mr. Wang's that I have seen were "Anywhere But Here" with Natalie Portman and Susan Sarandon, which I did enjoy, and the awful Jennifer Lopez vehicle "Maid in Manhattan." The actual location that the film was shot was pretty nice actually. It had a very classic small town kind of feel to it. I also like how Mr. Wang really caught the emotion of Opal and Winn-Dixie. That was good.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" was based on the novel with the same name. I did not read the book nor would I compare the two since I am sure they would bump heads. However, Joan Singleton transferred the book into a script. The script was pretty good at developing characters and yet still leaving some mystery to the characters. Like I said, I enjoyed the scenes with Opal and Winn-Dixie because I think they showed real emotion and were believable. It's like the old saying man's best friend but in this case Winn-Dixie was Opal's best friend. Characters as I said were pretty well written although some characters were rather pointless and should have been edited out like the cop played by the normally funny Harland Williams but in this film he didn't work out to good. Maybe this was in the book, I don't know but I just feel I could have done without that character.
So what can I say, I liked "Because of Winn-Dixie". It's a very simple and cute film. It's basically about a lonely girl who is looking for a friend and finds it in a dog. It's a very heartfelt film. It's not going to win any awards any time soon or be hailed as great but it is a good little innocent movie. I like to see wholesome movies, and I think it's a shame we don't have many of these anymore. AnnaSophia Robb steals the show with a touching and believable performance. The film is very old-fashioned like a live-action 1970s Disney film. I do recommend it.
MovieManMenzel's Final rating for "Because of Winn-Dixie" is a 7/10. So if you want to take your kids, take your brothers or sisters, or just go by yourself to see a nice, wholesome film, this is a very good choice. -
elven-piratess1 March 2005Why did they make this movie? There's really no point in it. Maybe it would have been a good movie if the character was about five years old. AnnaSophia Robb, the lead "actress", is eleven, but you'd guess she's going on six. She's such a big hit in kid's movies these days, but her talent is definitely limited. The film does have its good moments...certain parts are just funny enough to bring a small smile to your face, but not really something I'd consider humor. Even as a children's movie, judging by the reactions of my young cousins who also saw this, this flick isn't a hit. And considering the certain topics and moments discussed/seen in this movie, it's not really that great for kids anyway. Yes, the dog is cute and the storyline is cute--why the children's book was good--but this movie is definitely one I don't recommend.
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With it's G rating, I figured this for mostly upbeat and easy for youngsters such as my 3rd grade daughter. However, the movie is much deeper than that, and while it has many feel good moments, it is more about tough times and imperfect lives than anything, but shines wonderfully.
My 3rd grade daughter loved it, but my 7th grade daughter, who we thought might be too old for it, loved it even more!
I would definitely recommend "Because of Winn-Dixie" to families looking for a movie to watch together and who want thought provoking questions for their children to ponder and ask about. Well done, not too sappy, plenty of realism to go along with the fantasy.
The dog wasn't cartoony at all, the smile was understated and natural. This movie is more about relationships and hope despite tough times than anything else. -
RisingStar1214 August 2005I was expecting a pretty good movie. Maybe some funny parts and some sad parts. I was expecting a simple little movie about a dog and a girl named Opal. But when i saw it I was touched, and shocked. So many movies these days have swear words and all kind of stuff that does not need to be in movies. But this movie was an actually movie. It has heart and soul. I think families should see this movie. And not just little little little little kids. Teenagers. Why not? Yes i do admit it was boring in a couple of spots but it still was great. What i really loved was the ending. I won't say what happens but i love movies were you don't know what will happen in the end.
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tbarton59725 February 2005You would never know this was directed by an important director, Wayne Wang. The comedy scenes were embarrassing to watch. I know the budget was low but that's no excuse for this amateurish work. Jeff Daniels used to be a big star--now this. He was so terrific in Dumb and Dumber, and 101 Dalmatians. Maybe he can redeem himself with The Whale and the Squid. Laura Linney is in that film and she rarely appears in anything that's not first rate. Why didn't they give the lead girl some acting lessons before they plopped her in front of the camera? Wang did her no favors with this film. Dave Matthews, in only his second feature role, was one of the few shining stars in this movie. Poor Harland Williams' career must really be in the toilet.
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cadbo21 February 2005First, I want to dispel any rumors about this being a "sappy" movie. This movie is an adaptation of a well-known children's book, and should be judged as such. For those of us that want more from our entertainment than shoveling base garbage, it provides a nice change. This movie is in the same type of movie as an "Anne of Green Gables" or other juvenile movie. It has no nudity, profanity, nor did we see anybody sleeping with anybody. A nice change.
What a wonderful movie. The story is very similar to Pollyanna (at least in the girls ability to involve herself in the community). It has a very positive message, and there is not one thing that I would feel bad taking any of my children to see. As a matter of fact, they will all see it by the week's end. I haven't read the book, but my 13 year-old daughter has and told me how good it is. I will have to read it now. It was an engaging tale, and technically was very well done. The acting was good (some very talented actors were involved) and there was some very good film work. The moving clouds with the scene changes were a nice touch and the music was very appropriate. I know there has been a lot of talk in the media about Dave Matthews in this film, and he was a nice addition. His acting was OK, but his music was definitely a welcome addition. His guitar playing in various spots was warm and fit like your favorite chair.
There were a number of good messages throughout the movie. Some were very overt (the discussion between Gloria and Opal about judging someone on an event without knowing the whole story), and some were a little more below the surface (time moving on, bringing new challenges, and keep living). In case you don't get them, they usually give you a clue in the dialogue somewhere. It sure gave me lots of topics I could use to teach with my children. The most important theme is the primary theme for the movie. The truly important thing in life is the relationships we have with others. Opal demonstrated by becoming part of the lives of those Winn Dixie led her to.
This is one movie that will go on my video shelf (when it's not in the DVD player). -
SnoopyStyle3 December 2015Opal Buloni (Anna Sophia Robb) moved with her preacher father (Jeff Daniels) to the small town of Naomi, Florida. Her mom had left them. He sends her to the local Winn Dixie grocery store where a dog is going wild. Opal pretends to the owner naming the dog Winn-Dixie. The dog is so rambunctious that her father calls the pound. She convinces him to keep the dog and gets a job working at the pet shop with Otis (Dave Matthews). She befriends blind hermit Gloria Dump (Cicely Tyson) with a tree and librarian Miss Franny Block (Eva Marie Saint) with a tall tale of an encounter with a bear.
Anna Sophia Robb is a terrific child actress. She has great charisma and has very good range. She's great as a tomboy as well as with the other girls. This is a movie about lost and regret. I love all of the characters and they are played by solid actors. Maybe Otis could be played by somebody more menacing but Dave Matthews does get the damaged part of the character. It's a nice story of people struggling to move on from their past and it's got a nice cast. -
I re-read the book shortly before I saw the movie. It is quite a good book, and I recommend It to everyone, even if you disliked the movie.
I went to see it with high hopes because earlier that day I had read that the author liked it. It started out just fine, with Opal playing catch (with herself) with a nice song in the background by the Be Good Tonyas, then she goes to Winn-Dixie. A dog is running around and jumps on the Manger, who cries. Opal says that the dog is called Winn-Dixie, and rescues it from the pound. They leave and the Manager says "That dog almost licked mah face off!" This marks the end of the whimsical and original feel of the film, and it screeches into Stereotypical Kiddie Lane.
Opal gets a job at the pet store run by Otis, played by Dave Matthews who did very well, and meets Sweetie-Pie Thomas. She also has to deal with the landlord, who keeps threatening to send Dixie to the pound, befriends Miss Franny, Gloria Dump, and that pinch-nosed Amanda Wilkinson, has many sweet and fedjucational(fun educational) adventures that quite reminding me of "The Littlest Elf" from the Lemony Snicket books.
But there is one good thing about this movie: the music. It is simple and pretty and goes along perfectly with the book.
Save the sap, guys. 3 out of 10. -
inspectors7130 December 2005Because of Winn-Dixie never quite figures out what it wants to be, and the result is a more serious than expected, not quite a kid flick, morally uplifting failure. The story of a child, transplanted by her wandering and emotionally wounded minister father, who aches for friendship and finds it from one of the strangest looking dogs I've ever seen, is sweet and gentle and painful. There are solid performances by AnnaSophia Robb (a beautiful child who knows the difference between acting and whining), Jeff Daniels (who seems to be bordering on stolidity, not solidity as he gets older), Cicely Tyson, and Eva Marie Saint (two women who have aged better than mere mortals could ever expect). Also, the movie is shot in a Deep South community that is so pretty, this native Washingtonian would like to travel to Dixie.
There's real emotional and moral depth to this movie, but the movie makers apparently didn't have enough faith in the material because they jazz it up--and lose the focus of the film--with some very forced slapstick and an idiotic appearance by Harland Williams, a thoroughly annoying and repulsive non-actor, as a sheriff's deputy who has nothing to do in the film but harass children and guitar players and generally misuse the taxpayers' money.
Because of Winn-Dixie fails from its lack of faith in the strength of its story. If it were some silly, slapstick kiddie flick, it would have worked (and I would have tried to avoid it like the plague) and if it had been any more psychologically satisfactory and satisfying, well, you might have seen it as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, not a mainstream theatrical presentation.
It's worth the rental price only if you want to watch a decent story, while accepting the fact that the kiddies might check out (which would be unfortunate because most folks wouldn't rent Because of Winn-Dixie for themselves, but for family consumption). -
sfwmson18 February 2005Sure there are some things wrong with it...but if you have kids who need to learn how to go to a longer movie that actually wants them to listen, and think, and be able to sit still without waiting for the next 'hot, annoying thing' to repeat for the next two months, this is a good movie. It is a family film, and well done, for the most part. It looks a little like it could have been an after school special. The direction of Wang seems slow and deliberate, probably because he loved the book or has kids who do. My daughter, too old to be reading the book now, read it again a month ago and she said it follows the book closely, and was not disappointed.
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SeanUKcool28 July 2008Based on the best selling children's novel by Kate DiCamillo "Because of Winn-Dixie" is a moving, sickly sweet family movie that children will overall enjoy. Full of beautiful friendships and memorable quotes. All round, a film mostly for children, which made me wish to not like it, but as the end credits rolled, I couldn't help but feel full of joy.
A brilliant, touching, story that is slightly held back by over-cheesiness, and the fact that it is clear that when lines of dialogue are given, that the actors are reading from a script instead of actually believing the things they are saying. However, this is only from an adult perspective.
Annasophia Robb is impressive as young Opal, Cicely Tyson gives a reasonably convincing performance as Gloria, while Jeff Daniels gives a brilliant emotional performance as her father, the Preacher, but for me, the real star was Winn-Dixie, as it was completely impossible for your heart not to go to that adorable dog. -
xman197426 September 2005OK folks, Citizen Kane this is not. However, if you want to see a pretty good adaptation of quality children's literature, you cannot go wrong with Winn Dixie. Kudos to Jeff Daniels, Dave Matthews, C. Tyson, and Eva Marie Saint... all of whom shine in their roles. I liked the portrayal of the South as well - they really capture the feel of a small town in Georgia, upper Florida, or the Carolinas very well. Don't forget to check out the parallels between the dog and Jesus, which while not overt, and definitely there! It was refreshing to see a movie that treats faith with respect, but does not have an agenda in pushing something down the viewers throat.
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greenleaf2-110 June 2006I went with some friends to see this (mostly because there was nothing else to see), and they all seemed to like it. I'm afraid I've missed something. I just thought it was ridiculous, I almost wanted to think of it as one of those unbearable stereotypical animal movies like The Amazing Panda Adventure or Mom, Can I Keep Her? Fortunately, it wasn't AS bad (if anything could go as far).
The storyline is probably the most pointless. Who could write a book about this and be fueled to continue? If someone wrote a book about how a lonely turtle befriends a coco puff and they embark on a quest to roam the turtle's tank, I'd probably be reminded of this. Foremost, I think there are PLENTY of dog lover stories clogging the drain that is Hollywood, don't you think? Sorry, Winn-Dixie fans. That's how it goes. If you haven't seen this, don't bother. Life is too short. Watch something worth your while. -
Moriatus23 February 2005No matter what others say, I think that Winn-Dixie is a great movie that every member of the family can watch and enjoy. It is funny without being too silly and dramatic without being too sappy, and has some very good morals. There are no sex/violence elements to worry about; they are practically nonexistent, and the movie was kept very true to the book. The actors are very excellent in their roles, especially newcomer Annasophia Robb. This is a deep movie,too, with a great handling of its thematic elements and a great amount of substance. This is not an average made-for-TV type movie, but an actual memorable film. My advice is, if you're looking for a great family film, to see Because of Winn-Dixie.
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fernandoschiavi22 April 2023Opal (AnnaSophia Robb) is a very lonely young woman. She has just moved to Naomi, Florida, with her father, Preacher (Jeff Daniels), minister of the small-town Open Arms Baptist Church. Congregation members bring their own backyard chairs to meetings at a convenience store on Sunday mornings. Opal looks around the assembled group and notices that none of the other kids are very friendly: Amanda (Courtney Jines), who always has a frown on her face; Sweetie Pie (Elle Fanning), who has a bad habit of sucking her fingers; and the two obnoxious Dewberry brothers, Dunlop (Nick Price) and Stevie (Luke Benward), who seem to enjoy teasing her. Then one day, everything changes for Opal. Sent to the local market to buy a box of macaroni and cheese, some rice and tomatoes, she witnesses the commotion that ensues when a stray dog runs wildly through the halls of the place, while the clerks try to catch him. Opal is enchanted by the dog and tells the manager that the animal belongs to her and that he is named Winn-Dixie in honor of the chain of stores.
In his new trailer home, the Shepherd is not happy with the newly arrived dog in his already cramped quarters. To make matters worse, the grumpy landlord hates dogs and immediately takes a dislike to Winn-Dixie. Opal misses her mother, a fun woman who abandoned her when she was just three years old. The Preacher is reluctant to talk about it and spends most of his time sitting at his desk depressed. Opal describes it as a turtle hidden inside its shell. With very little to occupy her, she takes a job at a pet store run by Otis (Dave Matthews), a clerk who soothes the animals with guitar music. Opal's goal is to earn enough money to pay for a collar for Winn-Dixie.
This friendly dog has a way of seeking out new acquaintances for Opal. He takes her to the library, and she meets Ms. Franny (Eva Marie Saint), who has worked there all her life. She has no family and is fixated on her past memories. She tells Opal, who loves stories, about her grandfather who lost everything in the Civil War and created a candy that tastes of sadness and sweetness. Sharing a tablet with Amanda, who appears in the library, Opal learns that her brother has recently drowned. Everyone, it seems, has a share of sadness - not just Preacher. Winn-Dixie also takes her to the hidden estate of Gloria Dump (Cicely Tyson), whom the local kids call Naomi's Wicked Witch. She is a recovering alcoholic who has tied bottles to a gigantic tree to contain the ghosts of her past mistakes. Although Gloria's eyesight is very poor, she can clearly see that Opal needs companionship and the kind of wisdom that can only come from someone who has survived many trials and tribulations. The little girl opens her heart and shares all her anxieties, especially how much she misses her mother and wants to know more about her.
Wayne Wang directs this enchanting drama based on Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Award-winning book. It is the fourth film he directs from a literary work after "The Joy Luck Club", "Anywhere But Here" and "Smoke". In an interview at the time of the film's release, Wang stated that he usually makes films about something that is missing in our lives, empty places we are trying to fill, and that he is always drawn to stories about people who desire and find deep contact with others. , about lonely people struggling for some sense of connection. In Opal's case, she experienced the inexplicable loss of her mother. Joan Singleton's script magically conveys the rainbow colors of a small circle of lonely individuals in Naomi who are transformed thanks to Winn-Dixie. He has a knack for looking for abandoned people like himself and bringing them together in community. And he really smiles.
There are no villains in this wonderful city, and even those who are most distasteful to Opal are transformed when she understands that everyone carries some pain and loss. For those who have experienced the joy that only animals can bring, Winn-Dixie gifts will feel all-natural, delicious and uplifting. We are sad when he freaks out during storms and we are amused when he hands a mouse, he caught to the Preacher during the Sunday morning service. Winn-Dixie even tolerates a parrot that sits on its head. He finds the good in others and serves as a bridge to Opal's reconciliation with her father and a final mutual agreement with the woman who left them behind all those years ago. You couldn't ask for a better spiritual teacher.
The dog who brings Winn-Dixie to life is cute enough, so it seems believable that normally brooding churchgoers might be won over when he interrupts services during the hymn "As I Am." Opal explains, "He just doesn't know the words, that's all. But he sure is moved by the spirit." AnnaSophia Robb is extremely charming in her theatrical debut, delivering a moving performance. All of the adult actors go the extra mile to develop characters who don't spend a lot of time on screen, and Daniels is particularly good at carrying her personal drama. But the real surprise is musician Dave Matthews in his second film role, as a musician who runs the local pet store. Matthews holds his own with his seasoned castmates, and his half-spoken, half-sung explanation of his criminal past is the best scene in the movie.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" is based on the award-winning children's novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. Her books have been a hit with children, and the movie is likely to be successful with viewers as well. Director Wayne Wang helps this story transcend its "after-school special" leanings and gives it a lot of heart. As a result, older viewers will feel like they're being manipulated during parts of the story, but the tender moments are authentic enough to help viewers overlook the film's flaws.
The story is said to retain much of the spiritual content found in the novel. However, the film's subsidiary "follow your heart" messages are muddled and theologically weak. One character advises Opal to find "the most important things" in life. When pressed on what they are, the woman responds that "it's different for everyone", even though this woman is a believing, Christian. The writing is uneven in these places, and discerning Christians will notice these weaknesses. Later, Opal tells her about someone swearing, and the woman says, "War is also a bad word." The film's messages are muddled but strongly moral. In fact, the film contains very strong messages about accepting responsibility for one's actions, forgiveness and restoration. These positive messages are often repeated.
Preacher reads his Bible and prays often, but he can't seem to find joy or forgiveness on his own. He certainly doesn't bring much joy to others around him. The small congregation seems bored with their Sunday worship religion and is only amused when Winn-Dixie calls a meeting. Other characters convey traditional values, while most eschew any overt connection to God. Opal is motivated to do good for others, but she gives Winn-Dixie the dog more credit than God for the end result. Still, the dog represents an answer to Opal's prayer that God would send her a friend. Ultimately, therefore, the film suggests that God is the one who improves the lives of Opal, her father, and the townspeople.
In the end, "Because of Winn-Dixie" is a delightful children's story with some surprising lessons for adults. Through her encounters with the locals, befriending Winn Dixie, and discovering the truth about her mother's disappearance, Opal finally realizes that the empty space in her heart is now filled. Our society sometimes tends to discard those it considers less significant, and it is often some of these people who can best fulfill our destiny. Sadly, broken hearts and broken dreams are a part of life. Therefore, it is joy and sadness that must be separated, or the latter will prevent us from relating to those who must fill our empty spaces - propelling us towards our destiny. -
Wow. Where do I start? There are so many things that are stupid about this movie. First of all let me say that if you're tired and looking for a boring movie that will put you to sleep, this should do the trick. I almost fell asleep and some other people i've talked to have also almost fell asleep (and let me tell you, that takes and extremely boring movie to do that to me). It was a really terrible movie that was probably made for 2-yearolds (if they already don't think it's stupid). Well, I guess it wasn't really the director's fault because the book stunk too. Don't waste your time on this movie. I absolutely hated it. P.S. The dog was very annoying and ugly. By the end i was wishing he'd get lost and they wouldn't find it.
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royal_theatre13 February 2005Based on the Newbery Award-winning children's book by Kate DiCamillo, Because of Winn-Dixie, brings some much-needed sincerity to this Spring's forthcoming line-up of family films. Winn-Dixie, which comes to theatres February 18, stars newcomer AnnaSophia Robb as 10-year-old India Opal Buloni, who finds herself struggling to make friends in her new home, the small town of Naomi, Florida. Jeff Daniels plays Opal's father, known throughout the story simply as Preacher. Opal and Preacher's relationship is strained due to the fact that Opal's mother abandoned them both seven years earlier. Their relationship is changed, however, when Opal is sent to the local Winn-Dixie store for some groceries and brings home a goofy, bumbling mutt with a knack for making friends and a unique ability to smile. She names the dog after the store in which she found him, and soon they are constant companions. With Winn-Dixie's help, Opal gets to know the eclectic community of Naomi and her exploits bring together some of Naomi's most unusual citizens. Though the premise may seem conventional, the movie possesses many qualities that are lacking in most family films. Director Wayne Wang, whose previous films include The Joy Luck Club and Anywhere But Here, avoids much of the whimsical elements that turn off older viewers, portraying some of the more far-fetched scenes through imaginative flashbacks that occur only in Opal's mind. Though Because of Winn-Dixie succumbs to many family film clichés including slapstick physical comedy and plenty of sappy moments, it is redeemed by moments of pure quirkiness and originality. The film is also unafraid of dealing with adult themes such as alcohol abuse.
The film's cast is supported by veteran talents like Cicely Tyson and Eva Marie Saint and counterbalanced by the fresh faces of the younger cast members. Songwriter Dave Matthews makes an impressive effort in his second film appearance as Otis, an introverted pet store clerk who plays guitar to soothe the animals. Though AnnaSophia Robb's inexperience sometimes shows itself in comparison to her co-stars, she imparts a sense of genuine naïvete and childlike curiosity to the role that would have been difficult to achieve with a more experienced child actress. Robb can next be seen playing Violet Beauregard in Tim Burton's upcoming adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Because of Winn-Dixie is a tale rich in values with themes of forgiveness, tolerance, and hope for the future. It is a classic story, told with imaginative eccentricity and style. Rather than taking the kids to see yet another Winnie the Pooh movie, do yourself a favor and take a chance on something original.
The Verdict: 3 ½ Stars -
fullaware21 February 2005My daughter made me read the book aloud to the whole family the week before the picture came out, so we could all attend together and know the story. Now I feel like one of those literary snobs, because the book was better than the movie. I found myself saying (sometimes out loud), "Hey, that's not how it goes!" when they would deviate from the book, which they did pretty frequently (I guess it's hard to fill 90 minutes from a 180 page children's book).
And this is knit-picking, and I know she's a little girl going thru an awkward pre-teen stage, but did anyone think Annasophia Robb's facial features and weird large eyes made her look like the kid in the "Aerials" video from 'System of a Down'?
Read the book (preferred) or see the movie, either/or, but not both. I'd have given it higher marks without knowing the story first.
Oh, and Dave Matthews, it ain't acting when you play yourself. -
iohefy-224 February 2005This is a cute little movie with a dog that stole the picture from the rest of the cast. The little girl Opal was as cute as a button and it was good to see Eve Marie Saint and Cecelie Tyson once more although both of them are deserving of bigger and better parts. Time has not been kind to either of them as the have gotten very old. This is the story of a preacher whose wife left him and his young daughter and the trial and tribulations they face in a small town in Florida. The story was a cute one, but I would say this film is for the very young people in the audience. This one can wait for the DVD so the kids can watch it over and over, as it is a kids movie.