“Because of Winn Dixie” (20th Century Fox)
The film “Because of Winn Dixie” is based on the novel of the same name by Kate DeCamillo. It is a family movie and will probably be more enjoyable to kids than to adults. The problem is it is good but slow in its telling of its tale. So slow that in parts it is actually tedious.
The film revolves around a ten-year-old girl named Opal (Annasophia Robb). She and her minister father, who she calls Preacher (Jeff Daniels), live in the small town of Naomi, Florida. Her mother abandoned the family when Opal was three and has not been seen or heard from since.
Opal is sad and lonely until she finds a stray dog that is causing trouble at the local Winn Dixie. She takes the dog home with her and keeps it as her pet. Her father is reluctant at first to have a dog around their trailer but he soon gives in to her pleading.
With the dog at her side Opal begins to meet the people in town. This includes the librarian (Eva Marie Saint), the town “witch” (Cicely Tyson), and an itinerant musician (Dave Matthews). All of these people become an important part of her life and help her to adjust to not having a mother at her house.
Robb makes a perfect Opal. She is all big eyes and longing looks. Saint is lovely as the librarian, and Matthews is believable as the musician. Daniels isn’t as compassionate as he should have been as Opal’s father, but Cicely Tyson is very convincing as Gloria Dump, the “witch.”
The best actor in the film is the dog that plays Winn Dixie. He actually does look like he is smiling at times, and he shows the love and compassion Opal needs and deserves.
The film is rated PG for very mild profanity and some adult themes.
Kids who see this film will be highly amused by the antics of Winn Dixie. They will also be more forgiving of the pacing of the film. The movie tells a sweet story but it takes its own sweet time in getting it done.
I scored “Because of Winn Dixie” a checked out 5 out of 10.
