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.
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.