Review of Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) by Alexus N — 04 Mar 2012

Most likely chosen for its shaggy-dog looks, Winn-Dixie is actually a great deal more special than you'd expect, a fitting analogy for a film no parent should be too quick to dismiss. To Winn-Dixie's great credit, both as a book and as a dandy, dignified movie, there's nothing condescendingly lesson-like in the wisdom India acquires. Matthews holds his own with his experienced co-stars, and his half- talking/half-singing explanation of his criminal past is the movie's best scene. Fans of DiCamillo's book should be pleased with how Wang has faithfully preserved the novel's clear-eyed depiction of both pain and joy. A sweet, family-friendly retelling of a touching and funny Newbery Award-winning children's book. Both screenwriter Joan Singleton and director Wang take the time to draw real people and feeling relationships. The casting of Daniels, Tyson and Saint, all of whom underplay effortlessly, was shrewd. In pace, sensibility, and big, beating heart, this is a child's first indie film, and it's the better for it.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).