Because of Winn-Dixie - A Movie Review

Dogs are the best gift. Treasure their love.

Based on the book written by Kate DiCamillo, Because of a Winn-Dixie is a 2005 film adaptation. Opal, a young lonely girl meets a dog. Naming him Winn-Dixie, the two go on several adventures around their small town. Learning the stories of the other residents, Winn-Dixie helps everyone learn how to share the joy again.

I remember reading Because of Winn-Dixie when I was younger. The story always makes me smile. Stories about dogs are always uplifting. Nobody is ever alone. Because of Winn-Dixie is a heartwarming tail (or tale) about a young girl learning about the depths of the world.

AnnaSophia Robb was excellent in her film debut. Robb studied Opal’s journey. Having gone through tough moments, Opal misunderstands the world. Robb added descriptive narration that added levity to the film. Her interactions with each member of the cast made for a thought-provoking story.

One element that I never noticed about Robb’s performance until my most recent watch is that while Opal is mature for her age she still has an imagination. Her imagination sequences are the definition of the mind of a child. Imagination is underrated maturity.

The dog actors for Winn-Dixie are wonderfully expressive. Winn-Dixie is a loveable pooch. He is clumsy, loving, and he loves to take adventures. I could tell that Robb and everyone in the cast had a fun time acting with him. I appreciate Winn-Dixie all the more. Understanding the love that a dog gives is one of the most remarkable life lessons.

No matter what, Jeff Daniels always plays an excellent dad. Opal’s dad, the town preacher, holds in emotions distancing his relationship with his daughter. Daniels and Robb did an exceptional job in their scenes trying to mend bruises from the past.

People, or dogs, come into our lives for a reason. Because of Winn-Dixie includes a cast of excellent and memorable actors. This is a character film. Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint, Courtney Jines, Nick Price, Luke Benward, Elle Fanning, and the late Cicely Tyson did a remarkable job.

Tyson was especially memorable as the wise Gloria Dump. We can always find someone to talk to. This movie is all about relationships. Each character shares a memorable lesson with Opal. It is important to forgive and forget so we can mend relationships.

Never judge a book by its cover. That goes for a town, too. No matter what we should be happy where we grow up. Every town has its story. Nobody is perfect. We all have a flaw that we are not proud of. But that flaw does not make us who we are.

Because of Winn-Dixie is a classic story about finding yourself. Keeping a story locked up is not something that anybody should do. Wayne Wang put the book to the screen. The film is very true to the book which makes it all the more genuine.

Changing a couple of story elements, Wang did a great job following the eyes of a child. It is an upbeat film that will never lose its essence.

Watching Because of Winn-Dixie is a different experience compared to when you view it as a kid. You understand. Never forget how to share the joy. Enjoying life is all about taking an adventure right outside your front door. If you have the chance, read the book before watching the film.

I recommend Because of Winn-Dixie if you are trying to find a new dog movie. It is funny and cute for the entire family to enjoy. The film is entertaining for all ages.