"Because of
Winn-Dixie" was the opening film to Indy's
"Heartland Film Festival" in 2004, and was
recently released on DVD. If strong, positive
films with inspirational messages are your thing
then I strongly recommend "Because of
Winn-Dixie".
The film is directed by Wayne Wang, who has
never been one of my favorite directors due to
films such as "Joy Luck Club," "Maid in
Manhattan" and "The Center of the World." Yet,
Wang combines a solid cast, simply but effective
script and a nice, relaxed feel to make a
solidly entertaining family film.
As you may recall, I had the chance to meet Jeff
Daniels during this year's Heartland Film
Festival. Daniels is the star of this film and
its one of his finer roles...he plays the
Preacher with a unique blend of humility,
inspiration and pastoral arrogance. The film
also stars the likes of the mesmerizing and
always wonderful Cicely Tyson, newcomer and
youngster Annasophia Robb, Eva Marie Saint, Elle
Fanning and a nice supporting performance by
rocker Dave Matthews.
The story centers around a 10-year-old girl who
is abandoned by her mother, relocates to a small
Florida town with her preacher father and adopts
a pooch. Of course, her encounters with the
townsfolk comprise the breadth of this film.
Yes, I know...it's a simple film and a simple
story...yet, it's beautifully told and acted. In
a world where action and special effects can
often reign supreme, ever so often its nice to
see a film come along that warms the heart,
inspires hope and creates characters that make
you smile. "Because of Winn-Dixie" I smiled a
lot.
ADDENDUM: I went to see this film again, and am
not surprised that it garnered mixed results
from Rotten Tomatoes...I've dropped my grade a
touch to a "B" from a B+, however, I continue to
highly recommend the film as solid family
entertainment. It sort of brings to mind older
Disney films in its touch of lightheartedness
and appropriateness for the entire family.
Critically, it is possible to pick apart this
film...but, it works for me because of its
heart, family orientation and gentle spirit.
While not technically perfect, "Because of
Winn-Dixie" is a truly wonderful film for the
entire family.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
