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It’s easier growing up Because of
By Nick Rupert
Splash!
Another kiddie movie? Well, the good news is that this film may have enough genuinely humorous and heartfelt moments to qualify as a standout family movie.
“Because of Winn-Dixie,” which is based on a children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo, revolves around the actions of 10-year-old Opal Buloni, played by AnnaSophia Robb. Opal and her father the preacher, played by Jeff Daniels, are new residents in the fictional town of Naomi, Florida. Both are trying to cope with the void in their lives left by the absence of Opal’s mother. Daniels and Robb each offer commendable performances, with Daniels nailing the brooding, melancholy demeanor of Preacher, and with Robb displaying a respectable range of emotion for being so young.
Unlikely director Wayne Wang, whose credits include “Maid in Manhattan” and “The Joy Luck Club” manages to build up a charmingly pastoral, if not far-fetched portrayal of small town life. Naomi seems to exist in a time-warp, such that Preacher’s laptop is practically an anachronism. Wang’s frames are more frequently cluttered with the idyllic scenery of looming oak trees, dusty country roads, and quaint little houses. I was immediately reminded of scenes from “Forrest Gump,” as well as countless Country Time Lemonade commercials.
As the film’s title suggests, Opal’s newly-acquired dog, Winn-Dixie, is a pivotal element in the story’s plot. Winn-Dixie’s antics result in a fair amount of slapstick comedy, but more importantly, the dog’s nosy, sociable disposition serves as a perfect ice-breaker to facilitate Opal’s bonding with the colorful, introverted townspeople.
For the slightly older crowd, the film offers a few notable cameos, namely that of Dave Matthews, who plays Otis, a shady, guitar-strumming drifter with a heart of gold.
Matthews shows considerable flair in the acting department, and I only wished that Wang had used him, as well as Harland Williams, to even greater effect.
My only significant gripe with the film is that the tone of the story gets a little schizophrenic at times, almost as if Wang couldn’t decide whether to sink the dramatic hook or start flinging cream pies at people. I think the cheesy slapstick moments may slightly undermine the film’s more legitimate qualities as a coming-of-age story, but this is a movie for children.
The bottom line: “Because of Winn-Dixie” is sugary enough for kids, but its rustic charm and dramatic themes should run deep enough to keep adults from snoring.
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