Because of Winn-Dixie (106 minutes)
My alternative title would be: A Girl's Best Friend

SUPER MOVIE FAN'S RECOMMENDATION: 2, WAIT AND RENT

Who is in it?:
ANNASOHIA ROBB, JEFF DANIELS, CICELY TYSON. DAVE MATTHEWS, ELLE FANNING. EVA MARIE SAINT

What is it about?
JEFF DANIELS is a preacher who moves with his 10-year-old daughter, Opal (ANNASOPHIA ROBB), to a small Florida town where he leads a congregation that holds its services in a convenience story. Opal doesn't remember much about her mom, who left when she was three. Lonely for the life she left behind, Opal finds a great new friend in a large mutt she quickly claims for her own--as it knocks down almost everything in the local Winn-Dixie supermarket. She claims the dog is her and names it after the store in a quick attempt to save the dog from punishment. So begins a series of adventures that make the two inseparable friends. Through Opal's friendship with Winn-Dixie, several town members are re-awakened to their smile and to their long submerged optimism.

When and Where does this movie take place?
Florida

Why see it? This is a middle school book and a middle school movie, Wayne. It is sweet and wonderful but the best I can say is that it is cute. The story may read more intensely than the movie, but most of our listeners will enjoy it but be left unmoved. Perfect for a family with a 10-12 year-old. I say wait and rent. DAVE MATTHEWS plays a lonely guy who works in a pet store. That is cool.

How about the kids?
PG-13, some language and thunder scares the dog.

Video Pick of the Week
I Heart Hucklebees. JUDE LAW, NAOMI WATTS, MARK WAHLBERG, DUSTIN HOFFMAN and LILY TOMLIN star in a comedy about a couple who help people solve dilemmas in their lives. A strange one, Wayne, but worth the time. Great cast. Rated "R."

Next week, we'll review, Be Cool, with JOHN TRAVOLTA and UMA THURMAN. TRAVOLTA is a debt collector turned Hollywood producer. This is from the mind of DANNY DEVITO. Might be crazy good or just crazy.

John Fischetti can be heard Friday's on the Wayne Perkey show on Oldies 103, WRKA and can be reached at fischettij@uncw.edu



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