Because of Winn-Dixie (2005)

53% of critics liked it
(118 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(40,524 ratings)

It's not finishing school or a traditional upbringing that causes ten-year-old Opal to learn about the world outside of her own backyard, but rather a particularly awkward-looking mutt named Winn-Dixie. Based on a novel by Kate DiCamillo, Winn-Dixie and Opal not only become privy to the eventful, if… More It's not finishing school or a traditional upbringing that causes ten-year-old Opal to learn about the world outside of her own backyard, but rather a particularly awkward-looking mutt named Winn-Dixie. Based on a novel by Kate DiCamillo, Winn-Dixie and Opal not only become privy to the eventful, if eccentric, lives of their neighbors (including a librarian who fought off a bear with nothing but a novel, a blind woman who claims to "see" with her heart, and a sensitive ex-con turned pet store clerk), but Opal herself manages to reconcile some of the depression left over after her mother had abandoned the family seven years earlier. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Wayne Wang
Written By: John Singleton
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Sports & Fitness, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 18, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Aug 9, 2005
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
If they let the dog go I think we'd have a better movie.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
An unhomogenized combination of formulaic family entertainment and cornpone Southern fable.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Sincere rather than cynical.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
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.
Claudia Puig, USA Today
A whimsical family film about longing and belonging told with gentle humanity.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
This is a so-so story that's told incorrectly.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
A girl and a dog educate a small southern town.
Peter T. Chattaway, Christianity Today
A sweet film, laced with magic realism, and it tackles some rather dark themes in a way that is perfectly appropriate for young children.
Michael Szymanski, Wordmag.com
A charming Southern story that brings a popular children's book to the big screen...
Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
Just the latest quasi-magic-realist, two-birds-with-one-stone shrine to non-traditional families and the power of myth
James Plath, Reel.com
Dave Matthews is surprisingly good, and veterans Eva Marie Saint and Cicely Tyson turn in performances that make you want to forgive any flaws the film has.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the narrative flow may not be smooth, just a series of disjointed adventures with various people, but they're appealing little adventures.

Read all 12 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

erika b

I read the book and the film is as good as the good. The film really follows the book's plot. Also the film has some really good acting in it.this is one of the best dog films ever made.
Jason O

Rather surprising, didn't think I'd like it much, but had to watch it since it has 'Winn-Dixie' in the title, and that's my favorite grocery store.
Bobby H

Good family-movie, worth watching.
Leigh R

Pretty darn cute little film.
Bradley J

The lead girl is great at keeping the story interesting and letting everything flow. This movie fills me with happiness even though it features much melancholy. Everyone in the movie is amazing. It is a heartwarming movie. Overall Rating:76
Juan C

it's a good dog movie with obviously it's flaws, but i read the book and when i watched the movie, it was actually pretty decent, it's funny and harmless. B-
Jackson W

Tries too hard to be a light-hearted combo of Old Yeller and Air Bud, yet comforts with typical southern hospitality.
Donna D

Cute movie about a little girl that befriends a dog that form a unique friendshipt that is hilarious and touching. Simple but nice to watch and enjoyable for the kids. :)

Read all 8 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Annasophia Robb as Opal

            Jeff Daniels as Preacher

            Cicely Tyson as Gloria Dump

            Eva Marie Saint as Miss Franny

            Dave Matthews as Otis

            Courtney Jines as Amanda Wilkenson

            Elle Fanning as Sweetie Pie Thomas

            Nick Price as Dunlap Dewberry

            Luke Benward as Stevie Dewberry

            B.J. Hopper as Mr. Alfred

            Marca Price as Mrs. Dewberry

            Lenore Banks as Mrs. Detweller

            Becca Lish as Gertrude the Parrot (Voice)

            John "Spud" McConnell as Store Manager

            Harland Williams as Policeman

            William Pitts as Churchgoer 1

            Julia LaShae as SPCA Officer

            Enid Trotiner as Churchgoer 2

            Charles A. Daigle as Churchgoer 3

            Clarice H. Gauthreaux as Churchgoer 4

            Guy G. Gauthreaux as Churchgoer 5

            Darrell Jupiter as SPCA Officer

            Lara Grice as Opal's Mom

            Andy Irons
            
            Bobby Martinez
            
            Chris Ward
            
            Damien Hobgood
            
            Donovan
            
            Joel Parkinson
            
            Kalani Robb
            
            Luke Egan
            
            Mick Fanning
            
            Shea Lopez
            
See full cast