Where the Red Fern Grows (2003)
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69% of users liked it
(685 ratings)
Based on the 1961 children's novel by Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows is a family-oriented drama four years in the making. This project is co-directed by Lyman Dayton, who also adapted the screenplay and produced the 1974 filmed version. The story involves 12-year-old Billy Coleman… More Based on the 1961 children's novel by Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows is a family-oriented drama four years in the making. This project is co-directed by Lyman Dayton, who also adapted the screenplay and produced the 1974 filmed version. The story involves 12-year-old Billy Coleman (Joseph Ashton), who lives in the Ozark mountains with his mother, Jenny (Renee Faia), and father, Will (Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band). Billy's grandfather (Dabney Coleman) encourages him to save money to buy a hunting dog. For two years, Billy does odd jobs in order to save the money. When he finally gets enough, he buys two puppies and names them Old Dan and Little Ann. Billy eventually trains them to become hunting dogs and enters the Fall Hunting Competition. Also starring Kris Kristofferson and Ned Beatty. Even though principal photography started in 1999, Where the Red Fern Grows didn't premiere until the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival due to numerous production difficulties and law suits. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Directed By
- Sam Pillsbury, Lyman Dayton
- Written By
- Douglas C Stewart, Eleanor Lamb, Sam Pillsbury, Wilson Rawls
- Genres
- Drama, Kids & Family
PG,
- In Theaters
- Dec 21, 2004 Wide
- Studio
- Walt Disney Pictures
Critic Reviews
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...it seems likely that fans of Rawls' book will find plenty to embrace here.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
For adults, the experience might be a tad more tiresome, since most of the action is by now rather shopworn, and the movie's pace is on the slow, sometimes uneven side.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...undoubtedly wholesome family entertainment, and I have no doubt that kids will enjoy it. For adults, the experience might be a tad more tiresome.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Joseph Ashton
as Billy Coleman
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Ned Beatty
as The Sheriff
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Mac Davis
as Bellington
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Dabney Coleman
as Grandpa
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Kris Kristofferson
as Older Billy Coleman
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Steve Sandalis
as Steve Johnson
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Renee Faia
as Jenny Coleman
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Gary Anson
as Wendell
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Andrew Dickison
as Rainie Pritchard
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Stuart Dickison
as Rubin Pritchard
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Kevin Gourd
as Garth
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Zack Hamilton
as Bart
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Lindsey Labadie
as Delores
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Eric Starkey
as Ben Kyle
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Dave Matthews
as Will Coleman
