The main human character of "Because of Winn-Dixie" declares at one point that hers is "a good story." It's also a predictable one. If you can't tell where this film is going, you're either not paying attention or you've fallen asleep.
And yet, this comedy-drama — based on Kate DiCamillo's best-selling novel — manages to overcome the sense of its being overly familiar. And, best of all for families, it's executed without being needlessly crass; it's more low-key than low-brow.
Tomboyish India Opal Buloni (AnnaSophia Robb), a 10-year-old who's having a hard time making a go of it in her new hometown, claims a stray dog that's just run rampant through a grocery store — and even names him "Winn-Dixie," after the store.
That arrangement is supposedly temporary, but thanks to the mischievous canine, Opal is making friends all around town. They include a somewhat mysterious pet-store proprietor (Dave Matthews, as in The Dave Matthews Band), a sight-impaired hermit (Cicely Tyson) and the town's spinster librarian (Eva Marie Saint).
Winn-Dixie also helps Opal come to terms with her preacher father (Jeff Daniels), who's reluctant to share any information about Opal's mother. (It turns out that she abandoned them both when Opal was just 3.)
A family movie about coming to terms with loss may sound like a chore, but director Wayne Wang and producer/screenwriter Joan Singleton never allows that aspect to become overwhelming or too dark.
And the film earns a few genuine lump-in-the-throat moments by actually developing its characters and storylines — and by giving us an on-screen heroine who's worth rooting for.
The filmmakers also strike the proper balance between the dramatic and comic moments, and smartly leave much of the humorous heavy lifting to the scene-stealing pooch (a Picardy shepherd). And he's definitely up to the challenge.
That's not meant to slight Robb, however, a likable newcomer whose lead performance is quite effective. And her on-screen relationships with Daniels, Matthews and especially Tyson are very believable.
"Because of Winn-Dixie" is rated PG for some slapstick violence (including some animal "attacks"), a couple of vulgar gags (dog doo, belching), and scattered use of mild profanity (mostly religiously based). Running time: 106 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com