"No, not another animal movie!!" Hollywood, in some bizarre marketing strategy, came to the conclusion many years ago that movies about animals were somehow entertaining. From "Project X" to "Free Willie" to "Doctor Doolittle," producers have sought to capture the non Homo-sapiens market segment. Perhaps more canine viewers became enthralled; however, few human beings caught on to the craze.
Now enter "My Dog Skip", if you hadn't guessed by the overly-imaginative title, another dog tale (pun fully intended). Although the title may be mediocre, very surprisingly, this movie is not.
"My Dog Skip" is an outstanding movie chronicling a young Southern boy's travels through childhood in World War II America. The reason that this movie is so good is because it is true. "My Dog Skip" is based upon the memoir of Willie Morris, a former Rhodes Scholar and editor of Harper's magazine. In essence, this was not a creation of Hollywood big-wigs, but of a terrific writer's story of childhood.
The wonderful narrative voice-- spoken by Harry Connick Jr.-- creates a feeling somewhere between "Wonder Years" and "A River Runs Through It." The narration is poignant and heart-felt, aptly demonstrating the marvels of Morris' pen. The score written by William Ross is rich with simple melodies, beautiful orchestral lines, and touches of Americana music that adds to the movie and heightens the senses during the moments of drama. Frankie Muniz (of "Malcolm in the Middle" fame) gives a convincing performance as the nine-year old Willie Morris.
Although a few of the storylines reek of the animal movie "cheesyness" (i.e., a fight with moonshiners), for the most part "My Dog Skip" is a well-written tale that is deep and serious at its core. The viewer fully accompanies Willie's journey as he learns of love, wisdom and heroism on his way to becoming a man. "My Dog Skip" truly bucks the trend of mediocre, mass-produced animal movies. Bottom Line: 8.5/10
