A Simple Story About Boy And Dog

Mon., March 13, 2000

Theresa Carpine Ferris

“My Dog Skip” (Rated PG)

“My Dog Skip” is another tale of life as a child growing up in the South in a time of turmoil. We’ve seen it before, from the amazing “To Kill a Mockingbird,” to last year’s less inspiring “Crazy in Alabama.”

But “My Dog Skip” is different from both movies in several respects. The film tells the autobiographical tale of Willie Morris, (played by an obviously stifled Frankie Muniz) and makes an effort to teach young moviegoers a lesson without going over their heads.

Author Morris shares his heartfelt stories of growing up in Mississippi during World War II with his adorable Jack Russell terrier. With help from Skip, we watch Willie come out of his shell and begin to experience new aspects of life. Morris explains that Skip changed his life drastically. It’s all sentimental, but still full of child-like mischief.

“My Dog Skip” strings together different adventurous tales of boyhood, with the main thread that every boy needs a dog. From experiences such as staying overnight in a cemetery to playing Little League, Willie learns profound life lessons about war and respecting living things.

Although the morals are featured, they are not prominently displayed. This is not a movie about the injustices of racism and war, or bright-eyed youngsters who band together to right a wrong. This is just a simple tale that kids will like because it has the adventures of a boy and his dog.

Youngsters might not understand all of the lessons in “My Dog Skip” but, since it doesn’t dwell on those topics alone, it’s still enjoyable.

Grade: B

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