Plot: What’s it about?
Based on the true life story of author Willie Morris, “My Dog Skip” tells a tale of the events of one particular Summer that changed his life forever. The name Willie Morris might sound familiar as he was a very successful author, and in fact the youngest publisher of Harper’s Weekly. He is also responsible for another recent movie, Ghosts of Mississippi. While most of his movies (books) take place in the deep south of Mississippi during World War II days. While this is a lot more of a story about growin up, much like Stand by Me, we see that other influences affected the young boy during a particular year. “My Dog Skip” is his story.
Willie is a typical boy who doesn’t have too many friends, in fact he has none. His father is very overbearing, has lost his leg in a war and has some issues dealing with it. He tries to force his boy to play sports, but at the same time is very overprotective of him, as he doesn’t want him to go through life the way he has – injured. Upon Willie’s birthday, there is much debate as to what to get him for a present. Aside from the usual array of relative gifts (a bow tie among them), his mother (Diane Lane) makes a decision to get him a puppy (much to his father’s dismay). Feeling that Willie is too young and irresponsible, Mr. Morris (Kevin Bacon) takes the dog away, only to return it on a “trial basis” a few hours later. What happens next is the heart and soul of “My Dog Skip”. Of course, Skip (the dog from Frasier) is the dog’s name. Willie and Skip become best friends and it’s through this friendship that helps him become accepted by the local bullies that have given Willie nothing but a hard time until now.
A subplot of the movie focuses on Willie’s neighbor, Dink (Luke Wilson). Dink is the all star athlete who also happens to be “the town’s favorite son”. Blessed with good looks, athletic abilities and a natural charisma make Dink the person everyone wants to grow up to be. Dink is like a big brother for Willie and for a long time is Willie’s only salvation from the other kids. This all changes when Dink is shipped off to fight in the war effort. Not knowing what to do without his only friend, Willie becomes attached to the dog and as mentioned before, manages to fit in socially. Willie even manages to get a girlfriend and life is going great. It’s not long after that Dink arrives back home a changed man and it’s now common knowledge that Dink was labeled a deserter. No longer is the town hero just that, he’s a coward (and now a drunk). To tell any more of the plot would be cruel, as it’s not that involved. The movie enjoyed success last Spring as a surprise hit. The story is truly great, and even more so because it’s true. While it’s quite possible that this movie could have you in tears by the ending credits, it’s amazing what Hollywood has rediscovered a great story, with great acting makes a good movie! As a family movie, “My Dog Skip” is a perfect choice.
Video: How does it look?
It’s been some time since I watched “My Dog Skip” so when it surfaced on Blu-ray I was eager to see how it looked. Warner is a bit hit and miss with their catalog titles, but this 1.85:1 VC-1 HD transfer is just as dazzling as I remember the standard DVD to be. Like the recent “Flipped” this takes place over 50 years ago and the warm hues and candy colored outfits reflect a happier, simpler time in America. Flesh tones seem warm and natural and contrast is perfect. The detail is sharp, but not over-sharpened and gives way for a very picture perfect image throughout. Fans of the film won’t be disappointed by the way it looks.
Audio: How does it sound?
The front-heavy DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack is about what you’d expect from a movie of this nature. The majority of the film is dialogue-driven, but there are a few instances in which the audio does take control. The thunderstorm sequence is one of those that really took me off guard and it’s a testament to this uncompressed soundtrack that makes it sound so good. On the whole, like the video, the audio delivers and strongly at times though it’s a good, solid mix.
Supplements: What are the extras?
If you own the previous DVD, there’s not anything new here in regards to supplements. We get the same two commentary tracks as well as the same deleted scenes (with optional commentary) and a trailer. I’d have liked to see some sort of interactive feature, but it’s a no go.
