My Dog Skip

2000

My Dog Skip

Critics Consensus

Critics say My Dog Skip is cute, wholesome entertainment for the family. It's especially designed to appeal to your sentiment, but you might find yourself choking up just the same.

73%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 82

68%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 46,381
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Movie Info

The year is 1942. As the Allies unite overseas to keep the world safe for democracy, there are voices at home that are barely heard. One of them belongs to Willie Morris, a shy and gawky eight-year-old whose childhood is even more quiet and isolated than his home town of Yazoo, Mississippi. An only child, ignored at school and uncomfortable with girls, Willie looks up to and confides in next-door neighbor Dink Jenkins, the town's star athlete, who's preparing to ship out in the service of Uncle Sam. Willie's father, Jack Morris, a stern but good-hearted veteran who lost his leg in the Spanish Civil War, is chiefly responsible for Willie's overprotective upbringing. Pushing in the other direction is his mother, Ellen Morris, a capable woman who knows that what Willie needs most is some freedom and a friend. Willie's ninth birthday gives her an opportunity to offer him both, in the form of a Jack Russell terrier puppy that the delighted Willie names Skip. Skip's outgoing personality helps Willie to build a friendship with Rivers Applewhite, the prettiest girl in school. Skip then further serves as matchmaker for Willie and Rivers at the movie theater, and lends a paw after Willie is challenged by Big Boy Wilkinson, Henjie Henick and Spit McGee to prove his worth in a football game. With Skip's canine help, Willie starts becoming "one of the boys." Then unexpectedly, Dink returns to Yazoo. But the dark truth soon emerges: Dink, when confronted by the realities of war, went AWOL. In trying to reconcile his hero worship of the Dink he once knew with his disappointment in the disgraced soldier, Willie begins to contend with the complexities of war and human conduct. He reaches a new perspective on these matters through his father's eyes and his own. Dink fails to show up at Willie's first baseball game, and the disappointed Willie takes it out on Skip, who runs away. The dog's disappearance and subsequent recovery teach Willie the strength of forgiveness, and give Dink a chance to embrace the power of redemption. Ultimately, it is a dog's love that teaches Willie Morris lifelong lessons of the human spirit.
  • Rating:
    PG (for some violent content and mild language)
  • Genre:
    Drama, Kids & Family
  • Directed By:
    Jay Russell
  • Written By:
    Gail Gilchriest
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Warner Bros. Pictures

Cast

Frankie Muniz
as Willie Morris
Kevin Bacon
as Jack Morris
Diane Lane
as Ellen Morris
Luke Wilson
as Dink Jenkins
Bradley Coryell
as Big Boy Wilkinson
Daylan Honeycutt
as Henjie Henick
Cody Linley
as Spit McGee
Caitlin Wachs
as Rivers Applewhite
March Beech
as Army Buddy
Michael Berkshire
as Older Willie
Harry Connick Jr.
as Narrator
Enzo the Dog
as Skip
John M. Sullivan II
as Hunter No. 1
Moose the Dog
as Skip (older)
William Butler
as Barney
Polly Craig
as Grandmother Mamie
Courtney Brown
as Snake Girl
Lucille Ewing
as Aunt Maggie
Peter Crombie
as Junior Smalls
Moose
as Skip
Owen Boutwell
as Spectator
Nate Bynum
as Man on Street
Charon Cross
as Spectator
Susan Carol Davis
as Mrs. Jenkins
Mark Beech
as Army Buddy
Stacie Doublin
as Woman on Street
Lucile Doan Ewing
as Aunt Maggie
Jim Fraiser
as Veterinarian
Graham Gordy
as Pump Jockey
Stuart Greenwell
as Hunter
Winston Groom
as Mr. Goodloe
Hunter Hayes
as Accordian Boy
Katherine Shoulders
as Mrs. Applewhite
Harry Wood
as Baseball Coach
Clint Howard
as Millard
Jerome Jerald
as Waldo Grace
Joann Blankenship
as Miss Abbott
Nathaniel Lee
as Sammy
Hunter Hays
as Accordion Boy
David Pickens
as Mr. Jenkins
Elizabeth Rice
as Rivers' Friend
Cannon Smith
as Bible Boy
John Stiritz
as Grandfather Percy
Gordon Swaim
as Umpire
Harry Hood
as Baseball Coach
James Thweat
as Older Big Boy
Jordan Williams
as Lt. Hartman
Wayne Wimberly
as Older Spit
Chaon Cross
as Spectator
Brian Witt
as Armpit Boy
Josh Yates
as Older Henjie
William Ross
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Critic Reviews for My Dog Skip

All Critics (82) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (60) | Rotten (22)

View All Critic Reviews (82)

Audience Reviews for My Dog Skip

  • Jul 11, 2012
    My Dog Skip is a very good family drama. The film is quite simple, but manages to be very good. The cast do a fine job here, and lead actor Frankie Muniz is very good compared to his other film roles. This is a well acted film, one that is sure to appeal to the entire family. This film has charm, a well written story and a good dose of comedy into its drama, which makes it a memorable film. The film is nothing new, but it works well enough to be fun, dramatic, sad and entertaining. What makes this film worth watching is the performances of its cast, and the witty script which make the film much better even with a not so brand new plot. This is the type of film we've seen many times before, however it still manages in being a must see film due to a good script. This is also a well directed film, and it's one terrific film that is sure to please anyone of all ages. This is among the best family films in the last fifteen years, and it has something for everyone. The film is a must see if you're looking for the perfect family film, and it has everything you'd expect from a good family oriented drama comedy. The film is not perfect, but it still has enough going for it to make it worth watching. With a good cast, a good story and good directing, My Dog Skip is a wonderful film. This is one of those rare family films that is actually something that anyone of any age groups will surely enjoy. The film is not cheesy and is always fun, dramatic and sad.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Jan 28, 2012
    Cute, but no recommendable movie.
    Lucas M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 15, 2012
    a dog story, this film was great but the ending like marley really had me hiding
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jul 28, 2011
    This true story has been re-created for one reason only, to touch the hearts of all ages and to feel sympathy for a boy and his dog as he faces the challenges that every boy his age faces. This film is brilliantly acted, well casted, good-hearted, family-friendly, funny, and will have you in tears by the time the credits role. This film touched me in ways that many movies have been incapable of touching me in. There may be a few scenes that seem a little undeveloped and rushed, but that is not enough to stop this film from being what it is: amazing! I feel some charcters (particularly the bullies) are a little too quirky for such a heart-felt story, but this film knows what it is trying to accomplish, and does it with ease. It will make you think twice about life, and just how precious every living thing in life truly is. Fantastic Film!
    KJ P Super Reviewer
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