Don't Believe the Hype

Awesome Movie

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Normally when i see a movie after I've read the book, i'm usually disappointed because my imagination is usually bigger than what they can put on the screen with time limitations and budgets - but not this movie. The minute i started watching this movie i was hooked. I haven't read the book in years, but I've read the book at least two or three times, and this movie brought back some great memories, and certain parts of the movie was almost exactly like i imagined (especially the coon contest).Set in the Ozarks in the 1930's, this movie shows what kids did before computers, cell phones and video games. It also shows that life is very fragile, with Rubin Pritchard dying by simply trying to break up a dog fight and falling on his hatchet. But overall this is a feel good movie for the whole family, even though both dogs die in the end - it ends nicely with a nice montage of Billy Coleman and his dogs, and knowing that Dan and Lil' Ann will live for eternity through the book, this movie and where the red fern grows.

After watching this movie I only have one question: why did they make it again?...Seriously, this movie is identical to the 1974 version, and its not as if its challenging movie as far as effects go so there wasn't even the excuse of remaking because the technology had improved. Also The actor who played the main character was just awful, and Dave Mathews.... What was he doing in this movie?Definitely left me shaking my head. It amazes me that films that are this useless can still get the green light. I think of how many people had to read this script before it was filmed and say "yeah that sounds like a great movie, we have a lot to add on the 1974 version" its almost comical... I give it 1 out of 10.

I read the book when I was in the fifth grade and I am in my third year of college now. I remember the book as if I just read it yesterday because I loved it so much, I am a huge fan of dogs. Now, I just finally found the movie and just finished watching it just five minutes ago. I am currently crying my eyes out because I too lost my dogs and it just breaks my heart to see two beautiful Red Coon Dogs go when their owner loved them so much. Just as much as I loved my dog, Princess..Great movie, very accurate to the book. Not line by line, but the story all together, the details... Dave Matthews is the father, I knew I recognized him from somewhere...But it's amazing, to all those who disagree, I will never understand you.

This is my favorite movie. It is well done and especially well put together. Since I have a dog, I can personally empathize with dogs dying. The part with Beatty and Mathews in it was great!! Dave Mathews should make more movies - He's very underrated (as an actor)! There were three or four parts to this movie that I thought were as good if not better than any movie I have ever seen. They should make a novelization of this movie - it has all of the elements of a good book for children of all ages. This movie blew my pants off. One of my friends started watching this movie with a hat on and ended the movie without a hat on! The best part of this movie though was the ending. When the movie ended, I cried.4 out of 5 stars