‘My Dog Skip’ (2000) is charming canine drama (review)

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Based on the autobiographical novel of the same name, 2000 film “My Dog Skip” chronicles the life of Willie Morris (Frankie Muniz), an only child growing up in the 1940s, and his faithful Jack Rusell Terrier, Skip. A delightful family drama, it’s well acted, nuanced, and sentimental.
“My Dog Skip” opens with narration by adult Willie Morris (Harry Conick Jr.), who reveals that his youth was heavily influenced by adventures with his Jack Russell Terrier, Skip. During the 1940s, 9-year-old Willie (Muniz) struggled to fit in. Lacking friends his age, Morris’s closest friend was high school football star Dink Jenkins (Luke Wilson). After Dink is drafted and sent overseas to fight in World War II, Willie’s mother Ellen (Diane Lane) gives him a dog for his birthday. Despite the protestations of his tough but caring father, Jack (Kevin Bacon), Willie keeps the dog. “The dog stays,” Ellen matter of factly states.

Quickly, Skip proves instrumental in transforming Willie from a shy, timid, boy with few friends into a confident child. He bonds with Skip immediately. It’s his kinship with Skip which morphs gruff school bullies Big Boy Wilkinson (Bradley Coryell), Henjie Henick (Daylan Honeycutt), and Spit McGee (Cody Linley) into unlikely friends.

Whereas many based on a true story movies over dramatize, “My Dog Skip” keeps the narrative pretty simple. It’s an anecdotal film comprised of Willie and Skip’s adventures. This muted quality helps the movie remain grounded and flow naturally.

Additionally, it’s a nuanced story which doesn’t shy away from cultural events relevant in the 40s. Notably, WWII plays an important role, as does segregation. In a particularly poignant scene, an African American boy, Sammy (Nathaniel Lee Jr.), wonders “Who’s Dink [Jenkins].” Willie, aghast, replies “Where are you from? Mars?” “Nope, right across town over there,” Sammy explains.

Toying with a range of emotions, “My Dog Skip” presents a sentimental story loaded with comedy, drama, and nuance. Among the highlight scenes, there’s an adorable segment where Ellen drives Skip and Willie around town, but with Skip at the wheel so that it appears as if the dog is driving. Unfortunately, the plot at times felt stilted, with certain scenes such as a hunting encounter appearing haphazardly stuck in.

Overall, “My Dog Skip” manages to charm even the most ferocious of feline fanatics. By the movie’s heartfelt conclusion, you’ll be left misty-eyed; at least I was. For dog owners, it’s a particularly touching film which presents an honest, sentimental portrait of the bond between canines and their human companions.

Shoutout to my girlfriend Melissa’s dad for suggesting this review and lending me a copy of his DVD.