February 17, 2005
A new film opens today at theaters across the country.
It's called "Because of Winn-Dixie" and it's based on an award-winning novel by the same name.
It's the story of a 10-year-old girl named Opal and her preacher father.
They move to a small Florida town where a stray dog, named Winn-Dixie, and the girl manage to convert loneliness and friendlessness into something truly special.
This film has about every value you can think of.
Anna Sophia Robb, who plays Opal, will charm you.
It is also wonderful seeing such longtime stars as Eva Marie Saint and Cicely Tyson.
This is a great film for grandmothers to take in with their granddaughters, but it's a film for the entire family.
It's produced by some people who are tired of criticizing Hollywood and are committed to making good movies.
You and I have to support films like these if we want to see more of them so, buy a ticket and take relatives and friends.
You're going to like this film and you'll wish there were more like it.
The good news is there are and will be more if you patronize the good.
"Because of Winn-Dixie." Go see it.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C. Watch his television show, After Hours with Cal Thomas, on the Fox News Channel, Saturdays at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
