 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
My Dog Skip
- Review Date: May 7, 2003
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Great boy-and-dog tale, but be prepared for tears.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that My Dog Skip is a nostalgic "boy-and-his-dog" movie, inspired by a true story, that contains a number of violent and/or sad scenes that show animal abuse, some physical and mental repercussions of war, and the death of a beloved pet. Even when the ugly incidents take place off-camera, the sounds and implication may be disturbing. Both the boy and the dog are in danger several times, enduring taunting insults and threats from bullies and cruel moonshiners. There's some offensive language ("ass") and insults ("sissy"), and one character has a drinking problem.
What's the story?
Based on the memoir of Willie Morris, who grew up in 1940s Mississippi in a small, sleepy town, MY DOG SKIP centers on bookish outsider Willie (Frankie Muniz), who doesn't have a single friend to invite to his 9th birthday party. But one of his birthday presents is a puppy he names Skip, who becomes his best a friend. Willie's mother (Diane Lane) gives him Skip over the objections of his stern and overbearing father (Kevin Bacon). Skip is a good listener and a loyal companion who helps Willie develop confidence and make friends with other boys and with the prettiest girl in school. Willie grows up in the segregated South, but Skip makes friends without regard to color, and takes Willie along. Willie learns about the world with Skip. He learns about himself, too. Angry and embarrassed at his poor performance in a baseball game, he hits Skip, who runs away, devastating Willie. Taking responsibility for his behavior and facing the consequences start him on the road to his adult self.
Is it any good?
My Dog Skip is a good, old-fashioned boy-and-his-dog movie that is lyrical and very touching, with many important issues for family discussion. One of the most interesting scenes in the movie for older kids is the parents' debate. Willie's mother says, "He is a responsible boy who needs a friend." His father says that pets are "just a heartbreak waiting to happen." Having lost his leg -- and much of his sense of hope about life -- in a war, he wants to protect Willie from loss as long as he can. But Mrs. Morris knows that loss is the price we pay for caring, and that what we gain from caring -- and from loss -- is well worth it.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about loss. How do the characters deal with loss in their lives? Is it better to love and then experience the grief that comes with loss, or to never love and never experience loss? Have you experienced any major losses in your life? How did you deal with it?
Families can also talk about the historical elements in the movie, including ration books, scrap drives, segregation, moonshine, etc. What's different about life in America now?
What makes bullies behave the way they do? Have you ever been bullied or stood up for someone being bullied?
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Parent of 7 year old
June 6, 2009
AGE
Good movie, but the dog dies
I really liked this movie and it kept my 7 year old engaged. However, he cried when the dog got lost and then again at the end when he died of old age (why is it that movie dogs always die?). I wouldn't show it to him again until he is a bit older.
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Adult
May 24, 2009
AGE
I didn't like it; animal cruelty
It made me mad when the boy hit his dog! I think he's a jerk! The only thing I liked about this movie was that it was the same dog from Frasier.
What other families should know:
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Parent of 9 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
for once I agree with your age guidance
I usually find the Common Sense rating a big conservative -- my six year old was usually fine with movies rated 8+. But in this case, I think 8 is the right cut-off. The scary scenes are truly scary, and much of the social message was over my almost-7-year-old's head. I enjoyed it, though. Terrific cast.
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Parent of 8 and 8 year old
August 2, 2009
AGE
Not for sensitive children
My girls were too sensitive with regards to what happens to Skip. The could not stop crying at the end and are now wary of these type movies. I guess kind of like Old Yeller was for me when I was their age.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
My dog (sniff) Skip
My Dog Skip, was a very enduring movie, Boy and his Dog, I laughed, I cried, anyone who has had a dog can relate to this story. This movie teaches some good values along with how to take care of a pet, what happens to pets when they die, the bonds of friendship. all in all a real tear jerker, reminds me of Old Yeller, not for the faint of heart.
this movie is rated PG for a reason, there is some violence and death. something that may be hard for younger viewers to understand.
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Parent of 16 year old
May 17, 2010
AGE
good movie. also check out Uncle Nino. great movie!
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Adult
April 23, 2010
AGE
8 and up.
my dog skip is a great family movie and sad at the same time but parents this movie has a few violence some mild language used and some drinking and smoking used to help handle the pain and they smoke cigar however it does deliver a great message about friendship and love and the role model is that skip which is the dog is a perfect example of unconditional love and loyalty and willie is a kind hearted and grateful for his companionship.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 14, 2010
AGE
My Dog Skip Has Some Iffy For 10 Years Old + 11 Years Old
I Need To See That Movie
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Adult
October 29, 2011
AGE
maybe a tad too emotional
This film is great, but when I saw it when I was a kid I was balistic with tears at the end. Mum couldn't get me to stop crying, I went to bed unable to stop crying. I was about 12 at the time or possibly younger. It's up to you if you think your kids can take this sort of thing
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| Topics: | book characters, friendship |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Jay Russell |
| Cast: | Diane Lane, Frankie Muniz, Luke Wilson |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 3, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | July 11, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some violent content and mild language |
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