Common Sense Media Review
Great boy-and-dog tale, but be prepared for tears.
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My Dog Skip
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the film is generally well-received for its emotional depth and themes of friendship and loyalty, although many flag it as being unsuitable for sensitive children due to its portrayal of animal cruelty and sad moments. While some find it a good family movie, others criticize its predictability and the negative impact of the violence portrayed, particularly towards the dog, which leaves a lasting impression on young viewers.
- emotional depth
- animal cruelty
- family movie
- unsuitable for sensitive children
- predictable plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 5 kid reviews
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 3, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : July 11, 2000
- Cast : Diane Lane , Frankie Muniz , Luke Wilson
- Director : Jay Russell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent content and mild language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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