Where the Red Fern Grows (2003)

That was an excellent one.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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.

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

I had the privilege of being at the World Premiere of "Where The Red Fern Grows" May 3, 2003 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. I have worked for three years to help bring the film out of the financial problems that has kept it from being finished and released. There were many others who dedicated so much of their time doing the same thing, one of which was not fortunate enough to make the credits, Julie Davis. We owe her great gratitude. There were so many who did all they could to see the film come to fruition. All believed in this film and the final product speaks for itself.Joseph Ashton, who played the lead role Billy Coleman, did a fantastic job. I spoke with him at the premiere and, not only is he a great actor, but he is an extremely nice young man. Joseph definitely has a great future in the film business. Also the rest of the cast gave great performances. Dave Mathews was perfect in his role and showed that he too has a great future as an actor in the film biz if he so desires. A damned good job for the first time out.Lyman Dayton, who was the producer on the 1974 version of "The Red Fern" was the beginning director/producer/screenplay writer of the new version. He was with it when it fell into financial troubles and tried constantly to save the film. I presented the film to a fine producer/businessman Bob Yari, and after a couple of years of various negotiations, he brought in Crusader Entertainment(who had tried to make a deal before) and the film was brought out of financial problems and made ready to finish. Sam Pillsbury, a well respected director, was brought in to finish "The Red Fern". Sam did a fantastic job finishing the film and taking it to the silver screen. The extraordinary contribution of these two great directors, that led to the finished product, can be seen and felt throughout the film.At the premiere, everyone was struck by the emotions, humor, suspense, and the heart felt feelings experienced from this film. And at the end I will guarantee you that there was not a dry eye in the audience. Yes, "Where The Red Fern Grows" will finally be on the big screen, and is destined to be a Classic Family Film for many years to come. I am extremely proud to have the credit as one of the executive producers.Wayne Mooneyhan Executive Producer