Where the Red Fern Grows

This second film adaptation of Wilson Rawls' 1961 novel is co-directed by Lyman Dayton, who produced the original 1974 movie, and while one might expect the story to be that much more deeply felt by Dayton, the newer version is a little too efficient and not especially believable. The story centers around a 12-year-old Ozark mountain boy (Joseph Ashton) who saves his money to buy a pair of hunting dogs, leading to a series of golden days of adventure and friendship, followed by sacrifice and wisdom. Unfortunately, while the material is ripe for emotional richness, the execution is strictly by-the-numbers, buoyed by a couple of key performances (Dabney Coleman as a supportive grandpa, Kris Kristofferson as the older version of Ashton's character), but dragged down by others: namely, the younger Ashton and Dave Matthews (yes, that Dave Matthews) as Ashton's father. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include both widescreen and full screen versions, a “Lights! Camera! Animals!” featurette on training the animal cast (8 min.), “The Roots of a Classic” featurette on Wilson Rawls' novel, including an interview with his wife Sophie (6 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (T. Keogh)