Directed by Jay Russell from a script by Gail Gilchriest, the movie may lack some of Morris' more sublime literary touches. For instance, segregation is glossed over with the simple observation that Skip was colorblind and people should be, too. Because just when you think you're feeling superior to its sentimentality or immune to its idyllic tone, the darn thing will rise up and lick you. It's a gentle remembrance of how things can pass from our lives but never really leave us. Bacon's character is right.
Dogs are heartbreakers.
But they're worth every tear. Please read it.