Saving Shiloh

Plot synopsis:
The movie begins with Marty Preston (Jason Dolley) explaining the events of Shiloh and Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season. Then Judd Travers (Scott Wilson) shows up at the Preston home with dead squirrels as a present for Marty and his family for helping him after his truck accident in the second film. A fearful Shiloh runs into the kitchen since he is still scared of Judd. Marty's sister, Becky (Liberty Smith), embarrasses her mother, Louise (Ann Dowd), when she calls Judd the meanest man since Judd says he has eaten dead squirrels all his life. Soon, Marty hears from his two best friends, David Howard (Jordan Garrett) and Samantha Wallace (Taylor Momsen), that after a fist fight, a drunken Judd has been charged with murder. Marty brings Judd some squirrel stew and offers to help Judd, believing that he hasn't committed murder. Soon after, when Marty is helping Judd build a fence for his hunting dogs, Judd accidentally steps on one of his dog's paws. The dog starts attacking Judd, biting his good leg. Judd doesn't show any fear, grabbing the dog and swinging him at a fence. Afterwards, when Dara Lynn (Kyle Chavarria), another of Marty's sisters, falls into a lake, Marty jumps in to save her. Shiloh jumps in to help but gets caught in the current, which leads toward Miller Falls. Marty goes back into the lake to save Shiloh but gets caught in a branch. Seeing this, Judd jumps off a cliff into the lake to free Marty. Marty explains to Judd that Shiloh is going to go over the waterfall unless he saves him. Judd saves Shiloh and begins a friendship with Marty and Shiloh. The film ends with Marty saying, "If you open your heart, anything is possible."

Tags: murder

Review:
Truly Moving Picture. I saw this film on April 5th, 2006 in Indianapolis. I am one of the judges for the Heartland Film Festival's Truly Moving Picture Award. A Truly Moving Picture "explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland gave that award to this film.This film is about a 12 year old boy growing up and coming of age in a small, picturesque town in the Midwest. Even though his family is of modest means, he has an ideal life with a loving family consisting of his father, mother, two little sisters, and his beagle dog, Shiloh.The boy takes on a challenge. He befriends an old, cantankerous man who has no friends or family, and is rumored to be involved in everything from dog beating, to burglary, and even to a current murder investigation. This old man was abused as a child and seems to be a hopeless cause. His cause seems hopeless not only because of his behavior, but also because he is forever the victim of gossip. The boy looks for the good in the old man even though he is not sure if he will succeed or whether the old man is capable of change.Along the way, the boy confronts other challenges closer to home. He has a senile Grandmother who appears to be an Alzheimer victim and is difficult to love. He also has a rebellious young sister who is a constant pain.Displaying sacrifice and compassion well beyond his years, the boy learns valuable lessons about life. However, this is not a preachy movie. The morality statements are understated, and the children are surprisingly fine actors who mostly display the fun of being young and open and naive. The whole family can enjoy this movie, which is part mystery, part adventure and part family drama.FYI  There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.. Great Family Film. This is a very under rated movie that I had not even heard of before. The kids love it but it can be kind of emotional and sad for younger kids. It's got good performances and a good story though and the dog is adorable. This isn't a dumb talking dog type dog movie, it's a good story with a nice ending.. Shiloh, West Virginia, is a VERY REAL PLACE in WV.. I grew up in the REAL SHILOH, WEST VIRGINIA, and rode School bus #2 from the end of the SHILOH BRIDGE through FRIENDLY,WV 26146 on to Sistersville, WV 26175BEAGLE dogs were very common in the area and the dog inspiring the SHILOH book and film series was a real dog found under the Historic Shiloh Bridge in TYLER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.ALL THREE MOVIES HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL FAMILY FILMS. THEY PROVIDE A SNAP SHOT IN TIME OF A VERY REAL WAY OF LIFE IN RURAL TYLER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. I am a luck girl to have grown up there.If you have any questions about the REAL Shiloh, WV, area, please E-mail your questions. or write to MAYOR'S OFFICE, TOWN HALL, FRIENDLY,WV, 26146SHILOHWV GIRL