Where the Red Fern Grows

The problem with this movie is the pacing. I was, perhaps foolishly, anticipating something grand when I rented the DVD, since I love the book and quite liked the original 1974 film. I had been told that the 2003 remake was accurate to Wilson Rawls' novel. Strictly speaking, this is true, but therein lies it's downfall.

Movies adapted from books often have to have sections removed or characters cut because, unlike films, no book is designed to be enjoyed in a single sitting. In this movie the acting is beyond hurried as people race through their lines, desperate to include every utterance of the novel in less than two hours. The results are dismal. The only time I've seen worse butchery of a good novel was the atrocious movie version of "The Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving.

If you love the book, read the book; or maybe get nostalgic and rent the original. Don't rent this version unless you just need something, anything, to sit some kids in front of for an afternoon while you balance your checkbook.

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

Where the Red Fern grows is a heart warming movie, this movie reminds me of my childhood. I miss the days when i ran wild and free and kept in touch with nature, i didn't need a cell phone, TV or internet to be entertained. Billy had a innocent up bringing he is persistent and a hard worker. The Coleman family were respectful and had good morals. Billy got a pair of dogs which he loved and also teaching him responsibility, he spent most of his time with his dogs hunting racoon's, keeping him busy and out of trouble. This movie taught me material things don't always make u happy and also to be grateful for my family and for the things I have

They should be making more films like these perfect for the whole family to watch. Great movie!, was watching it with my nephews and nieces and they all loved it. Im still trying to find some more films like these.They should be making more films like these perfect for the whole family to watch. Great movie!, was watching it with my nephews and nieces and they all loved it. Im still trying to find some more films like these.They should be making more films like these perfect for the whole family to watch. Great movie!, was watching it with my nephews and nieces and they all loved it. Im still trying to find some more films like these.They should be making more films like these perfect for the whole family to watch. Great movie!, was watching it with my nephews and nieces and they all loved it. Im still trying to find some more films like these.

The movie is about a young boy named billy and his 2 hunting dogs. The boy loses bets and saves a life his friends bet him and he lost. He enters competitions to earn money for his family to move. He loves his dogs then one day that all changed the movie makes people cry. Billys grandfather runs a store and makes billy do a bet they called his grandfather pops or gramps. His store sells everything. Billy got into a fight with the whole towns boys. Billy works his butt off to buy his 2 dogs little anne and dane. The movie is a very said movie but i would highly recommend the movie