Because of Winn Dixie

Thursday night, I got to see a sneak preview of the movie Because of Winn Dixie thanks to Grace Hill Media.

My take? Good movie. It starts a little slow as the audience is introduced to the main character, 10 year-old India Opal, and her divorced father who have just moved to a small town where he is the new preacher (played by Jeff Daniels). Opal finds a stray dog she names Winn Dixie who is the catalyst for her meeting people in town. Opal goes through the movie trying to discover more about the mother who left her as a baby and trying to overcome her loneliness.

This is a family movie that is character driven. The characters in town are interesting people and the movie will keep your attention as the character’s backgrounds are revealed and the characters grow.

Singer Dave Matthews stars in a supporting role. His performance is believable and also showcases his musical talent. His guitar playing is some of the most riveting scenes in the movie. Cicely Tyson gives the best performance as a legally blind woman who teaches Opal the most important lessons on life and acceptance.

This movie is worth the time. The characters draw you in and are endearing. Take your family to see this movie. You will feel good when you leave the theater.

In Good Company

Via Hugh Hewitt

Jonathan Bock of GraceHillMedia, one of Hollywood’s savviest movie marketers, had the brilliant idea to offer every blogger two free tickets to an advance screening of “In Good Company,” provided they agreed to blog about the movie after they had seen it.

Wait, it gets better:

any blogger who signs up for the free tickets and then posts this offer and a link to the IN GOOD COMPANY trailer on their site will be automatically entered in a contest to win their very own private screening of IN GOOD COMPANY in their town. The winner can either fill the screening with their friends and family, or see the film alone with that special someone – it’s entirely up to them. One lucky blogger here in the US will win. Sign up at info@gracehillmedia.com and send them your link. And of course, all the non-winners will still be eligible to attend an advance screening in their area.

Let the guerilla marketing begin! Good luck Mr. Bock. Hope your movie is a big hit.