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.

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 26175

BEAGLE 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, 26146

SHILOHWV GIRL

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.