AFI Dallas International Film Festival - ‘Diamond Dog Caper’

(USA, 2008, 108 mins)

Directed By: Mark Stouffer

A trio of half-witted thieves think they’ve pulled off the perfect diamond heist, but they’re no match for the young boy they’re about to encounter. Owen has a lot of heart and even more smarts. His attempt to rescue a dog makes him the target of the crooks, who’re looking to retrieve their five million dollars. It’ll take the use of a secret fort, the help of some forest friends and sheer moxie to outsmart these bad guys. Luke Benward (Because of Winn Dixie) has undeniable charisma as the inventive Owen, and French Stewart, as the criminal mastermind, is merely one of several gifted comedians in this film.

Award-winning director Mark Stouffer and cinematographer Tom Camarda have created a film with boundless energy and storybook charm. With bungling thieves, unstoppable dogs and kids that have a passion for being a kid, it has a lighthearted sensibility that easily puts it alongside such family friendly classics as Home Alone and The Apple Dumpling Gang.

Information from the AFI website