Where the Red Fern Grows

Its not better. It's not worse; it's just different enough to make it as enjoyable and powerful as the original. Dave Matthews impresses with his believable portrayal; as does the rest of the cast. Dabney Coleman, who's characters are usually sleazy, did excellent and likable work. More "historically " accurate than the original movie, it seems. From the costumes to sets, to the acting. Only reason i gave it an 8 is so many tiny details overlooked that could have been included with little trouble.