Greetings again from the darkness. Dreamworks brings us a family picture in the spirit of the old Disney movies ... only this one has a bit more substance. The comparisons to "Seabiscuit" are inevitable, but this is not a BIG film like that. It is much more a story of a man and his family.
Kurt Russell shines as a gifted/cursed horse trainer who has withdrawn from his family over the years. A stunning piece of bad luck puts him out of work and taking care of a broken down race horse. The horse turns into the proverbial rallying point that brings Russell close to his family - especially his daughter (Dakota Fanning) and his estranged father (Kris Kristofferson).
Fanning ("War of the Worlds") continues to exhibit amazing screen presence for such a youngster, but there are a few times when her lines seem a bit too scripted making her wise beyond her years. For the most part, she plays the role well as a daughter in love with a horse that is bringing her closer to her dad. Kristofferson is fine as the crusty old horseman who taught his son (Russell) and granddaughter (Fanning) all he knows about horses. He overdoes it a bit at the Breeder's Cup, but mostly plays the role well. David Morse ("St. Elsewhere") is very good as the villain/competitor ... again in the spirit of Disney villains. Elisabeth Shue ("Leaving Las Vegas") is Russell's wife and she is desperately under-utilized. Why doesn't this fine actress get more roles? Just for fun, check out former major leaguer-turned horse owner, Dick (Richie) Allen at the betting window with Russell.
Without a doubt, Russell is the star of the film. I have said for years this man should be a HUGE movie star, but so often makes poor choices in roles. He is perfect in this role. Strong, well-meaning and emotional when necessary. The guy is a great actor but will apparently never reach the superstar status he should. Would love to see him commit to acting in independent films for a few years and really work his craft. He and Goldie have to be set financially, so why not push his art?
Writer and first time Director John Gatins serves up a well made, high-quality family picture that should be seen by many. Certainly it will be big on DVD sales and rentals. Is it a bit heavy on melodrama? Absolutely. But it is very enjoyable, nonetheless.
Kurt Russell shines as a gifted/cursed horse trainer who has withdrawn from his family over the years. A stunning piece of bad luck puts him out of work and taking care of a broken down race horse. The horse turns into the proverbial rallying point that brings Russell close to his family - especially his daughter (Dakota Fanning) and his estranged father (Kris Kristofferson).
Fanning ("War of the Worlds") continues to exhibit amazing screen presence for such a youngster, but there are a few times when her lines seem a bit too scripted making her wise beyond her years. For the most part, she plays the role well as a daughter in love with a horse that is bringing her closer to her dad. Kristofferson is fine as the crusty old horseman who taught his son (Russell) and granddaughter (Fanning) all he knows about horses. He overdoes it a bit at the Breeder's Cup, but mostly plays the role well. David Morse ("St. Elsewhere") is very good as the villain/competitor ... again in the spirit of Disney villains. Elisabeth Shue ("Leaving Las Vegas") is Russell's wife and she is desperately under-utilized. Why doesn't this fine actress get more roles? Just for fun, check out former major leaguer-turned horse owner, Dick (Richie) Allen at the betting window with Russell.
Without a doubt, Russell is the star of the film. I have said for years this man should be a HUGE movie star, but so often makes poor choices in roles. He is perfect in this role. Strong, well-meaning and emotional when necessary. The guy is a great actor but will apparently never reach the superstar status he should. Would love to see him commit to acting in independent films for a few years and really work his craft. He and Goldie have to be set financially, so why not push his art?
Writer and first time Director John Gatins serves up a well made, high-quality family picture that should be seen by many. Certainly it will be big on DVD sales and rentals. Is it a bit heavy on melodrama? Absolutely. But it is very enjoyable, nonetheless.