The build up was better than the movie (spoiler).

Rating: 8/10 (25 July 2003)

I have looked forward to seeing this movie for a long time since I "listened" to the book last summer and I am a fan of Tobey Maguire's work. I have the American Experience episode about Seabiscuit that was on PBS and have recorded 2 of the specials about the movie that have been on so far with another to go on A&E this Sunday. So I had high expectations for this movie considering the Oscar hype it is getting. I did enjoy the movie, but overall I feel that all the previews and "making of" specials led me to believe that it would be more about Seabiscuit and Red Pollard than it was.
It did take nearly 45 minutes before Seabiscuit is shown and I feel they spent too much time trying to weave together the stories of Mr. Howard, Red, and Tom. Although the movie is titled "Seabiscuit", it is definitely center around the 3 men. There was such a wealth of material in the book about Seabiscuit that I wish the movie had been centered more around him. I completely understand the difference between a movie and the book (being a LOTR fan), but with the compromises needed I wish this movie had taken a different direction.
William H Macey's role was small, but good, and got laughs from the audience. Also, the audience did cheer when Seabiscuit beat War Admiral. But the movie ended so abruptly after Seabiscuit's final victory at Santa Anita that is seemed to take the audience by surprise with kind of a "oh, it's over" reaction. Overall, the audience did like the movie and I did as well. Tobey Maguire may get some nominations for his role, but I don't think the movie will for itself other than technical things. I may need to see Seabiscuit again to form a better opinion of it. I had to see The Two Towers 3 times before I got to liking it.