Seabiscuit is a Champion

Rating: 8/10 (2 September 2003)

Far better than most of the trash in the theater this summer, Seabiscuit is a wonderful film about a beat up racehorse and the amazing life he and his handlers lead. I repeat - this film is also about his handlers. Don't think that this is a film solely about horses - it is about the people whose lives he turned around, about the hope and pleasure he gave Depression-weary America, and, yes, much of it is about Seabiscuit, as well.
The film aims for greatness, but strikes the wire just short. Far better than most of the films out today, it is good enough to make grown men cry and people to jump out of their seats (personal experiences, both). The race scenes are thrilling, and some of the best scenes are of Red Pollard (played to the hilt by Toby McGuire) and Seabiscuit recuiperating together at Ridgewood Farm after devestestating injuries that could take them both from racing forever. It would be a very good idea to read the book either before or after you view this, depending on whether you want to know what happens. The book is every bit as dramatic as the film, and gives a good inside view into some scenes that may not otherwise be understood or shown(i.e. The $20 loan for instance, or Red Pollard's explosive personality and sense of humor and friendship with George Wolfe) All in all a very good film, a good summertime movie, especially now that we have Funny Cide to cheer for, in a humorous parallel of events - a silent, pessemistic trainer, a race that got away, and a rematch we are waiting for (Funny Cide vs. Empire Maker). Dispite what critis and others say, though not great, this is a very good film.