Spirits need a lift? Love to see the underdog come out on top? Seabiscuit is the movie for you.

Rating: Null/10 (16 October 2004)

What a heartwarmer! Seabiscuit is the ultimate underdog picture with no less than three tragedy-stricken "losers" making comebacks in racing and life.
Tobey Maguire is intensely sympathetic as the hard-knock jockey dealing with more than his share of tough breaks (though that thick shock of blindingly red hair takes a little getting used to); Chris Cooper's understated performance as the softspoken trainer with a magic touch keeps "maudlin" out of the reviewer's vocabulary; and Jeff Bridges is - well, Jeff Bridges in his "power of positive thinking" mode. William H. Macy nearly steals the show as a gimmicky sportscaster who speaks for the common man. Period touches are satisfying. Unfortunately, the only interesting woman in the film, Valerie Mahaffey as Bridges' first wife, departs about forty-five minutes in, leaving us with paper dolls (Bridges' bland second wife) and stereotypes (Macey's bored blonde wife.) Still, if you're looking to lift your spirits, Seabiscuit is the movie for you.