Forced

Rating: 6/10 (31 July 2003)

Seabiscuit is a film that will find a lot of appraisal from critics and audiences, and for good reason: It was bred for that exact purpose. It's the kind of film that is a by-the-books "How to Win An Oscar" film. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, but it leaves the door open for a lot of problems to come. And quite a few slip through in Seabiscuit. The screenplay dances between being melodramatic and corny to thoughtful and well-written. It's the kind of story that says "Okay, be inspired....Now". It tries to force the hope and inspiration aspect on the audience instead of letting it flow naturally. This results in a few too many hokey scenes. And I know this is based on real events, but all the characters and their trials and tribulations are presented in a very drab and generic manner. There wasn't a real great character in the story.
Gary Ross is a good director. There is some very good cinematography in the movie. Okay, at times Ross pulls out the old slow motion during the races, but it's forgivable. Ross is obviously a better director than he is a writer.
The film's strongest factor, and the only reason it was as good as it was, was the excellent cast. True, they don't have too much to go with, but each does an exceptional job. I'm not the world's biggest Tobey Maguire fan, but I was really impressed with his performance. Cooper seems to be walking through his role, but an actor of the caliber Chris Cooper is can do that and make it look great. Jeff Bridges is provided with the most challenges emotionally, but he graces through them all with the performance of a true craftsman. The real story, and single best element of the movie, is William H. Macy's vaudeville sports caster. H. Macy fits the role to a T, and brings to a life a truly fun character. A scene stealer, indeed.
The movie features very good cinematography, and a phenomenal cast. The presentation of the film is just too melodramatic for my tastes.
6/10
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