I was annoyed

Rating: 6/10 (18 August 2003)

While I like a good cry along with all other sentimental people, this movie poured sentimentalism like too much maple syrup over innocent pancakes. McCullough's earnest narration accompanied by that feel good music was the first thing that turned me off: if there's something to be felt or said, does it have to be so saccharine? Then it seemed like the characters had no individuality, esp. the 2nd wife, who seemed to just be there and look pretty. I really didn't think there was any plot development over a really simple story.
The one character I was amused by was Tick-Tock. Besides that, the talk about the horses' personalities was more interesting than the humans'. Of course the action shots were nice, but beyond these examples I didn't feel too much interest.
The last watered-down thing I wanted to mention was the rags over riches theme, or "class-warfare light." There were good rich people (Jeff Bridges) and bad rich people (the rival) and good poor people. I understand that Seabiscuit captured the common man's imagination, and that's great. But, if only Jeff had some kind of foot fetish, I would have been more satisfied.
I guess it could be summed up by saying what I said to myself in the theater: "Okay, this is a tearful moment, and I feel the emotion, but I feel like I'm being manipulated into that emotion." I guess it's a good "family movie."