Not the book, but very good by Hollywood standards

Rating: 8/10 (28 July 2003)

Greetings again from the darkness. Yes I am one of those who love Laura Hillenbrand's book, but I will not bash the movie. It is impossible for a 2 hour movie to get all the details accurate for a 10 year story. I was a little disappointed that the filmmakers chose to go the route of a feel-good, rah-rah film and totally ignore some of the darker aspects of this fascinating story ... but I do understand. Terrific acting by Tobey Maguire as Red Pollard, Jeff Bridges as Mr. Howard, Chris Cooper as Tom Smith and Elizabeth Banks (Spider-Man) as Mrs. Howard. Really thought Bridges captured the spirit of Mr. Howard in both pain and happiness. He is a tremendous talent, and quite underrated. Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens as George Woolf was nice casting, but again the emphasis on the "nice" part of the relationship left me a bit empty. Some of the race scenes were breathtaking, but a bit too much slow-motion and way too many cut-aways. I am no horse expert, but it appeared they used a few horses for Seabiscuit and the bobbing head did not match any of them. Overall, a nice movie going experience, but I suggest everyone read the book!