The "Oscar" Race Already Has A Winner By 6 Furlongs!

Rating: Null/10 (28 July 2003)

Hands down, this film is a winner by several furlongs, just like its four unlikely heroes, C.S. Howard, Red Pollard, Tom Smith, and of course, the horse, Seabiscuit. Scrappy is the first word that comes to mind when describing both horse and jockey. Set in the depression of the 1930's, we see a synopsis of each person's background to be able to really connect with the whys and wherefores of the film. I love the excitement of a horse race and I definitely got my fill watching recreations of each of Seabiscuit's history changing runs. Jeff Bridges is not rehashing `Tucker, A Man And His Dream'; Tobey Maguire is not doing an imitation of Mickey Rooney or Elizabeth Taylor in `National Velvet', and Chris Cooper is not doing an imitation of anyone, but the real trainer. William H. Macy gives a great turn as the voice of a radio sports announcer whose opinion reflects the feeling of the country as Seabiscuit rises to fame. Hold on to your hats folks, the film is going to be nominated for a lot of Oscars and I'm giving even odds that it will come out way ahead in the race, possibly a Triple Crown of Academy Awards.