Truly fine dramatic movie of a real horse, and the real people he helped save.

Rating: Null/10 (23 December 2003)

Set mainly between 1910 and 1938, the movie 'Seabiscuit' is about a racehorse that waited to show his stuff until the right set of people came along. Jeff Bridges plays the owner who had been despondent after losing his young son in a car accident. Chris Cooper plays the horse trainer who had lost his 'west' as fences went up and motorcars began spoiling the plains. Tobey Maguire plays the jockey, too tall and almost too heavy, and who had lost his family during the depression, leaving him to ride horses, essentially deserting him. This unlikely trio recognized the potential of this ornery and too small horse, and together they made racing history.

Gary Ross wrote and directed, based on a best-selling book. Ross also was responsible for 'Pleasantville', one of my favorite movies, as well as being the screenwriter for two other smart comedies, 'Big' with Tom Hanks and 'Dave' with Kevin Kline. So it came as no surprise that I really enjoyed 'Seabiscuit.' This is an old-fashioned movie where time is taken to develop characters and tell a good story. At key points in the movie we also see authentic B&W stills from the era, which adds to the realism. Overall, one of the better movies of 2003.
The DVD is beautifully done, with a sharp picture and realistic surround sound. During the racing scenes, you can actually feel the pounding on the track. The 'making of' extra is also worth a look, as is the feature on Seabiscuit, with racing film from his heyday.