Absorbing and nostalgic family drama

Rating: 8/10 (3 October 2010)

The beginning is slow I agree, and some of the parallels between injured Maguire and Seabiscuit are a tad overplayed more to do with the direction than how it is performed or shot, but Seabiscuit is an absorbing, sentimental and nostalgic family drama. It is beautifully filmed, has a lovely, heart-warming story with a strong emotional core, is decently scripted and is well paced in general. Seabiscuit also has a very good soundtrack and the race sequences are gripping. Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper and Tobey Maguire give superb performances, as does William H.Macy as a pessimist who also actually brings some much-needed humour to the film. Overall, not perfect but worthwhile film. 8/10 Bethany Cox