Oscar winner for Best Film 2004?

Rating: 7/10 (23 November 2003)

Oscar winner for Best Film 2004? Well, maybe. Some very good things in this film with all of the ingredients of an Oscar winner. Perhaps, an almost cynical attempt at creating an Oscar winner?
Highly regarded actor, who is long overdue for recognition by the academy. Jeff Bridges. Hot young turk. Tobey Maguire. Oscar winner in supporting role. Chris Cooper. (All of whom are excellent, by the way). Story of triumph over adversity; of the little man beating the odds. An inspirational story. Unintentionally funny as well. I especially enjoyed the advice given to the jockey to let Seabiscuit look the opposing horse in the eye and then he would definitely win the race.
Where's my academy award?
Above and beyond the above, it is a good film and I enjoyed it. However, if it hadn't been for the fact that it was based on a true story (Hi There! "A Beautiful Mind") I would say that it was almost a too good to be true Oscar winner.