First Oscar Film of the Year!

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2003)

Saw SEABISCUIT tonight at a Universal screening. And, it was good.
The first thing about these screenings, is that the audience is all industry people, and it's a jaded audience. They'll laugh politely, but there is generally no jeering, no cheering, and no heckling. Consequently, audience reaction is usually kinda low-key.
SEABISCUIT may be touted as being a Tobey Maguire vehicle (no pun intended) but Bill Macy owns this picture through and through. The audience responded to him audibly throughout the film. By his third or fourth scene, there was a surge every time he appeared - as everyone snapped to attention to soak in every nuance as he made a truly classic character shine in this portrayal of the hardboiled radio sports commentator Tick Tock McGlaglin (sp)
I was looking forward to this one because I 'd had a chance to see Gary Ross's film Pleasantville theatrically, and it had touched me in a lot of places. Now, seeing Seabiscuit, I'm getting a fix on him as a director. He loves the 20th century, pop images, black and white, great effects, and he understands and seems to yearn for that elusive Frank Capra-esque sense of the greatness and splendor and wonder of what made America great.
With so many of the same faces as were in Pleasantville, I can only hope that this is the makings of a great ensemble cast that we'll have another chance to see in yet another vibrant and visionary vehicle. (Read that with the booming intonation of an old time carnival side show pitchman)
Like, this was good, but I'm already looking forward to his NEXT offering.
The characters in this story are almost allegorical. We get almost too much setup and backstory, but at the same time, much of their histories are glazed over completely. For instance, we don't get any backstory on Elizabeth Banks' character at all. But, no one in the theatre seemed to care.
People were practically on their feet with excitement during the exciting final race, and there was applause during climactic moments, and also when the credits rolled. Another mark of respect, tonight the audience stayed seated through the tail credits, and gathered outside to share their appreciation with friends and coworkers.
I've seen speculation that people are hoping Tobey Maguire's presence is gonna bring a young audience to this pic. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the 16 - 25 set (yes, I cut the age group off differently than most) is gonna go "ho hum". I think they're gonna say Seabiscuit sucks. I think it will turn the blockbuster action crowd off. But then, this is a film for the rest of us. *smile*
A film for the whole REST of the family. One that people will want to see again and again -- and then bring home on DVD.
Bill Macy's a strong contender for Best Supporting Actor. I think everyone, everywhere, is gonna be as smitten with his character as this jaded room full of industry professionals was tonight.
Art Direction, Cinematography, Effects, Costumes, and Best Adapted Screenplay. At least six nominations that I can think of. I don't know what else's coming out yet, but it'll probably get a nod toward Best Picture too. But then again, this is only Gary Ross's second film, and it's not always about the film at hand, as anyone knows around here at least.
Some really nice incidental touches and a great score from Randy Newman too...
Yeah OK I give this one 8 1/2 smiles. Go see, go see.... you will not regret it. I promise.