Seabiscuit Reviews (please post your comments about the movie)

self | 7/25/03 | self

[randita]

3 1/2 *'s from this reviewer. I just saw Seabiscuit. Having just read and greatly enjoyed the book, I was anxious to see how faithful the movie would be to it. Sometimes movies after books disappoint. This one did not!

First and foremost, this isn't only a chick flick about a horse (my husband liked it a lot). This is a story about 3 men and horse to whom life dealt bust hands. Down on their luck, Seabiscuit, Charles Howard, his owner, Tom Smith, trainer, and Red Pollard, jockey, were providentially brought together and through courage, patience and trust in each other collaborated to produce one of the most inspiring sports sagas of the 20th century.

All of the main characters were superbly cast. Kudos go especially to Chris Cooper, who portrayed the trainer Tom Smith. he truly captured the essence of that man as described in the book. Jeff Bridges as Charles Howard and Elizabeth Banks as his second wife, Marcela, were outstanding--very believable. IMO, the weakest portrayal was by the headliner, Toby Maguire (Spiderman, The Cider House Rules) although he still did an exceptional job as Red Pollard, the feisty jockey. William H. Macy as sports reporter and announcer Tick-Tock McLaughlin provided excellent comic relief. The owner of War Admiral, Riddle (forget first name) bore a striking resemblance to Larry Flynt--that was humorous to me. Seabiscuit was played by no less than a half dozen different horses and was actually not the main attraction as horses in some movies are (e.g. The Black Stallion).

Costuming and cinematography and sound were first rate. There were somewhere around 3,000 extras for this movie and they were all stunningly outfitted in 30's clothing, meticulous in every detail. The horse racing video and sound were outstanding--up close and personal. Music can sometimes make or break a movie and though this wasn't John Williams, Randy Newman's score was an excellent match to the varying moods the twists and turns of the story took.

The screenplay was not of the caliber of the greats (it's rare when book adaptations are), but was head and shoulders above that of movies like Titanic.

This was a story that conservatives can love. Down on their luck, down to their last penny or termed intractable (the horse), the characters always had hope in brighter days. They believed in themselves and each other. One of the most memorable scenes is when Tom Smith comes upon some men about to shoot a crippled horse. He calls out--I'll buy her--don't shoot her. When asked why, Smith replies "You don't give up on someone just because they've suffered a little setback." You can triumph over adversity if you believe in your self and don't resort to self pity. That's a great message.

Of course, I cried and I clapped, embarassing my husband.

It is rated PG-13 because of a smattering of four letter words, a bit of blood during a boxing match and one scene with what I would term mild sensuality. Certainly teens would enjoy it. Those with pre-teen children can maybe weigh in on its suitability for them. My kids are too old, so I've lost perspective on that angle.

This is a story about a horse, of course, but it's even more a inspiring story of the human spirit, being the best you can be despite the odds, and triumphing over challenges.

Even if you see the movie, I also recommend reading the book. It was very enjoyable and includes much, much more information than could be packed into a two hour movie.

Other Freepers, please weigh in.

[Arkie2]

Did they have the part from the book about the pile of horse poo taking out the track in Tijuana?

[jocon307]

Great review, randita, thanks for posting it! The books to movie thing is always tricky, and this book was a fabulous hit, I'm glad to hear the movie lived up to its spirit of triumph over adversity.

Now, hopefully I can drag hubby to this flick, armed by your recommendations. Sounds like a good one for the "big screen".

[dennisw]

First and foremost, this isn't only a chick flick about a horse (my husband liked it a lot).

The "Horse Whisperer" was. One of my favorite films of the last 5 years.

[randita]

Did they have the part from the book about the pile of horse poo taking out the track in Tijuana?

Did not. Only a scant 5 minutes or so were devoted to escapades in Tijuana, but that was a humorous event as described in the book.

Much was left out in the movie, but the essence was there.

[Arkie2]

Darn! I laughed out loud when I read that part. I'm still going to see the movie anyway.

[vetvetdoug]

Was I dreaming or was there a movie about Seabiscuit circa 1940? I haven't seen it since the fifties but I do remember one.

[Weimdog]

Check out the PBS program "American Experience" and their episode about Seabiscuit.

The episode aired a month or so ago and was excellent. Interviews and original footage of races were wonderful.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/seabiscuit/mammalsevents/e_branding.html

[woodyinscc]

How was Gary Stevens, a Hall of Fame jockey who played George Wolfe.

[Arkie2]

The book mentioned an abysmal movie made about Seabisquit about that timeframe. Said it was really bad.

[pbear8]

Was I dreaming or was there a movie about Seabiscuit circa 1940?

"The Story of Seabicuit" with Shirley Temple on tonight on TCM.

[kellynla]

So how many stars did you give it? 1-4

[pbear8]

Seabiciut = Seabiscuit - sheesh!

[TalBlack]

Seabiscuit: "Rocky" with a horse and a jockey.

[Califelephant]

I can't wait to see it this weekend. The book was the most exciting true-to-life story I've ever read. If you don't know much about horse-racing or what jockeys go through for their profession, you will after reading Seabiscuit.

[Arkie2]

Did you look at the back dust jacket and catch the photo of the author? I thought it was Anne Coulter's identical twin!

[Gringo1]

Can you eat seabiscuits with grits and eggs?

[Uncle Hal]

I just returned from seeing the movie. I too read the book. I too thought the movie was very good. My wife, who had not read the book, really enjoyed it as well. I thought the acting, the sets and the costumes really caught the aura of the 30's. I was disappointed that at the end they did not explain what happened to the characters after the movie ended. I like that in a historically true movie. Obviously they could not go in to detail like the book and they had to cut corners.I noticed the movie has got generally very good reviews with Ebert and Roeper praising it to great lengths. I went to the first show at 11:20 AM and was glad to see the theater packed. So hopefully it will do well at the box office. We live in Sonoma County, CA. not far from where the owners stables, Ridgewood, was located.

[VOA]

Radio-show host Hugh Hewitt (KRLA 870AM) in Los Angeles was singing praises of the film.
I'm a skinflint on paying to see movies...but I think I'm going to drop some money on this one.

[VOA]

Check out the PBS program "American Experience" and their episode about Seabiscuit.

Absolutely agreed. I stumbled onto a weekend re-airing of it...really great with
the low-key narration by actor Scott Glenn.