SEABISCUIT (2003) / ***
Directed by Gary Ross. Screenplay by Ross, based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand. Starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Tobey Maguire. Running time: 140 minutes. Rated PG for mild language by the MFCB. Reviewed on August 11th, 2003.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: A true story set during the Great Depression, this is the story of automobile magnate Charles Howard (Bridges). Reeling from a personal tragedy, Howard hires eccentric trainer Tom Smith (Cooper), to find him a horse and a jockey. Smith introduces him to Red Pollard (Maguire), an angry young man who was abandoned by his parents and can never seem to catch a break. Together, they strive to turn an undersized racehorse called Seabiscuit into an American legend.
Review: "Seabiscuit" hits many of the same beats as other sports-related films. There's an overlooked athlete with lots of potential; managers (or trainers, or whatever) who have experienced hardship and seek some form of redemption through this would-be star; and a big race which serves as the emotional high-point of the picture. What makes "Seabiscuit" a little more noteworthy than many other movies of its ilk, however, is the level of craftsmanship which has gone into the production. The direction is superior -- whether it's the scenes of tragedy, quiet sequences like the charming first meeting between Howard and Smith, or the exciting depictions of horse-racing itself, Ross invites the audience into the moment. He also helps to make Seabiscuit the unheralded fourth star of the movie, gifting the horse with plenty of personality without letting the film feel maudlin. Of course, the two-legged stars also offer praiseworthy performances. Particularly fine is Cooper, who plays Smith as a drifter clinging tenaciously to the knowledge that he still has a purpose in life. Bridges is very good as a man whose positive outlook cannot hope to mask a deep well of sadness. And Maguire finds the right balance of rage and gumption as Red Pollard. In a summer consisting almost entirely of action movies and broad comedies, "Seabiscuit" is a very welcome respite.
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan. Archived at The Popcorn Gallery, http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
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