Flicka (2006)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Michael Mayer

Writers (WGA):

Mark Rosenthal (screenplay) &
Lawrence Konner (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Family

Tagline:

The biggest dreams take the most courage.

Plot:

Young Katy claims a wild horse as her own -- an effort to prove to her father that she is capable of one day taking over the family ranch.

Plot Keywords:

Ranch | Horse | Horse Ranch | Summer | Father Daughter Relationship

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Tim McGraw	...	Rob McLaughlin
Maria Bello	...	Nell McLaughlin
Alison Lohman	...	Katy McLaughlin
Ryan Kwanten	...	Howard McLaughlin
Danny Pino	...	Jack
Dallas Roberts	...	Gus
Kaylee DeFer	...	Miranda Koop
Jeffrey Nordling	...	Rick Koop
Dey Young	...	Esther Koop
Nick Searcy	...	Norbert Rye
Buck Taylor	...	Wagner
Wade Williams	...	Man with Clipboard
David Burton	...	Rider #6
John O'Brien	...	Mr. Masterson
Armie Hammer	...	Male Prefect

Also Known As:

My Friend Flicka (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some mild language.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Malaysia:U | USA:PG (certificate #42251) | Germany:o.Al. | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | South Korea:All | Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Fox 2000 Pictures

Trivia:

When Katy disguises herself as a boy for the wild horse race, you can hear her name being announced in the background as "Ken", just like the original male character from the "My Friend Flicka" book.

Goofs:

Continuity: During one of the first times Katy mounts Flicka to ride her around, Flicka isn't wearing a harness. Then there's suddenly a harness visible.

Quotes:

Nell McLaughlin: To Rob: "When are you going to look at your daughter... and realize that she's you?"

Movie Connections:

References Sexy Beast (2000)

Soundtrack:

Weight Of The World

Flicka: modern presentation of an old - but pure - family concept!

I saw the film with grandkids Saturday Oct 21st here in Ontario, having read our colleague tollini's lead review (only). I, too, loved the movie and can report that the mixed audience (kids, teens, parents) was very quiet, and did not stir throughout. A 'youngster' with a horse on an ol' ranch is an ancient Hollywood concept (the original film 'My Friend Flicka' - available for review here at IMDb, was released in 1943). It's surprising that a modern 'sophisticated' audience can be entertained by it -- who says you can't sell pure story-telling any more? (--: Yes, there's conflict in the story - isn't that what intrigues us about great tales? This family does have respect and affection for one another, though - it is not mean-spirited. I mention this because L. Braun of the Tor-Sun 'dissed' the movie because of the conflict twixt dad and daughter, viewing this as a poor role-model! (ok, Liz).

It was interesting to see this story presented with the parents being youngish and attractive, despite having teenage children. I liked T. McGraw as the dad - but I couldn't help but picture Chris Cooper (of a few years ago - sorry, Chris!) as the ideal guy for the role.

I must concur with tollini that '..The cinematography and art direction are exceptional. You are actually there in Wyoming and can understand why people never want to leave...., and why they love their horses." May I also recommend tollini's gallery of film reviews? These are very classy films -- hardly a car-chase or FX-explosion to be had!

There are lots of scenes with little dialogue -- just great music, and interesting images. In fact, my theory is that the camera itself is the greatest FX - we can be intrigued by watching sweeping landscapes, or 'eavesdropping' on private conversations by means of it. That's what great story-telling is all about. - canuckteach (--: