Seabiscuit Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)August 11th, 2003
"Seabiscuit" - Starts Slow but Finishes Strong by Homer Yen
(c) 2003
Although "Seabiscuit" galloped into theatres a few weeks ago, its durability has surprised many as it continues to draw in substantial numbers of people. Buoyed by good reviews, good word-of-mouth, and the allure that this will be much different than the homogeneous action-thriller that have been sprouting up throughout the summer, this tale about a little-horse-that-could may be the perfect piece of counter-programming.
Those are the primary reasons that motivated me to see this sports story. However, keep in mind that "Seabiscuit" is really an odd entry among the plethora of summer films. With its moderate pace, the elevated human drama, and its serious tone, it may come across as a movie in slow motion.
The story of "Seabiscuit" revolves around visionary owner Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges), troubled jockey Red Pollard (Tobey McGuire), Zen-like horse trainer Tom Smith (Chris Cooper), and a small horse who preferred napping under trees rather than galloping on a racetrack. Set against the backdrop of the Depression era, each is a victim of tremendous tragedy. The opening 30 minutes details how they have become underdogs in society, stripped of their dignity, and looking desperately for a second chance. It is a leisurely start for any film, and even uncomfortably slow in light of the short attention span that we have that summer blockbusters seem to perfectly address. There is very little dialogue at the outset; a narrator sets the mood of the era in a tone that reminds you of storytellers on the Discovery Channel; and the coming together of all of the main characters seems to take longer than it should.
The film primarily celebrates the underdog during a time when heroes were so badly needed. Seabiscuit seemed so lazy that it was sold to Charles Howard for a paltry sum of $2,000. In fact, there were instances where Seabiscuit was thought to be injured to such a degree that doctors recommended that the horse be put down. Pollard's ascension is equally astonishing. His parents had to give him away as a result of the ailing times. It was the parent's hope that their son could harness his love for horses in some incredible way. Pollard would strive to become a jockey. However, he was ridiculed for being too large; he was temperamental; and at one point, shatters his leg to such an extent that it was thought that he could never ride again. If Seabiscuit and Red Pollard could enjoy unlikely victories through a combination of good racing strategy and heartfelt desire, then this could give America something worth cheering. So symbolically important were they that when they raced against War Admiral, a ferocious competitor of distinguished pedigree, businesses closed for half a day so that employees could listen to the race.
"Seabiscuit" is an admirable film. The racing sequences are exciting to watch, your adrenaline begins to rush, and you may even shed a tear because of their indefatigable sense of courage. It is a handsome film that evokes the harshness of the period as well as the majesty of the sport. And the performances are steady and sure like a good jockey and his horse. One notable character that appears late in the film is radio announcer Tick Tock McGlaughlin: (William H. Macy). He's manic, he's daffy, and he's a treat to watch. And if you're looking for something a bit weightier this summer, so is "Seabiscuit"
Grade: B
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
