SEABISCUIT

Director: Gary Ross (Pleasantville, produced Big, other writing credits)
Starring: Toby McGuire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, A horse

This film was an almost saccharin-sweet story of the underdog rising up to the occasion. Although the story is titled "Seabiscuit", the ugly, undersized racehorse of the economically depressed 1930s, this was really the story of the horse's equally underdog owner, trainer and jockey learning to help each other to survive. On another level it's the story of the underdog American people learning to help each other during the depression.

The owner (Jeff Bridges) had pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become a millionnaire and had a real love for the American everyman. The trainer (Chris Cooper) was an absolute nobody that happened to pique the owner's curiousity. The jockey (Tobey Mcguire) was an angry, oversized fellow that quoted shakespeare despite his empty pockets. Apparently, America fell in love with this horse like no horse before, or since. Seabiscuit became a symbol of every American down on his luck. They movie was a plea for us to help each other.

The flaws in the movie were evident, but by no means overwhelming. The movie didn't really find its sense of itself until the horse made an appearence. The early scenes showing the backstory of the 3 main characters were only average. Additionally, David McCollough a very recognizable voice of narration in documentary television, provided his narration to this movie. I really didn't enjoy this cross-over. It implied that we were watching a documentary, which we most definitely weren't. This was a fictionalized account if ever there was one. Finally, this movie was very, very, very sweet. Almost (but not quite in my reckoning) too sweet. Some may view this as a problem, but I do not. It worked in spite of the sticky flavor.

In the end, this movie was quite enjoyable. Jeff Bridges provided another wonderful character, this one remarkably similar to his TUCKER role some years ago. Chris Cooper was astounding in a quiet role of a quiet man. I predict another Oscar nomination for him. Tobey Mcguire was quite good as the fiery jockey. All told I think we need more movies this sweet. We need the affirmation. Yes, it's not real life, but it's still good to see for those of us who have to live a real life.

Standouts: A very 'watchable', sweet and affirming tale. Fine acting throughout.
Blowouts: It might just be a bit too sweet for the ironic crowd.

Grade: B+