SEABISCUIT

[dh1989]

"Don't stop, boy! Don't ever stop!"

"Seabiscuit"

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005JMCL.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

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Plot: "An American epic of triumph and perseverance set during the Great Depression, SEABISCUIT is based on the best-selling book that was one of the most popular and widely read non-fiction books of recent years. It is the story of three men-- a jockey (Tobey Maguire), a trainer (Chris Cooper) and a businessman (Jeff Bridges) -- and the down-and-out racehorse that took them and the entire nation on the ride of a lifetime."

Directed By: Gary Ross (Pleasantville).

Written By: Gary Ross (Big).

Producer: Kathleen Kennedy (The Sixth Sense), Frank Marshall (Signs), Gary Ross (Trial and Error), and Jane Sindell (Debut Film).

Starring: Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), Jeff Bridges (K-Pax), Chris Cooper (American Beauty), Elizabeth Banks (Catch Me If You Can), William H. Macy (Magnolia), and Gary Stevens (Debut Film Performance).

MPAA Rating: "PG-13," for some sexual situations and violent sports-related images.

Other Facts: $80,000,000 (Budget)

Shooting Locations ---

California, USA

Kentucky, USA

Hemet, California, USA

Keeneland Racetrack, Lexington, Kentucky, USA (Pimlico racetrack)

L.A. County Fairgrounds, Pomona, California, USA

Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Los Angeles, California, USA

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California, USA

Saratoga, New York, USA

Taglines --- "A Longshot Becomes A Legend" and "The Hopes Of A Nation Rode On A Longshot."

Plot Keywords --- Horses, 1930s, Jockey, Based-on-a-book, Racetrack, Rags-to-riches, and Great-depression.

Fun Facts --- * 'Gary Stevens' and Chris McCarron are both successful professional jockeys, both having won the Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup races. Chris McCarron retired a couple months before accepting the role of Charley Kurtsinger, in the film.

* Over fifty horses were bought and trained for the film.

* Seabiscuit is played by a 4-year-old gelding named Fighting Furarri.

Thoughts: First off, I love horses, and films about them. Last year carried one of my all-time favorite horse movies, and, oddly, it was an animated release, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, and I hope this year is no different, with Ross' Seabiscuit!

I have great faith in it. Second, the cast is amazing. Bridges, Cooper, Macy, and, especially, Maguire are all uber-talented. Third, the setting, 1937-1938, is a time in American history rich with many different elements, from beautiful clothing, to the further advacement of technology, that should make this film interesting, Finally, it looks entertaining, and I'll be glad to have a break from 'summer films'. It should be this year's Road To Perdition, but hopefully even better! I wager this is one of the greatest films, if not THE greatest film, of 2003! Go Seabiscuit!

A Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Release.

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Click HERE (http://us.imdb.com/Trailers?0329575) for the trailer!

"Our horse is too small! Our jockey's too big! Our trainer's too old! And I'm too dumb to know the difference!"

[ilovemovies]

I personally can't wait. It looks great!

[Scarface98.9]

I'm not looking forward to this at all. It has an attractive cast sure, but it looks like (and I've used these words before) manipulative, tear-jerker Oscar bait shit. Lifetime Movie of the Week-quality shit. I'm skipping this one

[ilovemovies]

Originally posted by Scarface98.9
I'm not looking forward to this at all. It has an attractive cast sure, but it looks like (and I've used these words before) manipulative, tear-jerker Oscar bait shit. Lifetime Movie of the Week-quality shit. I'm skipping this one

even if the reviews are great?

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Scarface98.9
Lifetime Movie of the Week-quality

Okay, I usally don't rant, but I must here:

I HATE THAT TERM! God, I see it more and more everyday. Why must every film that tries to be inspirational be considered "Lifetime Movie-Week quality"? I've seen it used to describe The Pianist, White Oleander, About Schmidt, and, now, Seabiscuit. It is getting on my nerves.

[Strider]

As Scarface said, the film does feature an attractive cast, but that's not enough to make me see "Seabiscuit". First off, the premise sounds so dreadfully boring... a film about a horse and a derby rider does not interest me in the slightest. While the trailers and television spots are trying very hard to pass "Seabiscuit" as the first "oscar-caliber" film of 2003, I don't believe it. Therefore, with all due respect, I'll be avoiding the film.

Strider

[Mike]

When I was a kid I was obsessed with horses. I loved them. I'd watch everything with horses in it. I'd read horse books, draw horse pictures, play with toy horses with friends, pretend my bike was a horse and ride it with a string attached to the handle bars, pretending it was reigns (shut up ;)), and many more things. Then around after Elementary school, I lost interest, and gained more interest in movies. I had always loved movies and would watch them a lot, but then they became more my obsession than horses. I still like them, mainly because I'm an animal lover, but I'm just not nearly as crazy about them as I used to be. If I was that same horse loving nut that I was when I was a kid, I'd probably be really excited about this movie. But that's just not me anymore, and while the movie doesn't look terrible, it just doesn't look very interesting to me. I might see it someday though, probably once it's been on video awhile, but I can't say I'm really looking forward to it. I just don't think it looks that great. I can't see it being very exciting, at least to me. I wish I did, but I just don't really. I'm sure I'll end up checking it out sometime in the future.

I will say that the poster is actually pretty damn good though... And for the record, I also loved SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON. It was one of last years best and most underrated films and one of the very best animated films ever.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
And for the record, I also loved SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON. It was one of last years best and most underrated films and one of the very best animated films ever.

And you waited for DVD for that too....

I'd wager that, in a year's time, we'll see a rave Seabiscuit review from you, 'Mike'. For some reason, it strikes me as a movie you'd enjoy, since you seem to like old-fashioned films with a blend of action and romance, a la Tuck Everlasting.

***

Anywho, here is a review of Seabiscuit from Kirk Honeycutt, a reviewer at 'The Hollywood Reporter'...

"Seabiscuit" aims to be a crowd pleaser, and for the most part it is. It's David vs. Goliath, only some competitors have two legs and others four. If you don't know by now -- and Universal's marketing mavens would be shocked if you really did not -- Seabiscuit is the name of a great thoroughbred racer in the 1930s. As the movie would have it, Seabiscuit was the magic bullet for the Great Depression blues -- a game, undersized bay from the Golden State, who when given "a second chance" because "you don't throw a whole life away just because it's banged up a little," raced his heart out, exemplifying the American spirit of the gutsy "little guy," the "underdog" who overcomes insurmountable odds. This is a movie that comes at you with those quotation marks all but visible onscreen.

Thanks to smart performances by Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper and numerous exciting racing sequences, "Seabiscuit," written and directed by Gary Ross, has the legs of a boxoffice champ. Given that Hollywood is mired in a summer league of extraordinary visual effects and very ordinary sequels, this sentimental flag-waving feels like welcome relief.

The film derives from Laura Hillenbrand's best seller, which forces Ross into quite a juggling act to create and sustain many historical plot lines. This is not only the story of a horse who's too small, a jockey who's too tall, an unorthodox trainer and a maverick owner, but also of a society in ferment, suffering political, economic and social upheaval while in the midst of a technological revolution that allows the broadcast of sporting events into its cars and homes.

Most of the first hour is spent following three men, each damaged by life-shattering loss, and one discarded horse. Johnny "Red" Pollard (Maguire) is a kid who in better times learns how to ride horses very well. When his Irish immigrant family loses everything, they are only too willing to abandon their son to the vagabond life of a jockey and later a prizefighter. He isn't too good at either.

Tom Smith (Cooper), a cowboy who sees civilization gobbling up the range, finds work in Wild West shows, then winds up hanging around racetracks as he can gentle a riled horse like no one else. Charles Howard (Bridges), a wealthy car dealer, takes a major hit with the stock market crash, but it's the death of his son -- ironically, in an auto accident -- that crushes him. His wife files for divorce, but in time he marries Marcela (Elizabeth Banks) and decides to buy a horse.

Seabiscuit, played by about 10 horses, is the ultimate reject. Despite a lineage going back to the great Man-O-War, the bay is used to train others, meaning Seabiscuit must "lose" to build the confidence of other Thoroughbreds.

When the three men and horse do get together, the movie enters the fairly conventional terrain of a horse-race movie. Perhaps sensing the need for a second-half pick-me-up, Ross creates the character of Tick Tock McGlaughlin (William H. Macy), a radio track reporter with a sound studio filled with sound effects, booze and a patter Walter Winchell would have envied. Macy provides comic relief, but it is in the nexus of Maguire, Cooper and Bridges' characters that the movie comes alive.

This true story is overloaded with melodrama: There's the discovery that Pollard is blind in one eye, and serious injuries to both him and Seabiscuit require dual comebacks. Then there is a match race against Triple Crown winner War Admiral, the champion of snotty East Coast money, in which another rider (Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens in his film debut) climbs aboard Seabiscuit. Finally, the tenor of the time is supplied in a narration delivered by historian David McCullough, giving the film its "little guy" subtext but making "Seabiscuit" sound like a PBS docu.

Trying to cram so much into the 140-minute movie causes Ross to skimp on each plot line. What did happen to Red's family and why does he have no romantic life save for a brief scene with a prostitute? How does a horse substitute for a son and where does Howard's money come from once he goes bust? What more is there to Smith other than a soft-spoken horse whisperer?

Randy Newman's score is a plus, a tad sentimental but rousing in those moments when Seabiscuit sprints for the finish line. Cinematography, the horse action and period details are top drawer. Mostly though, actors dominate with finely nuanced performances where every scene feels dramatically right.

[EDsoulsurvive*]

Originally posted by Scarface98.9
I'm not looking forward to this at all. It has an attractive cast sure, but it looks like (and I've used these words before) manipulative, tear-jerker Oscar bait shit.

DITTO

Aside from the cast, nothing about this movie interests me. It reaks of Oscar sappiness and most of those movies annoy the crap outta me. Take A Beautiful Mind for exampe, i think its overrated, boring, Oscar trash. Basically, the only movie nominated for Best Picture that i actually agree with is Moulin Rouge. That movie was truely something special. ANyway, not getting too off topic, horses do not interest me. The only movie with a horse scene that i actually like is The Ring, and lets face it, that movie was not about horses. Also, this movie looks like its filled with that "inspirational" bulll shit. Basically, this movie has little that appeals to me, I doubt I'll ever see it.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
And you waited for DVD for that too....

I'd wager that, in a year's time, we'll see a rave Seabiscuit review from you, 'Mike'. For some reason, it strikes me as a movie you'd enjoy, since you seem to like old-fashioned films with a blend of action and romance, a la Tuck Everlasting.[/COLOR] [/B]

Yeah, but I actually did really want to see SPIRIT in theaters, but I didn't have anyone to go with me to see it. Nobody I knew was interested in it enough to actually see it in theaters.

I may end up liking it, you never know. I doubt it would be terrible anyway. For some reason it just reminds me of The Rookie. I think it's because it's going to be one of those films for family and mature adult audiences, one that will have really good legs, a la The Rookie. Although, I think it looks better than The Rookie, which I personally thought felt phony. That's one I didn't even rent until January. It was one I wasn't very interested in either.

I'm not against this movie though, I hope it does well at the Box Office and makes its budget back. I don't really like to see any film fail, but there are some exceptions. Even if it was one I didn't like, it's nice to see a movie get in the clear and make its budget back. But that's just me. ;)

[dh1989]

Mike, do you think it'll make it's budget back, and be considered a success?

I personally do. Universal has given it a strong marketing campaign. In fact, I've seen more TV spots for this pre-release than I did for, say, T3: Rise of the Machines and The Matrix Reloaded. It's trailer has also been attached to many big hits, where different demographics have seen it. Many adults saw it with The Italian Job, and kids, and their parents, saw it with Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. (At least at my theatre.) Finally, it has a very diverse cast, with Tobey Maguire, hot off starring in 2002's biggest blockbuster, Spider-Man, appealing to younger audiences and adults, who will also have Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper (who has become a much bigger star after his Oscar win for Adaptation.) to attract them. Also, it'll, of course, be seen by all fans of horses and horse racing. I think it'll be a popular choice for families this weekend, and I wouldn't be suprised if it opened with just over 35 million and had the best legs of the summer.

[ilovemovies]

Originally posted by dh1989
Mike, do you think it'll make it's budget back, and be considered a success?

I personally do. Universal has given it a strong marketing campaign. In fact, I've seen more TV spots for this pre-release than I did for, say, T3: Rise of the Machines and The Matrix Reloaded. It's trailer has also been attached to many big hits, where different demographics have seen it. Many adults saw it with The Italian Job, and kids, and their parents, saw it with Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. (At least at my theatre.) Finally, it has a very diverse cast, with Tobey Maguire, hot off starring in 2002's biggest blockbuster, Spider-Man, appealing to younger audiences and adults, who will also have Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper (who has become a much bigger star after his Oscar win for Adaptation.) to attract them. Also, it'll, of course, be seen by all fans of horses and horse racing. I think it'll be a popular choice for families this weekend, and I wouldn't be suprised if it opened with just over 35 million and had the best legs of the summer.

Yeah but it's up against Spy Kids 3-D which will be a bigger draw for families.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by ilovemovies
Yeah but it's up against Spy Kids 3-D which will be a bigger draw for families.

True, but it is summer, and kids can see multiple films. Also, I think parents will prefer Seabiscuit, so that could sway the decision on what film the family sees. And, I think Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over will have worse legs, due to the fact that many will race out to see it because it is "3-D" (!) and it's a sequel, and they're USUALLY front-loaded.

[darkface]

Looks like a really good film. More of a winter-type of film.

But i just saw a 15 second preview on tv for it, and it had a critic saying "This story will put a lump in your throat" somethin like that. But i thought it was totally weird to put that in lol. unless it makes since if your a jockey or somethin.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by darkface
But i just saw a 15 second preview on tv for it, and it had a critic saying "This story will put a lump in your throat" somethin like that. But i thought it was totally weird to put that in lol. unless it makes since if your a jockey or somethin.

That just means the film is very emotional.

[ilovemovies]

Originally posted by dh1989
True, but it is summer, and kids can see multiple films. Also, I think parents will prefer Seabiscuit, so that could sway the decision on what film the family sees. And, I think Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over will have worse legs, due to the fact that many will race out to see it because it is "3-D" (!) and it's a sequel, and they're USUALLY front-loaded.


Except that Seabuscuit is PG-13 so that means it has some questionable material for really young kids.

Whereas Spy Kids is a much more family friendly PG.

[badberry]

Worst. Title. Ever. (Well, almost)

Movie looks pretty boring too. Yawn. I'll pass thanks.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by badberry
Worst. Title. Ever. (Well, almost)

Worse than 2 Fast 2 Furious and Spider-Man 2 Lives?!?!

[Invincible]

Not interested...

[darkface]

Originally posted by badberry
Worst. Title. Ever. (Well, almost)



isn't Seabiscuit the name of the horse? Which would make total sense for the title. But yes there are tons of worse titles.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by darkface
isn't Seabiscuit the name of the horse?

Yep. They could've gone with a corny title like The Horse or Gallop.

Anywho, I am shocked at the negative response thus far! :eek:

[Fisting Ackbar]

Maguire, Bridges and Cooper are all good actors but the trailer totally turned me off. I have no immediate interest in this.

[dh1989]

Click here (http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808437039&cf=trailer) for 10 clips from Seabiscuit.

[charliebobo]

Ross is great, Maguire is great, Cooper is great, Macy is great, Bridges is GREAT... but this still looks like bad, manipulative, "inspirational", schmaltzy, pro-USA-pride-and-overcoming-difficulties-because-we're-so-damn-great crap

[Hannibal21]

I'm still not sure what to think of this film yet, it looks interesting but it could end up being very manipulative and schmaltzy. I'll see it because 1)We have been treated to so many stinkers this summer so far (2 Fast 2 Furious, The Hulk, The Italian Job, Dumb and Dumberer, etc.), and this looks like a masterpiece compared to them and some other films that are coming out later this year 2)The cast is amazing (except for the dreadful Tobey Maguire) and a big part of what draws me to the film.

[movies35]

God, I'm really getting tired of &quote;Oscar fluff;&quote.

The actors are great, but the story is just, is just, well, it isn't sounding very good. And it sounds very boring. I might see this at the drive-in if it does play. I know my mom loves horses to death, and I'm sure she wants to see this really bad.

If not, then I might get it sometime on DVD

[dh1989]

Originally posted by movies35
God, I'm really getting tired of &quote;Oscar fluff;&quote.

Could you please define 'Oscar fluff'?

[Puck Bond]

What is wrong with you people? besides dh1989! After all the summer popcorn disappointments for the most part that I have sat through I welcome this film! It looks excellent! Have any of you read the book...its supposed to be very good! Anyway I look at this movie like I did at last summer's Road to Perdition...an excellent drama amidst all the summer blockbusters. I expect Seabiscuit to be a very good film and really one of the best of the year...

P.S. I hate all this bashing of so called "Oscar-bait" films...so people want to make a good(maybe inspirational and emotional film with a cast of good dramatic actors)...and thats supposed to be baiting for Oscars...thats what movie making is all about...making good movies and telling good stories whether they be based on true stories or otherwise...get over yourself because it isn't some brainless comedy or big-budget sci-fi action film.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
Mike, do you think it'll make it's budget back, and be considered a success?

I personally do. Universal has given it a strong marketing campaign. In fact, I've seen more TV spots for this pre-release than I did for, say, T3: Rise of the Machines and The Matrix Reloaded. It's trailer has also been attached to many big hits, where different demographics have seen it. Many adults saw it with The Italian Job, and kids, and their parents, saw it with Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. (At least at my theatre.) Finally, it has a very diverse cast, with Tobey Maguire, hot off starring in 2002's biggest blockbuster, Spider-Man, appealing to younger audiences and adults, who will also have Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper (who has become a much bigger star after his Oscar win for Adaptation.) to attract them. Also, it'll, of course, be seen by all fans of horses and horse racing. I think it'll be a popular choice for families this weekend, and I wouldn't be suprised if it opened with just over 35 million and had the best legs of the summer.


Well, it's going to be opening in around 2,000 theaters to start, which is a good idea, because that will give it some room to expand. Right now I'm predicting a very good and respectable 15.1 Million opening, and a finish of 60-70 Million, maybe more. It will have really good legs, and should have good word of mouth. Movies like this usually do hold well. I'm still picturing this one performing like The Rookie, even if they are opening at different times of the year.


And about the PG-13 rating: I don't think that will matter much. Pirates Of The Caribbean is also PG-13, so was Spider-Man, The Hulk, etc... Tomb Raider 2 is PG-13 as well. All of these did/will attract family audiences, so Seabiscuit should have just as good of a chance, even with a PG-13 rating. Besides, Seabiscuit doesn't look to have as much violence as those movies.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
What is wrong with you people? besides dh1989! After all the summer popcorn disappointments for the most part that I have sat through I welcome this film! It looks excellent! Have any of you read the book...its supposed to be very good! Anyway I look at this movie like I did at last summer's Road to Perdition...an excellent drama amidst all the summer blockbusters. I expect Seabiscuit to be a very good film and really one of the best of the year...

P.S. I hate all this bashing of so called "Oscar-bait" films...so people want to make a good(maybe inspirational and emotional film with a cast of good dramatic actors)...and thats supposed to be baiting for Oscars...thats what movie making is all about...making good movies and telling good stories whether they be based on true stories or otherwise...get over yourself because it isn't some brainless comedy or big-budget sci-fi action film.

I bought the book yesterday, and plan to start it today, to get even more excited for the movie. I, too, can't believe all of this negativity. Everyone bitches 24/7 about all the mindless action/comedy sequels, but when someone finally releases a drama in the summer season, it is suddenly 'Oscar fluff'. Perhaps everyone who's called this 'Oscar-bait' would like every film to be directed by Rob Cohen, and to star Vin Diesel and Tom Green. It seems people are disappointed and pissed off whatever way it goes. It's either a 'dumb summer film' or 'Oscar fluff'. But, it doesn't matter, I am still looking forward, and am very happy that Universal was brave enough to release a pure drama in the season of explosions.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
opening in around 2,000 theaters-15.1 Million opening

That'd be very good. My prediction was over-the-top. I was guessing that it was opening in 3,000+ theatres. Now, knowing the estimated theatre count, I think it'll open with 25 million. Road To Perdition, a dark "R"-rated crime drama, opened last July, in 1,797 theatres, to $22,079,481. With a lighter rating, more female appeal, more theatres, and bigger starpower (I think the punch of Maguire, Cooper, and Bridges outweighs Tom Hanks, slightly), it can surpass RTP's opening ever-so slightly.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
It seems people are disappointed and pissed off whatever way it goes. It's either a 'dumb summer film' or 'Oscar fluff'.

Yep, you're right. I've said it before and I'll say it again, people are just never happy. They complain about mindless popcorn movies, sequels, and fluff like Legally Blonde, but then when something else comes out, they are mad because it looks like a manipulative, cheesy, Oscar-bait, tear-jerker. I'll admit I'm not all that excited about it, but I don't think it looks bad and just because it's a drama with a good cast and some good reviews, doesn't mean it's Oscar-bait... Oh well though, people can think what they want.

[EDsoulsurvive*]

Originally posted by dh1989
I bought the book yesterday, and plan to start it today, to get even more excited for the movie. I, too, can't believe all of this negativity. Everyone bitches 24/7 about all the mindless action/comedy sequels, but when someone finally releases a drama in the summer season, it is suddenly 'Oscar fluff'. Perhaps everyone who's called this 'Oscar-bait' would like every film to be directed by Rob Cohen, and to star Vin Diesel and Tom Green.

not everyone loves these sappy, predictable, and overly boring dramas. Those ingredients usually make for good Oscar material for sum reason and a lot of people will write it off or bash it. It's just that I can't stand how movies like this get so much attention and shit when majority of them are predictably inspiring. We've heard this story before, all they've done is added horses into the mix, which doesnt exactly "tickle my fancy". We kno Seasbiscuit is going to overcome the ridiculous odds at the end and win. And if this movie does not follow that tired formula (which i pray it doesnt) Seabiscuit will take a 2nd place finish but will feel like a winner afterall becuase he came over so many obstacles. I hate most movies like this, Seabiscuit looks no different.

IMHO people are sick of these typical inspirational dramas that always seems to hog the Oscar race, no matter when they come out.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
I've said it before and I'll say it again, people are just never happy.

Unless David 'Fight Club' Fincher or Wes 'Rushmore' Anderson is helming. I am sure they'd all hail this film as the event of the season, if either of those two were behind it.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
That'd be very good. My prediction was over-the-top. I was guessing that it was opening in 3,000+ theatres. Now, knowing the estimated theatre count, I think it'll open with 25 million. Road To Perdition, a dark "R"-rated crime drama, opened last July, in 1,797 theatres, to $22,079,481. With a lighter rating, more female appeal, more theatres, and bigger starpower (I think the punch of Maguire, Cooper, and Bridges outweighs Tom Hanks, slightly), it can surpass RTP's opening ever-so slightly.

However, Road To Perdition had Tom Hanks, and Seabiscuit doesn't have a Tom Hanks, so that's why I wouldn't exactly compare its opening to Road To Perdition. And Road To Perdition didn't go against Tomb Raider 2 or Spy Kids 3-D, which will affect Seabiscuit some. But it doesn't matter, because it should still have solid legs, no matter how well it gets out of the gate ;).

[dh1989]

Originally posted by EDsoulsurvive*
not everyone loves these sappy, predictable, and overly boring dramas. Those ingredients usually make for good Oscar material for sum reason and a lot of people will write it off or bash it. It's just that I can't stand how movies like this get so much attention and shit when majority of them are predictably inspiring. We've heard this story before, all they've done is added horses into the mix, which doesnt exactly "tickle my fancy". We kno Seasbiscuit is going to overcome the ridiculous odds at the end and win. And if this movie does not follow that tired formula (which i pray it doesnt) Seabiscuit will take a 2nd place finish but will feel like a winner afterall becuase he came over so many obstacles. I hate most movies like this, Seabiscuit looks no different.

Well, color me easily manipulated, but I love seeing those type of films. My heart will be warmed as longshot Seabiscuit wins the race. I don't care if 'we knew it was going to happen', because I won't go to see this movie to be on the edge of my seat, and it's still sweet to the horse experience success.

[Mike]

Originally posted by EDsoulsurvive*
We kno Seasbiscuit is going to overcome the ridiculous odds at the end and win. And if this movie does not follow that tired formula (which i pray it doesnt) Seabiscuit will take a 2nd place finish but will feel like a winner afterall becuase he came over so many obstacles. I hate most movies like this, Seabiscuit looks no different.

Well, maybe Seabiscuit will die in the end? ;) I have no idea, but there's different ways it can be ended...

Oh, and I don't know if anyone has heard of this movie, but when I was little I loved this one horse movie called Farlap. I absolutely loved it!

[Mike]

Originally posted by badberry
Worst. Title. Ever. (Well, almost)

When I first heard the title a long time ago when they were still casting the lead role, I thought it sucked too. But that was because I didn't know what the movie was about. Once I found out, it made complete sense. What were they supposed to call it? I mean, it is the horses name afterall, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it's also the books name.


Originally posted by dh1989
Unless David 'Fight Club' Fincher or Wes 'Rushmore' Anderson is helming. I am sure they'd all hail this film as the event of the season, if either of those two were behind it.

That's true... I'm sure more people around here would want to check it out if that was the case. But without some huge name with a cult following behind it, this will get bashed. Besides, for some reason, any movie with horses seems to get bashed around here and nobody wants to see them. It's like horses = boring...

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
Oh, and I don't know if anyone has heard of this movie, but when I was little I loved this one horse movie called Farlap. I absolutely loved it!

It rings a bell, but I can't place the title with any images. Personally, the film that caused my obsession with horses as a child was Hot To Trot. I believe I was 5, when I saw it in theatres. It's a bad movie, when I watch it today, but, then, I loved it. It was about a man who befriends a talking horse. It was my favorite film of all-time. ;) And, of course, there was 'Rainbow Brite'.... :) I still have a 'Starlite' doll from that show.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
It rings a bell, but I can't place the title with any images. Personally, the film that caused my obsession with horses as a child was Hot To Trot. I believe I was 5, when I saw it in theatres. It's a bad movie, when I watch it today, but, then, I loved it. It was about a man who befriends a talking horse. It was my favorite film of all-time. ;) And, of course, there was 'Rainbow Brite'.... :)

I've heard of Hot To Trot, I'm sure I've seen it too. I just can't picture it exactly. And yes, I watched Rainbow Brite too. That might sound bad, but I watched it for the horses. ;)

There's also that one movie called Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. That was a good one.

Man, I watched a lot of movies with animals. I remember when I was little I saw that one movie that I think starred Reese Witherspoon and had the cheetah, and I bawled in the end. I wanted my brothers and sisters to take a picture of the TV so I could remember the cheetah. Man does that sound lame now ;). Then I saw this other really sad movie called Little Heroes or something, about this girl and her dog, which I think was a German Shepard.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
Man, I watched a lot of movies with animals. I remember when I was little I saw that one movie that I think starred Reese Witherspoon and had the cheetah, and I bawled in the end. I wanted my brothers and sisters to take a picture of the TV so I could remember the cheetah. Man does that sound lame now ;).

Yeah, A Far Off Place is a great family film. Really sad, and entertaining, too.

[Mike]

Originally posted by dh1989
Yeah, A Far Off Place is a great family film. Really sad, and entertaining, too.

Yeah, that's what it was. I knew the name but I couldn't think of it.

[movies35]

Originally posted by dh1989
Could you please define 'Oscar fluff'?

I don't know how to put it other then that. But movies like Gangs of New York.

I would put it as movie that are made ONLY for competition at the Oscars.

[Mike]

Originally posted by movies35
I don't know how to put it other then that. But movies like Gangs of New York.

I would put it as movie that are made ONLY for competition at the Oscars.

That wouldn't be called Oscar "fluff," it's called Oscar bait, well, that's what everyone else refers to it as. Fluff is a whole other story. Fluff is something light and fluffy, like a light comedy or something. Examples of fluff could be My Big Fat Greek Wedding or Barbershop. Oscar and fluff don't really go together. ;)

And by the way, you seemed to love one of those movies that was made ONLY for competition at the Oscars --- THE HOURS.

[Scarface98.9]

Originally posted by movies35
I don't know how to put it other then that. But movies like Gangs of New York.

GONY's not Oscar bait. If it was, it wouldn't've been so violent, and would've been meant to be inspirational.

I bought the book yesterday, and plan to start it today, to get even more excited for the movie. I, too, can't believe all of this negativity. Everyone bitches 24/7 about all the mindless action/comedy sequels, but when someone finally releases a drama in the summer season, it is suddenly 'Oscar fluff'. Perhaps everyone who's called this 'Oscar-bait' would like every film to be directed by Rob Cohen, and to star Vin Diesel and Tom Green. It seems people are disappointed and pissed off whatever way it goes. It's either a 'dumb summer film' or 'Oscar fluff'. But, it doesn't matter, I am still looking forward, and am very happy that Universal was brave enough to release a pure drama in the season of explosions.

It's not that we automatically label a movie like Seabiscuit Oscar bait just because it's a drama in the summer season. It's labeled Oscar bait because it LOOKS like manipulative Oscar bait. As in, made to win Oscars and and Golden Globes. And the manipulation there is just sickening.

I HATE THAT TERM! God, I see it more and more everyday. Why must every film that tries to be inspirational be considered "Lifetime Movie-Week quality"? I've seen it used to describe The Pianist, White Oleander, About Schmidt, and, now, Seabiscuit. It is getting on my nerves.

I don't know what you're reading, but I've never heard of LIfetime being used to describe Pianist and About Schmidt. But Lifetime movies are bad inspirational movies, and like I said above, is just sickening

[blankpage]

I'm a sucker for heart-warming, tear jerker, Oscar bait, and plus, the story is pretty good, and it seems like it will turn out to be a great movie.

It has a great cast, which is always a plus.

And after all of the summer brainless fun we've had, why not sit down to see a movie which actually has your brain flowing.

I'm rambling so I'll just say that it looks amazing, and I can't wait to see.

[badberry]

I realize its the name of the horse, so it makes sense, but racing horses' names are usually stupid, thus the title sounds stupid.

But yes, there are worse. Thats why I added the 'almost'. 2 Fast 2 Furious is up there, as is Dude, Where's My Car?

People call this film 'oscar bait' for some reason....I very much doubt any oscars will come this films' way...it's too early to get noticed by the academy. Remember Road to Perdition last summer?

[dh1989]

Originally posted by badberry
Remember Road to Perdition last summer?

Yes, I remember it, and I remember it getting Oscar nominations. It may have not been a big Oscar player, a la Chicago or The Pianist, but I'd blame mixed reviews for that, not the summer release date.

[movies35]

Originally posted by Mike
That wouldn't be called Oscar "fluff," it's called Oscar bait, well, that's what everyone else refers to it as. Fluff is a whole other story. Fluff is something light and fluffy, like a light comedy or something. Examples of fluff could be My Big Fat Greek Wedding or Barbershop. Oscar and fluff don't really go together. ;)

And by the way, you seemed to love one of those movies that was made ONLY for competition at the Oscars --- THE HOURS.

Whoa, I didn't mean to offend anyone. But that was just my opinion.

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Mike
And by the way, you seemed to love one of those movies that was made ONLY for competition at the Oscars --- THE HOURS.

And I believe 'movies35' also liked Chicago, which, if Seabiscuit is, is definitely 'Oscar fluff'.

[badberry]

Originally posted by dh1989
Yes, I remember it, and I remember it getting Oscar nominations. It may have not been a big Oscar player, a la Chicago or The Pianist, but I'd blame mixed reviews for that, not the summer release date.

I didn't remember it getting any major noms. Guess i could've been wrong.

In any case, I predict no oscars for Seabiscuit (no major nominations either)....mark my words, Schmoes! :D

[dh1989]

Originally posted by badberry
I didn't remember it getting any major noms. Guess i could've been wrong.

Sam Mendes' Road To Perdition was nomated for 5 Academy Awards ---

Best Achievement in Cinematography

Best Achievement in Art Direction

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

Best Achievement in Sound

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Newman)

[dh1989]

I mean, it is the horses name afterall, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it's also the books name.

Yes, 'Mike', the book is called Seabiscuit: An American Legend.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1400060982.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

I saw an interview with the author this morning, and she seemed really kind. She has a disease called 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome', and rarely leaves the home. I liked her because she obviously loves horses, and so do I, so we have something in common. :p She also LOVED (http://www.countingdown.com/movies/2440640/news?item_id=3111622) film!

***

Anywho, click here (http://fantasticadaily.com/articles.php?articleId=1145) for interviews with actors Gary Stevens (a former rider who makes his film debut in this movie), Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper.

The more and more I read, the more and more I want to see this. Only twice before have I anticipated a film this much. :)

[sleekproductions]

I personally can't wait to see this film. Unlike most of you, I have read this book, and it was fantastic. Never before have I been so engrossed by a NON-FICTION book. Not only was the story of the horse fantastic, but each of the 3 main characters had a great story as well.
I think that Ross is the prefect person for this film. After his awesome Pleasantville in 98, I have complete faith in him, and wheter or not this seems like oscar bait fluff bullshit to any of you, I will be first in line to see it.



-Sleek-

[ColinM]

Personally, I don't think this movie looks like Oscar fluff...I think it looks like a mediocre movie trying to look like Oscar fluff so that people will think it's a great movie that happens to be coming out in summer and then go see it. The trailer strikes me as very manipulative and I doubt the movie will be especially good. I'll probably give it a try anyway, though.

[Nate6]

How about we ban the terms "Oscar-bait," "Oscar-fluff," whatever, from JoBlo.com in reference to any movie that is inspirational or "feel-good"? Sound good? Sure does to me. First of all, no one here knows the reasons a film is made. But most of the time, it's for money, not Oscars. And while one can and sometimes does affect the other, this is only true when the film is good. And the concept behind the "Oscar-bait" movie is pretty silly to me, because in most cases a movie has to be pretty good to win an Oscar, and that requires some degree of workmanship and craftsmanship. So, any movie engineered to win an Oscar is pretty worthwhile, eh? It's stupid to say, "I'm not going to see that, it looks like it was made to win an Oscar!" So what? If it's good, it'll win Oscars. If it isn't, it won't! Enjoy any good movies that come along, even if you think they were made to win Oscars. Because a studio exec knows he watches a movie whether or not the Academy will like it, and I'm a little sick of every inspirational/feel-good movie coming out of Hollywood being called "Oscar-bait." What, so those movies can't be made for general enjoyment anymore? UGH!

Anyway, I loved the book Seabiscuit and damned if I don't think it looks good. Once in a while I like a movie that'll make me feel good, and I'm sorry if some of you can't accept that.

[dh1989]

Positive Ain't It Cool News:

It’s tough being burdened with the expectations of millions of adoring readers, but heaping on the extra load of being perceived (and sold) as the counter-programming savior of a summer quickly growing leg weary seems positively brutal. Still, here comes SEABISCUIT anyway, charging down the stretch to its long-awaited release, bereft of any tangible buzz (not one test screening review found its way to AICN), while drawing the close scrutiny of all those enchanted by the apparently wonderful book (don’t look at me, I only read cereal boxes), and everyone else looking for something remotely grown-up after this extraordinarily action-heavy summer. Will it win, place, or blow? (I’m wincing at that one, too.)

An unsubtle piece of Depression-era uplift, SEABISCUIT plays to the cheap seats, working the tear ducts with a Spielberg-ian relentlessness as it tells its improbable tale of three men and a horse brought together through misery and in miserable times to become unlikely symbols of hope to a nation struggling to pick itself off of the canvas. There has already been a good deal written about how this story could inspire anew a country currently mired in an economic downturn that everyday seems one step closer to a genuine depression, and the film never misses a chance to rally audiences with homilies like, “You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little.” At times, the picture often approaches the overblown, mythic grandeur of THE NATURAL (thanks in no small part to Randy Newman’s uplifting score, and John Schwartzman’s sun-drenched cinematography, applied to similar evocative effect in last year’s THE ROOKIE), but SEABISCUIT is devoid of that film’s Faustian undertones, celebrating the moxie of its broken down quartet of has-beens and never-weres, rather than warning against the hubris of the prodigiously gifted.

The film’s two most endearing characters are Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) and the titular horse, both of whom have the talent, but are restrained by physical imperfections. Pollard is an itinerant, too-tall jockey forever struggling to keep his weight down below 115 lbs., lest he be too heavy to ride. Separated early in life from his destitute parents, he’s also brash and, as is disclosed later in the film, blind in one eye. But he keeps hammering away, taking awful beatings in cash fights or working humiliating stable gigs just to stay close to the action, and, most importantly, subsist. Meanwhile, Seabiscuit, a grandson of the storied Man o’War, has been consigned to training other, more promising racehorses, while scaring off potential buyers by virtue of its reputation as a mean, recalcitrant beast. When purchased by the wealthy automobile salesman Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) – a man perpetually nursing the heartbreak of his young son’s tragic death – on the advice of idiosyncratic horse-trainer, Tom Smith (Chris Cooper), the animal is a hard-luck long shot blessed with blurring speed, but hampered by a wildness that threatens to end its racing career before it begins. What jockey would be fool enough to risk their life by breaking this horse in?

The moment of inspiration that leads Smith to bring together the troubled duo of Pollard and Seabiscuit is emblematic of the clever, if brazenly manipulative, touch that has been one of Ross’s chief strengths since BIG, and if this scene induces a hearty belly-laugh in the viewer, then they’re in the film’s clutches for the duration. With all the pieces of this improbable tale in place, the story strides confidently forward as this alliance of the downtrodden and discarded begin to make a little noise on the West Coast racing circuit that builds to a roar as soon as the underdog animal begins racking up an impressive string of victories. A symbol of the indomitable spirit of the American working-class, Seabiscuit’s obvious rival emerges in the Triple-Crown winning form of War Admiral, a product of Eastern affluence, and owned by millionaire Pennsylvanian entrepreneur, Samuel Riddle. Though Riddle repeatedly ducks any opportunity for the horses to race each other, Howard keeps at it, working the press with charismatic aplomb (which essentially gives Bridges the chance to play Preston Tucker again). But when Riddle finally relents to a conditions-laden one-on-one match-up at War Admiral’s home track, tragedy strikes, threatening to tear asunder the winning combination of Pollard and Seabiscuit not only for this solitary race, but for good.

The most intriguing, and structurally risky aspect of SEABISCUIT (and what will determine its ability to win over audiences in the manner many expect) is the way it builds to a false climax only to, like the horse itself, fall back coming ‘round the final turn to take on one more complication. And though it might, in theory, seem terribly convoluted and tacked-on, this improbable twist is apparently an accurate retelling of the way things actually went down. Still, even if it had all been little more than a bullshit Hollywood embellishment, that still wouldn’t change the fact that this comprises the film’s most deeply moving passage, setting up one last race that should leave all but the most cynical a blubbering mess. That it’s not at all emotionally disingenuous is due mostly to the heartfelt conviction of Ross’s well-paced storytelling. The sophomore follow-up to his flawed, but intermittently brilliant PLEASANTVILLE, Ross demonstrates a veteran’s flair with SEABISCUIT, coaxing dependably solid performances from his talented trio of actors, while also getting a turn out of Elizabeth Banks, who plays Marcela, Howard’s young second wife, that suggests she may have range beyond her enjoyably ditzy appearances in WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER and SWEPT AWAY. Ross does get a little too cute with the way he stages the big races (e.g. I wasn’t crazy about the way he cut to a radio broadcast accompanied by still photography at the outset of the War Admiral showdown), and though his desire to avoid cliché is commendable, in the context of a genre that thrives on obviousness, these embellishments are unnecessary and a little distracting. That said, the races themselves are invigoratingly filmed, capturing both the fury and exhilaration of these grueling events.

And, in a well-intentioned, crowd-pleasing spectacle such as this, that’s all that matters. It ain’t art, but it’s awfully affecting, and refreshingly humanistic, positioning it as the much needed antidote to the dark-hearted, Dionysian bloodbath that is BAD BOYS II. SEABISCUIT, for all its overt sentimentality, and in spite of its flaws, is a very easy film to love.

Faithfully submitted,

Mr. Beaks

Positive Newsweek:

It was a too-good-to-be true story that was true, with an underdog Thoroughbred and three unforgettable humans at its center: the tenacious, hard-luck jockey Red Pollard, abandoned by his parents at a young age; the taciturn trainer Tom Smith, a Westerner with an almost mystic understanding of the equine psyche, and owner Charles Howard, who built his fortune selling Buicks and used his salesman’s savvy to help turn Seabiscuit into the most popular sports figure, two- or four-legged, of his time.

The challenge in adapting this best seller to the screen is that there’s too much good stuff; you could build a whole movie around any one of these guys.

Writer-director Gary Ross (“Pleasantville”) homes in on the wounds that these three outcasts shared, and finds a tale of salvation: how each, in his way, was healed and made whole by this extraordinary horse. His “Seabiscuit” has unusual ambition in this summer season, for he also attempts to link their struggle to that of a nation mired in the Great Depression. It’s nice to see a filmmaker take the time to root his story in a historical context, but sometimes Ross gets a little carried away with his metaphors. Yes, Seabiscuit, like recent Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide, was a populist hero, but to suggest that he was the equivalent of FDR’s New Deal may be gilding the lily.

It’s almost 50 minutes before the title character even makes an appearance. The movie has to cover the rise of Howard (Jeff Bridges) and the death of his son; take Pollard (Tobey Maguire) through his school of hard knocks as a failed prizefighter and half-blind orphan, and set up Smith (Chris Cooper) as a solitary horse savior—a somewhat more humanistic and aphorism-prone figure than the gruff, inscrutable trainer Hillenbrand described. Their stories are garnished with PBS-style documentary interludes (narrated by the too-familiar voice of historian David McCullough) filling us in on the rise of the automotive assembly line and Depression-era soup lines. Though handsomely elegiac, this long prelude feels as generalized as a picture postcard.

The movie achieves traction when Seabiscuit actually hits the track and the three men come together as a team. All the actors are well cast, perfectly at ease in their 1930s skins. Maguire achieves a remarkable physical transformation: with his wavy red hair, rangy body and hollowed eyes, he’s shape-shifted into a figure who wouldn’t be out of place in a Dorothea Lange Dust Bowl photograph. Even Gary Stevens, the real jockey, proves a natural as Pollard’s colleague George Woolf, who had to step in and ride Seabiscuit at a crucial moment. Ross’s one total invention is the hyper radio announcer “Tick-Tock” McGlaughlin (Bill Macy), a kind of comic Greek chorus. He liberates Ross’s sense of humor, which has always been his strong suit. I wish he’d let some of that quirkiness into the rest of the movie: “Seabiscuit” too often unfolds in the reverent tones of a Biblical epic, every point underlined, every emotion goosed by Randy Newman’s predictably plangent Americana score.

What’s missing is the funk of the racetrack, the stench of the locker rooms, the wonderfully specific details of Hillenbrand’s book. A viewer unfamiliar with racing would come away unaware that horses are handicapped with weights; one of the amazing things about Seabiscuit’s victories is how big a load he had to overcome. It’s oddly unmentioned. It’s also curious that Ross doesn’t show us the Seabiscuit hats and wallets and parlor games; here was sports merchandising in its early stages. I suspect that a lot was left on the cutting-room floor: Seabiscuit’s transformation from obscure nag to national sensation is strangely abrupt.

“Seabiscuit” may be too airbrushed for its own good, but in the end nothing can stop this story from putting a lump in your throat. Every step of the way, the odds were stacked against the temperamental, undersize colt, just as they were against its oversize, injury-prone rider. Even if you know the outcome, the races have stomach-tightening suspense and the victories stir up a sweet surge of elation. You can say about Ross’s epic what you can say about the horse it celebrates: it comes through in the stretch.

[Nate6]

Still sounds damn good to me...

[The Other]

To me, this looks like it could be another ROAD TO PERDITION (6/10). i.e., an early, summer Oscar-bait movie that ultimately falls flat and doesn't get many, if any, major Oscar nominations.

But, I hope I'm wrong as I want all movies to be at least good!

[Arathon]

Looks good. I'll definitely want to see it when it comes out. Btw a 80 million dollar budget! Woah! I never would've thought.....

[ilovemovies]

Yay. Ebert and Reoper gave it Two Thumbs Up. I personally can't wait for this movie. It looks great. Great cast. Amazing horse racing sequences.

[XCoRyX]

this one looks like it could be rather boring,but at the same time,for instance last night,when seeing the preview,it looked VERY solid...who knows,I guess among the 358595839 other films i need and have said i'd see,I can manage to fit this one in somehow.

[Scooter]

looks like its going to be a big winner at the box office... i hope it can pick up some oscar nods also... i can't wait for this movie

[AgentSmith]

Positive: Roger Ebert - Chicago Sun Times

'Seabiscuit,' by a nose
Terrific performances overcome slow start, curious omission
"SEABISCUIT" ***1/2

Written and directed by Gary Ross. Starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper. 140 minutes. Classified: PG-13 (for language, some sexual situations, and violent sports-related images).

By ROGER EBERT, Chicago Sun-Times

Seabiscuit was a small horse with a lazy side. Sleeping and eating were his favorite occupations early in life, and he wasn't particularly well-behaved. That was before he met three men who would shape him into the best-loved sports legend of the 1930s: the owner Charles Howard, who had a knack for spotting potential in outcasts, the trainer Tom Smith, who was called a screwball for thinking he could heal horses other trainers would have shot, and the jockey Red Pollard, who started out as an exercise boy and stable cleaner because in the Depression he would settle for anything.
"Seabiscuit," based on the best seller by Laura Hillenbrand, tells the stories of these three men and the horse against the backdrop of the times. The Depression had brought America to its knees. The nation needed something to believe in. And in the somewhat simplified calculus of the movie, both Seabiscuit and Roosevelt's New Deal, more or less in that order, were a shot in the American arm. If an underdog like Seabiscuit could win against larger and more famous horses with distinguished pedigrees, then maybe there was a chance for anyone.
The story has the classic structure of a sports movie, with a setback right before the big race at the end, but, like Seabiscuit, it's a slow starter. There is a leisurely introduction to the times and the three men before the horse makes its appearance, and we see once again the classic battle between the automobile and the horse. Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) begins as a bicycle salesman, is asked to repair a Stanley Steamer, takes it apart and makes some improvements, and before long is a millionaire who buys a farm and turns the stables into a garage.
After a family tragedy, however, he changes directions and becomes a horse owner and breeder. And there are sequences showing how he encounters Pollard (Tobey Maguire) and Smith (Chris Cooper). Soon he has everything in place except a horse, and Smith has unaccountable faith in Seabiscuit. It has to do with the horse's heart.
The movie doesn't make the mistake of treating the horse like a human. It is a horse all the time, a horse with the ability to run very fast and an inability to lose, when guided by Smith's strategy and Pollard's firm love. The movie's races are thrilling because they must be thrilling; there's no way for the movie to miss on those, but writer-director Gary Ross and his cinematographer, John Schwartzman, get amazingly close to the action; it's hard for us to figure out where the camera is, since we seem to be suspended at times between two desperately striving horses and their jockeys.
The movie gives me a much better sense of how difficult and dangerous it is to ride one of those grand animals in a race. The jockeys are sometimes friends, sometimes mortal enemies, and they often shout at one another during races. Sometimes this works, sometimes it is a little improbable, as when Red says "goodbye" to a friend as Seabiscuit shifts into winning gear.
As horses compete, so do owners. After Seabiscuit has conquered all of the champion horses of the West, Charles Howard begins a strategy to force a match race between his horse and War Admiral, the Eastern champion and Triple Crown winner owned by Samuel Riddle (Eddie Jones). He goes on a whistle-stop campaign across the country (this seems to anticipate Truman's 1948 campaign) and builds up such an overwhelming groundswell of public sentiment that Riddle caves in and agrees -- on his terms, of course, which makes the race all the more dramatic. The radio broadcast of that historic race was heard, we are told, by the largest audience in history. Businesses closed for the afternoon so their employees could tune in.
If "Seabiscuit" has a weakness, it's the movie's curious indifference to betting. Horses race and bettors bet, and the relationship between the two is as old as time, except in this movie, where the Seabiscuit team seems involved in pure sport and might even be shocked! shocked! to learn that there is gambling at the track. Since a subplot about betting would no doubt be a complicated distraction, perhaps this is not such a loss.
I liked the movie a whole lot without quite loving it, maybe because although I can easily feel love for dogs, I have never bonded much with horses. I was happy for Seabiscuit without being right there with him every step of the way. The character I liked the best was Tom Smith, and once again Chris Cooper shows himself as one of the most uncannily effective actors in the movies. Here he seems old, pale and a little worn out. In "Adaptation," only a year ago, he was a sunburned swamp rat. In John Sayles' "Lone Star" he was a ruggedly handsome Texas sheriff. How does he make these transformations? Here, with a few sure movements and a couple of quiet words, he convinces us that what he doesn't know about horses isn't worth knowing.
Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges are wonderful, too, in the way they evoke their characters; Maguire as a jockey who commits his whole heart and soul, Bridges as a man who grows wiser and better as he ages. And then there is William H. Macy as Tick Tock McGlaughlin, a manic radio announcer who throws in corny sound effects and tortured alliterations as he issues breathless bulletins from the track. If Tick Tock McGlaughlin did not exist in real life, I don't want to know it.
"Seabiscuit" will satisfy those who have read the book, and I imagine it will satisfy those like myself, who have not. I have recently edged into the genre of racing journalism, via "My Turf" by William A. Nack, the great writer for Sports Illustrated. I was at a reading where he made audience members cry with his description of the death of Secretariat, and I saw people crying after "Seabiscuit," too. More evidence for my theory that people more readily cry at movies not because of sadness, but because of goodness and courage.

[dh1989]

I am truly happy that Roger Ebert enjoyed the film! I may have complained about him many times, but, overall, I respect him a lot, and it's nice to know he really liked the movie.

***

Over at Rotten Tomatoes, Seabiscuit has a 68% positive rating, but only 19 reviews have been counted, so that could go drastically up tommorow. Here are a pair of critic quotes, one positive, the other negative....

"If you've been waiting all summer for a story that doesn’t rely on explosions, car chases and computer-generated effects, here it is."

- Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper, At The Movies

"...wastes an inordinate amount of time skimming around pointless crap. (There isn't an honest-to-God 'scene' for almost an hour.) A great movie is buried in here somewhere."

- Sean Burns, Philadelphia Weekly

[Slim]

Rating: *** (out of ****)

Seabiscuit is the great hope of the adult movie-going audience: a summer motion picture that is not designed to appeal to teenage boys. Ordinarily, one might think it would be a risk on Universal's part to release the movie in late July, but the average viewer is probably ready for something that doesn't feature explosions and chase scenes, and Seabiscuit is the kind of inspirational drama that generally plays well 12 months a year. The movie follows a time-honored, easily predictable path to victory and redemption. The script is perhaps more high-minded than the material deserves, but director Gary Ross understands how to compose a motion picture, and, even though Seabiscuit is a little on the long side, it works more often than not. In short, it's a nice antidote to the summer blahs.

The movie generally follows the outline of Laura Hillenbrand's book of the same name, which chronicles the story of the racing horse Seabiscuit (one of the great sports success stories of depression-era America). Everyone loves an underdog, and this movie has a quartet of them. There's businessman Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges), who made a fortune by selling cars in the Roaring Twenties, then lost his zest for life when his son died in an accident and his first wife left him. Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) is a horse trainer who believes in caring for, not killing, lame animals. Most "reputable" racers view him as a fringe lunatic. Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) is a failed boxer and too-tall jockey who has spent much of his life on the streets and bus-stop benches. And Seabiscuit has been a disappointment to nearly everyone who has owned him. Despite a good pedigree, he has turned into a consistent loser.

After re-marrying, Charles turns his interest from cars to horses. Having little knowledge about animals, he hires Tom as his horse whisperer. Tom in turn discovers Seabiscuit. He likes the horse's spirit, and thinks he can be a winner. Tom also brings Red on board, believing that he, like Seabiscuit, can be reclaimed. After re-training the animal to abandon his loser's mindset, Charles enters him in a race at Santa Anita Park. Soon, the underdog is winning races and setting records. At that point, Charles sets his sights on a bigger target: he wants to race (and beat) War Admiral, a Triple Crown winner. After much wrangling, the one-on-one match finally takes place, in November 1938 at Pimlico (War Admiral's "home track").

Seabiscuit is Rocky in a saddle, with Hollywood-enhanced feel-good impulses oozing from every frame. That's not a bad thing, especially if you're a sucker for underdog-triumphant sports movies. Don't be fooled into thinking Seabiscuit is a history lesson - it plays fast-and-loose with some of the facts, but one could argue that the changes make for better drama. (For example, in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap, Seabiscuit ran second, not last, for most of the race, before coming from behind to win.)

The intent of the movie is to show the parallelism between Charles, Tom, Red, and Seabiscuit, but it overplays its hand. The connections are too obvious (such as a scene in which both Red and the horse have similar-looking casts on their legs). A little subtlety would have been more rewarding. And I could have done without cornball lines like "The future is the finish line," "Sometimes when the little guy doesn't know he's the little guy, he can do big things," and "You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little." (I suppose it's possible to argue that campy dialogue is part of the movie's charm.)

The acting is on the high level one would expect from this cast. Jeff Bridges is earnest and likeable, and bears more than a passing resemblance to the character he inhabited in Tucker. Tobey Maguire, looking nothing like Spider-Man, does a credible job as Red, although this is not Oscar material. The best of the three leads is, perhaps expectedly, Chris Cooper, who, despite limited screen time, develops Tom into an intriguing and sympathetic figure (one senses he would rather be with horses than people). Seabiscuit is played by about a dozen different horses, but, to an untrained eye like mine, they blend seamlessly. My one complaint is about William H. Macy, an actor I greatly admire. Macy's over-the-top, for-laughs performance as track announcer Tick Tock McGlaughlin is so out of place that it quickly grates. It's like bringing a clown on stage during "Swan Lake."

As with his previous effort, Pleasantville, director Ross displays a powerful ability to evoke a time and place. Throughout Seabiscuit, we feel like we're back in the '30s. This is the most successful sports movie since The Natural in establishing a period piece setting. One could argue that Ross errs in using David McCullough to provide a history lesson as part of his superfluous voiceover narration, but younger viewers who know little about the Great Depression may find this contribution useful. When it comes to filming the races, Ross elevates the energy level by employing unconventional shots that don't call attention to themselves, and avoiding fast cutting that might result in audience confusion. We see plenty of third-person and first-person perspectives.

Seabiscuit's strongest weakness is not the inclusion of Tick Tock McGlaughlin, McCullough's narration, or its manipulative tendencies. Instead, it's the uneven and occasionally uninvolving first hour. Although necessary to introduce all the characters and establish the circumstances, this part of the movie is choppy and emotionally stunted. We are, for example, supposed to feel deeply for Charles when he loses his son. But it's too early, and we don't know the character well enough. Eventually, Seabiscuit settles into a nice rhythm, and, as it enters the stretch run, it exhibits all the necessary elements of a good sports movie. Like the horse it's named after, Seabiscuit has a lot of heart, and, in the end, that's what won me over.

- - -

Bah! It's still "Oscar bait" to me, contrary to what Nate would want you to believe. ;)

[dh1989]

Mostly all of the critic's reviews are in, and they're answer is extremely positive, with 79% of reviews being positive. These are my favorite quotes ---

"If you don’t go away entertained, informed and sated with satisfaction, you need to have your pulse checked to see if you still have one."

- Rex Reed, The New York Observer

"A rare pedigreed entrant in a summer of mules."

- Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

"Sleek, beautiful and packed with emotion, not too flashy but full of heart, this is a movie worthy of its unlikely yet glorious subject."

- Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

[Mike]

It's now 80% FRESH with 86 POSITIVE reviews and only 22 NEGATIVE reviews.

[Hannibal21]

Ok, just saw it today and I have to say that I was might impressed. So far it's my third favorite film of the year. It's a film that's just so truimphant and uplifting, it just makes me feel good. The horse race sequences were amazing and I remember getting up, cheering and clapping in the theatre several times. The acting was great, Tobey Maguire did good and surprisingly didn't annoy me in this film, I wouldn't say he was the best choice to play Red Pollard (maybe someone more 'tough' could've done the job a bit better), but he was very good nontheless; Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper also gave standout performances, Cooper in particular, I hope he at least gets a nom for best supporting actor this year, William H. Macy was hilarious and stole every scene that he was in, gotta love this guy. The ending was expected but I just couldn't help but get moved and inspired by it, the story didn't go overly melodramatic or emotional; it seemed very real and I really cared for the characters, especially the horse Seabiscuit, who was truly the real star of the film. The only problem I had with the movie was that the beginning of the film was a bit slow for me, but other than that, the film was a fun, uplifting, entertaining ride. Liked it a lot and it's definitely worth seeing. 8.5/10

[dh1989]

.

[Scooter]

Seabiscuit is now my new favorite movie of the year... it blows my past fav ( 28days later) away. The true story is just great. it makes u want to root for every underdog ever created. Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper all had amazing performances. William H Macy was pretty funny too. The camera shots were really awesome and made the movie look even cooler. The race scenes were great and Overall a great movie 10/10

[thompsoncory]

I'm having a gut feeling that this might beat TOMB RAIDER at this week's box office...

[Horror whore]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
I'm having a gut feeling that this might beat TOMB RAIDER at this week's box office...

It might, I peeked in a theater showing this today and it had about the same amount of people as Tomb Raider did. But Spy Kids 3 will beat them both without a doubt in my mind.... It was nearly sold out at the first showing of the day and it was playing on three screens, TR and this movie didn't have nearly as many people in their theaters and both of those movies were only playing on two screens at my theater....

[sleekproductions]

I saw this today at 3:45, and while I need to collect my thoughts on the film before I write my full review, I would just like to say that this is, in my opinion, an excellent fucking movie. Everything about it was just about perfect. Anyways, thats it for now...


http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0329575/2298_K1697_24R_rgb.jpg



-Sleek-

[inglourious basterd]

Let me tell you... because of writer/director Gary Ross (Pleasantville) and his returning cast (Macy, Maguire) I had pretty high expectations. This film exceeded them. This is saying a lot.

My main concern was that the film was spoiled by the trailers. Thankfully, there was way more than that. This film has literally something for everyone. If you like sports, then this has something for you. If you like to see the "everyman" conquer obstacles, then this has something for you. If you like period pieces, then this has something for you. If you like to see films that make you feel good, then this is for you. If you like to be in suspense, then this has something for you.

Other people's concern had to do with the fact that this is "Oscar Bait". It probably is "Oscar Bait". The thing is that if we were to suddenly be inundated with "bait" of this quality, then Hollywood would undeniably be a better place.

This film effortlessly recreates the supsense that occured when Seabiscuit was at his prime. It features solid acting, quality writing, and a great score by Randy Newman,

If you think that this is a story about a boy and a horse, then you are wrong. If you think that this is simply a "Rocky" of horses, then you are wrong. If you generalize on this film due to the cliched trailers, then, take notice, you are doing yourself a disservice.

[masknslasher86]

Seabiscuit succeeds Hype
I just got back from Seabiscuit. It is an excelent movie. The three stars are just marvelous. Great story that had it all, romance, tragedy, comedy, and action. This movie is better than I expected. The acting is great. This movie makes you feel good walking out of the theatre. Also I went to a 3:40 showing and it was jammed pack sold-out a little after I got there at 3:00. I have not seen a movie this great for years. Instant classic 10/10!

[Strider]

Seabiscuit (2003)

Rated PG-13 for Some Sexual Situations and Violent Sports-Related Images

Director: Gary Ross

Starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, and William H. Macy.

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0329575/2298_K2682_12_rgb.jpg

Synopsis: "A half-blind derby racer, Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) and a mustang breaker, Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) team up with a millionaire, Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) and his rough-hewn, undersized horse, Seabiscuit. The men bring Seabiscuit to incredible heights, helping him earn "Horse of the Year" honors in 1938. Based on a true story".

The primary intentions of the new drama, "Seabiscuit", is to be the first film of the summer movie season that is a breath of fresh air from all the blockbusters, as well as to draw in the adult crowd into the theaters. Also, "Seabiscuit" would be the first film that's marketing itself as an "oscar-contender". Let it be known, I originally had absolutely no plans of seeing this film, but I eventually gave in. Now having seen the film, there's still going to be a long wait before a real "oscar-caliber" film arrives in theaters, because "Seabiscuit" is certainly not it. But what really were my own personal thoughts on the film itself? Read on and find out.

The story of "Seabiscuit" is based on true events, which focuse on Red Pollard, who is a half-blind and unknown derby racer that has a special gift of riding horses. He is eventually choosen to ride a horse named Seabiscuit, but with the purpose of him competing in all kinds of races. From there, Red Pollard and Seabiscuit become a success story and are loved by all until their glorious finish. Getting back to the story itself, it's quite adequate and it should manage to get most viewers involved with this "underdog against the odds" premise. To be totally honest, none of this really intrigued me, but the era the story revolves around is intriguing. This era would be the Great Depression, when America was buried in a dark hole, and when times appeared hopeless and inescapable. The film provides a satisfactory amount of information and narration of these times, and this all grabbed my attention.

Tobey Maguire leads a very attractive cast, which include Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, and William H. Macy. Maguire plays the film's main hero, "Red Pollard". He's quite good and real as this popular and loved underdog, he fits the role very well. Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper (who's straight off his oscar-winning performance in last year's "Adaptation") deliver solid performances as well. Unfortunately for these two exceptional actors, their characters aren't developed to full potential. The same goes for the great William H. Macy's role, but it has nothing to with character development, it has to do with the lack of screen time. Despite the very limited screen time provided, Macy is quite funny as "Tick Tock McGlaughlin", a loud-mouthed and hilarious radio announcer who covers all derby races held at the famous Santa Anita park. The only way to have solved these problems was for the film to take some spotlight away from "Red Pollard" and "Seabiscuit", so that these other interesting characters could have more time to grow.

The director of "Seabiscuit", Gary Ross, does a very good job helming the picture. He creates a fantastic and beautiful atmosphere that realistically portrays how America looked in the times of the early 1900's. As I've already mentioned, the film takes place during the Great Depression, and this has something to do with Ross' direction. Ross doesn't focuse too much on the gloomy times of this dreadful era, instead, he focuses more of the few times of joy and escapism. It works out very well and it's quite fascinating to watch. Ross' direction here is top-notch.

The biggest problems "Seabiscuit" suffers from has to do with the film's second half and the horse races. First, the second half of the film moves at such a lethargic pace, it's awfully boring and it made me feel apathetic. The sole purpose of this long second half is to kill some time before the film's climax and big finale comes along. As for the horse races, my problem with this aspect of the film is that there's way too many of them. Granted, the first horse race that you see in the film, and even the second one are moderately entertaining to watch. But right after that, the next several horse races bored me, mostly because they all grow old since the film milks them for all their worth.

My expectations for "Seabiscuit" were non-existent, but in the end, the film turned out to be much better than I thought it would be. Ultimately, the lack of character development and screen time for some of the actors, the lethargic second half, and the overly abundant use of horse races bring this film down to only a mediocre status. If you have an obsession for horses, you will likely adore what "Seabiscuit" has to offer. But if you're the type that doesn't particulary care for horses, then "Seabiscuit" is certainly not directed towards you.

Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Grade: 5/10 or ** 1/2 out of ***** stars

Strider

[moviemuffin]

Seabiscuit
©reel-reviews.net
Rated PG Running Time 140 minutes

Directed by Gary Ross based on the book by Laura Hillendbrand

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Toby Maguire, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Gary Stevens, William H. Macy

Special Note: Cinematography by John Schwartzman

It is with a particular bias that I sit down to write of this movie called Seabiscuit. For the better half of the movie season this film has gotten buzz. In recent weeks some nay-sayers began to compare it to last year’s much lauded and greatly disappointing Road to Perdition. And there was only one way to find out what the real deal was.

The truth of the matter is that for some of us this movie is an inspirational experience; for others it’s a tale that happens to be "based on historical events;” and for a few it will be just a nice summer feel good film. But it’s really much more than all of those things.

Seabiscuit embodies the best of historical documentary, sports hero saga, human interest drama, and family entertainment. The narration, provided in PBS Retrospective style, sets a tone for the movie that takes us outside the typical movie theater mindset. The look is at times weathered and sepia-worn; at times rich and fairy-tale vibrant.

Director Gary Ross works hard to give us both a sense of the time frame—which spans a broad period—and the arch of Charles Howard's life. This story is not Seabiscuit’s. Truthfully, it belongs to no one individual, four legged or two. For in those years, perhaps the harshest in our nation’s history, a powerful force came together to create an American legend. Charles Howard, his wife, his trainer Bill Smith, his jockey Red Pollard, and a little horse who was supposed to be worthless created a mish-mashed family out of the dregs of a handful of dented and worn lives. They came together to give one another second chances and forged not just a dream but a living myth that did, indeed, move a nation.

Seabiscuit was not the only horse to become a national phenomenon. His grandsire, Man O’War, was a sensation before him. His contemporary rival, War Admiral, was, too. There had been Chocolate Soldier, Citation, and others. They called it the sport of kings with good reason. And great stories would follow: those of Secretariot, whose autopsy revealed a heart so hideously enlarged it should have killed him in his yearling days; of Seattle Slew, another little horse with a giant stride and a team that believed in him against all odds. But Seabiscuit came to the headlines and airwaves, to the newsreels and racing wires at a time when America needed heroes from her humblest ranks. People were struggling to recover from the Depression; struggling to remember that towering myth that fell with such a terrible crash: the American Dream.

For those who would poo-poo the idea of that dream finding resurrection on the back of a discarded racehorse, consider the real hero of this tale. It is not Seabiscuit, a horse that was two and three hands smaller than any of his rivals. It is not Red Pollard, a jockey too large for his own profession, blinded in one eye, a man ruled by anger and loneliness, who was torn from his family by the poverty and desperation of the Depression. It is not Bill Smith, a man who sees his way of life fading; who becomes transient and lost when the west he loves begins to fade as the nation and its industries move west. It is not the story, even, of Charles Howard, a dreamer who might have been broken when his family fell apart in the wake of tragedy. Seabiscuit is the story of a family, a peculiarly American family. It is the triumphant saga of that greatest of all American dreams: the dream of hope against impossible odds, triumph in the face of insurmountable adversity, and individuals unrelated by blood building something out of the ashes of despair that is grander, better, and bigger than the sum of its parts.

If this film has a flaw it may be that it starts a bit slow. Truthfully, I can’t imagine a way to have condensed its beginning in a manner that would not have damaged the greater whole. The tragedy that meets Charles Howard, which I will not reveal, is handled succinctly and directly. It’s brief, yet powerful, and very necessary for the flow of the drama. We need the patience demanded by the movie’s opening scenes in order to fully understand its main characters. This is a family we are building, not a simple tear jerking success story.

Expect to see Chris Cooper get another nomination for best supporting actor here. What presents itself later this year will be a factor with regard to Bridges and Maguire, who are both wonderful. Bridges’ performance may be too subtle for academy voters. There are absolutely no weak performances, and Gary Stevens is surprising in his big screen debut. Among the genuine gems contained within are the tidbits of historical fact in the narration, which make this movie all the more valuable.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the best mainstream film of 2003. See it.

[moviefan80113]

thanks

[Maximus721]

**SPOILERS**

The movie was good, but fell short of greatness, mostly due to the terribly disjointed first 30 minutes. Whoever edited that did a terrible job and Bridges sons death was ludicrous. He leaves and lets his son take the truck and fishing pole. What is the kid 5 years old? Terrible. The horse racing was excellent. 7/10

[Nate6]

Damn movie didn't come to my theater.

My local movie house is run by a bunch of fuckers.

[dh1989]

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0329575/2298_K2803_17_K2800_3R_rgb.jpg

Plot: "A half-blind derby racer, Johnny 'Red' Pollard (Maguire), and a mustang breaker, Tom Smith (Cooper), team up with a millionaire, Charles Howard (Bridges) and his rough-hewn, undersized horse, Seabiscuit. The men bring Seabiscuit to incredible heights, helping him earn "Horse of the Year" honors in 1938. Based on a true story."

Gary Ross' Seabiscuit, based on Laura Hillenbrand's best-selling non-fiction novel, is one of the single dramatic films released by a major studio in wide release this summer. For that reason, I was dying to see it. I thought it'd be refreshing to have a break from your average summer films, filled with explosions, guns, superheroes, and martial arts. Of course, there were other reasons I wanted to see it, like the cast, director, and the fact that I've loved horses ever since I was very young. I finally got the chance to see it yesterday, and did I love it? Or was it a big disappointment? Read on.

The three stars, Maguire, Cooper, and Bridges, are all excellent. Their performances are quite dramatic, multi-layered, and simple. Maguire fits the role perfectly, and completely turns into the snappy Pollard. Cooper gives the best performance of his career as Tom Smith, and communicates many scenes with his eyes alone. Bridges is understanding, charming, and slightly hammy as Charles Howard, but that is the character, and he plays it well.

Gary Ross is amazing in the director's chair for Seabiscuit, crafting a film that is covered in 30's style, from the cars to the costumes to the buildings. His racing scenes are breathtaking. The speed is incredible, as is the editing. They're the film's sole action sequences, but they had the audience on the edge of their seat, and, at the appropriate time, cheering. The screenplay, also by Ross, is a perfect mix of racing and characters, never allowing one aspect outshine another.

This is the family movie of the summer, also. It has comedy, drama, and action, and is a story that will connect with anyone, whether they're 7 or 80 years old. It will raise anyone's spirits.

Overall, I can't say much, beyond the fact that Seabiscuit is an excellent drama with great characters, racing, acting, directing, writing, editing, and photography. It was also quite moving, and a film all should enjoy. Don't miss it.

9/10

[Nate6]

Glad you loved it, dh.

Movie theater fuckers...of course, they get Lara Crap Shit Raider but they don't get this...ugh!

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Nate6
Glad you loved it, dh.

Movie theater fuckers...of course, they get Lara Crap Shit Raider but they don't get this...ugh!

Yeah, that really sucks, but, hopefully, after the film's amazing B.O. success this weekend, Universal/Dreamworks/Spyglass will expand it.

[Nate6]

Yep, the film qualifies as a big hit. Playing on only 1987 theatres, it made $21 million this weekend, nearly defeating Tomb Raider 2 which played on many more theatres, for a red-hot $11,000 average. Wicked...I'm sure it'll be expanding now...

[chinton]

Before I start this review let me just make it clear that I appreciate that someone decided to release a movie in summer that is the antithesis of all michael Bay movies but that does not mean I liked the movie.


To say that I hated this movie would probably be understatment. In f act the only part where I wasn't checking my watch was when the excellent William H Macy came on screen. Admittedly, I'm not a fan a fan of horses, but it was more than that. The first thirty minutes I thought way too rushed with the film seemingly skipping over huge amounts of time leaving me both confused and annoyed.

But beyond that I thought this film was excruciaitngly boring. The dialogue seemed to be stolen form a bad Hallmark film.

"We didn't fix him, he fixed us." or "You don't just throw a life away becuase it is beat up."

Ughhh. Give me a break. Aside from eye-rolling inducing lines the lasty hour of this film I felt like the episoide on Seinfeld where everybody is loving English Paitent and Elaine is about to be killed by boredom. It was obvious the entire audience loved this film.

2/10 (it was well-durected)

[blankpage]

Nate, I cannot believe that your theatre does not have Seabiscuit. I'm telling you, damn that Nova Scotia, damn it to hell!

[Nate6]

Originally posted by blankpage
Nate, I cannot believe that your theatre does not have Seabiscuit. I'm telling you, damn that Nova Scotia, damn it to hell!

You've got that right...:(;)

[RickySlade]

I was dissapointed, Seabiscuit was one of my most anticipated films (next to Kill Bill and Matchstick Men). It was somewhat boring and just lagged on for some time. Yes, I know it is a biography but I like "exciting" things happening in movies. Plus, did Chris Cooper have a bigger role then Jeff Bridges or was it just me? An original but sometimes tiring film.

3/4

[Ripper1888]

I didn't go into this film exspecting much,I didn't even want to see it but my girlfriend dragged me to it.I wasen't exspecting much and I dindn't get much it felt like I was watching a bad made for
tv movie and not a major motion picture,I keep seeing reviews that this film is uplifting and will touch your heart,please horrable movie.


1/10

[dh1989]

Originally posted by Ripper1888
1/10

:eek:

So..... You're saying the film has NO redeeming qualities?!

[moviemuffin]

Though I don't generally favor elitism I would simply point out that what RT refers to as "the cream of the crop" has a ridiculously high rating (96%?) of the film.

People are certainly allowed to disagree. But I would also hasten to add that there is nothing wrong with sentimentality. I'm taking the kids to see it so they can learn something about the times. There is a great deal of value in that.

I'd also add that in a year where movies have been horrible as a rule this is a shining gem.

To date, I have precious few to praise:

Whale Rider
Blue Car
Spellbound
Pirates of the Caribbean
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Matrix: Reloaded
Bend it Like Bekham
Identity
Phonebooth

Last year at this time there was already an Oscar race.

As for this silliness involving such terms as "Oscar bait," I think it comes of people who like to be negative.

Shrug?

[The Prowler]

Outstanding movie is all I have to say. I absolutely loved this movie for its awesome cinematography, terrific acting by the leads, great directing, great representation of the Depression Era, etc. This movie is one of the few movies this summer with a pulse along with T3, 28 Days Later, Pirates, and Italian Job. For once it was nice to see an alternative to explosions, martial arts, etc. This movie kind of reminded me of Maguire's other movie in structure like Cider House Rules. All actors were enjoyable especially Macy's job of Tic Toc Mcglaughlin. Great movie

9/10

[Clarkey07]

8/10 - Everything that I need to say has been say before. Just to recap: Great performance, great horse-racing scenes, but it took awhile to get great.

[bugdog]

What was the Oscar race last year at this time?

[moviemuffin]

2002 Oscar Contenders before August (by release month):

January
Blackhawk Down

March
Kissing Jessica Stein
Ice Age (animated)
Y Tu Mama Tambien
Panic Room
The Rookie

April
The Salton Sea
Bloody Sunday

May
Unfaithful
The Importance of Being Earnest
Insomnia
About A Boy (borderline, but if it came out in 2003?)
13 Conversations About One Thing

June
Minority Report (hated it, but we're not talking my opinion here)
Lilo and Stitch (animated)
Lovely and Amazing

July
Road to Perdition

And in August The Good Girl and One Hour Photo were released.

Whether you (or I) would agree that any of these were Oscar contenders, they ALL got Oscar buzz, and many were nominated. That's not to even mention the movies that were pretty good, successful, or both.

You asked :D .

[dannywalker17]

Originally posted by SlimX
Bah! It's still "Oscar bait" to me, contrary to what Nate would want you to believe. ;)

If no one made "Oscar Bait", then all we would have would be movies like Tomb Raider. I would imagine most directors/producers other than Harvey Weinstein do not set out to make movies for the sole reason of winning Oscars.

[Nate6]

Well, I was hoping that after last weekend's big success, this would come to my theatre. And guess what? IT DIDN'T!! FUCK!

But we do have:
Gigli
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Johnny English
LXG

I'm swimming in bad movies!

[luckyscrat]

I saw this movie a few weeks ago (sneak peek). This movie was really good. I really liked it. Even though there were some slow parts... it was good. Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper acted very well. It's always a good thing to have a great movie... with great actors.

+ LuCkY sCrAt +

[dannywalker17]

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/universal_pictures/seabiscuit/_group_photos/chris_cooper6.jpg

"Kudos to Ross for making a movie that entertains and inspires, and kudos to all the actors for doing such a fine job."

SEABISCUIT
Written and Directed by Gary Ross
Based on the novel by Laura Hillenbrand
Starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, and Elizabeth Banks

Rating: 8/10 or A-

In a summer full of action movies and buddy comedies (some good but mostly not), its nice to see a quieter movie, and this summer it is Seabiscuit. Seabiscuit tells the story of an underdog horse who, with the help of his patient trainer (Cooper), his loyal jockey (Maguire), and his charismatic owner (Bridges) becomes a symbol of hope for the American people during the great depression. Gary Ross brings his own style to the historical epic and gives us a unique plot construction and a stirring, inspirational drama. He does a good job introducing the three main characters and gives them all a tremendous amount of growth over the length of the film, allowing the actors to give fine performances. Maguire, Bridges, and Cooper all give performances that are garnering Oscar buzz, and Bridges in particular shines. He shows a tremendous depth as a character that goes from wealth to tragedy and then to victory. Even the actor who plays the young Red Pollard is very good in one important scene. William H. Macy also appears as a comical character and does a fine job. Ross has done a good job with the period sets and costumes and just the feel of it all came out real well. The score is also very fitting--calm and moving at the dramatic times and quicker and loud at the excitng times. The story is a little slow at parts and that may be the film's only true flaw, however I was disappointed that a few questions were left unanswered, and there was one in particuar that bugged me, but it is just a nit-pick. In a time when our country has seen tragedy and economic struggle similar to the people of the 30's, Seabiscuit is a welcome movie that sends a message that we can and should not give up in the face of hardship and that even the seemingly trivial moments of happiness can be a glorious new day. Gary Ross has created a memorable film, and while it does not exceed the greatness of his previous film, Pleasantville, it should definetely be remembered when it comes Oscar time.

How does it compare?

Pleasantville- 10/10
Spider-Man- 9/10
The Ice Storm- 7/10
Rudy- 8/10
Remember the Titans- 7/10

[Puck Bond]

Seabiscuit...is a great, wonderful and heartwarming tale of a true American legend. The true story of an awkward little horse, who gave hope to millions and help bring America out of the Great Depression in the late 30's and early 40's and at the same time bring together three lost and hopeless men. I have been looking forward to this film ever since I heard it was coming out this summer. In a summer filled with action, explosions and disappointing sequels, this is a welcome change of pace. I haven't read the hugely popular book by Laura Hillenbrand, but I've heard great things. Anyway with its inspirational story, solid director and excellent cast I was expecting a very well done film and I was not disappointed. To set up the story of why Seabiscuit became so popular we have to look at the events the took place before his historic rise. The narration by David McCullough sets this up nicely as we see America booming from the Industrial Revolution through the roaring 20's, especially with the introduction of Ford's Model-T and the creation of the assembly line style of production. Of course everything came crashing to a hault(literally) on October 29th, 1929 and America entered the Great Depression where the unemployment rate was up to 25% and people stood for hours in bread lines etc. Ok enough of that we all took U.S. history in high-school. Jeff Bridges is excellent as Charles Howard(who would become the owner of Seabiscuit) as a businessman and entrepeneur who started out in New York an worked his way out west to the Bay Area. He's a man who is always looking to the future, hoping for great things from America, but his hopes and dreams are dashed by the Great Depression. Chris Cooper is also very good as Tom Smith(Seabiscuit's trainer)...an old, washed up, relatively simple man, who lived off the land and knew his horses. Tobey Maguire is excellent as Red Pollard and the most interesting character of the three as a humble farm boy, who rides horses as a kid and reads famous literature(Shakespeare, Dickens etc.). He takes the most interesting path to Seabiscuit as an angry young man, abandoned by his family, and riding as a not so short and well-sighted jockey to make ends meet. Once the the three of them unite along with Howard's 2nd wife Marcela, played by the very good and quite divine Elizabeth Banks the film really takes off! The actual story of the horse Seabiscuit is also a good one and is as much a character of the film as the actors themselves. A small, awkward horse beaten down to think he could never be as good as the horses he trained with. Feisty, wild and nearly untameable until Smith and Pollard get ahold and a handle on him. Seabiscuit becomes a rising star of the West coast circuit winning numerous races, but not completely invicible. He has faults as does the jockey. The real spirit and the heart of this film really lies in the relationship between Tobey Maguire and Seabiscuit...they are very similar characters when you think about it. The message of the film is really contained in their two storylines and paths.
Much of the 2nd half of the film is centered around the Match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral and much of the build up leading up to the race. War Admiral is a glorious black thouroughbred that won the Triple Crown in 1937, king of the Eastern racing circuit, who's owner laughs at the notion of racing this little horse from the West. This brings me to the horse racing scenes in particular...they are simply awesome, and probably the best horse racing scenes ever filmed. The camera gets right up into the action and shows us that the jockeys actually talk andseven taunt their fellow riders(something I had no idea they did). The appeal of the horse racing and the hoopla that surrounds it is added to wonderfully by William H. Macy, who plays colorful radio announcer Tick Tock McGlaughlin. Beyond that I won't go into much more, because it will spoil what is a surprising and uplifting ending. The film flat out looks great with a wonderful nostalgic and authentic look of the 1930's. The cinematography is sweeping yet intimate when it needs to be and the musical score is appropraitely stirring yet not overpowering. Overall, Seabiscuit is the wonderful true story of a horse that brought together three very desolate and hopeless men and helped bring a nation out of its most trying and harrowing time. The film looks and feels great and features a standout cast that include Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper who all give great performances. It also features some of the best horse racing scenes ever filmed. It's the best film of the year so far.

[ColinM]

Originally posted by dannywalker17
If no one made "Oscar Bait", then all we would have would be movies like Tomb Raider. I would imagine most directors/producers other than Harvey Weinstein do not set out to make movies for the sole reason of winning Oscars.

If you think Harvey is the only one who does it, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken.

I thought Seabiscuit looked like a mediocre movie falsely masquerading as an Oscar-worthy movie, and that it was coming out in summer so that compared to all the crappy summer flicks people might actually buy that it is that good. As it turned out, I was almost right...it was a good-but-not-great movie masquerading as an Oscar-worthy movie, but at least it was good. Still, tho, I can't think of a single Oscar nomination that it could deserve. 7/10.

[DaMovieMan]

Maybe its the soft spot i have for horses and animals in general. But this movie is truly something else and it definately makes the list of top 2003 films. THe actors are great, the characters they play are real and good people in heart with lots of problems, the music is wonderful, the slow motion is magnificent..i cant say anything more. A great movie which should be nominated for: Best Director, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Actor (Jeff Bridges), Best Cinematography. These are the awards i excpect Seabiscuit to get nominated for. It deserves it.

DMM

[Shakamaker]

Sorry to drag this back again for those Schmoes whose countries released it a while back, however it's only just been released in Australia and New Zealand, and is still to be released in parts of Europe and Asia.

Seabuscuit

Firstly, a gripe. I didn't like the documentary-style footage and narration, and I thought the direction was a bit dodgy, especially during act one. Using narration to inform us of the social and economic climate during the story's era is a cop-out, even if that style of narration was common to newsreels during the era itself. A director should be able to seamlessly incorporate these into the film, using clever writing and visuals. The narration kept me from being the fourth wall - kept me from being there - and made me feel like I was in a history lesson at certain times. With the overt lack of dialogue during the set up, it would have been much better to let character dialogue set the scene a touch more! Even though this is based on a true story, it's not a documentary!

The leads were excellent, though, especially Maguire, who had the most difficult role. The photography, apart from that during the narrations, was also excellent, bearing in mind how difficult some of the shots must have been. As a horse-nut, I of course thought the racing/training shots were breath-taking, and most of the sets were outstanding. Technically outstanding mise-en-scene, throughout the film.

I also took my dose of sentimentality very well. The film, overall, made me feel quite good. The messages it imparted were important to me, and the theme was explored diversely, through three different sets of circumstances. The ending wasn't out of place, and it wasn't over-done to the point of being cheesy. Judging by the silence in the audience as the credits rolled, the film touched everyone, even the wanker who not only left his phone on, but also answered it twice, during the movie. Dick.