Tag: Scott Glenn

THE HILL (2023) – Review

Two true-life sports movies opening on the same weekend! Oh yeah, it was bound to happen but we’re taking a big detour (hmm), maybe even a U-turn (okay, enough already) from the video game F1 flick. For one thing. this one is set squarely in the past, before Pong was a staple, way back in the splashy 1970s, after a brief stop in the sensational ’60s. Oh, and this concerns the American pastime (as in hot dogs and apple pie), in the tradition of THE NATURAL and THE ROOKIE (with which it shares a star). Now the title doesn’t refer to the pitcher’s mound, but rather to the obstacles its focus must face (perhaps closer to a steep mountain). And since it’s also the last name of the family in this faith-based drama it’s simply THE HILL.

After the briefest of prologues in which a seemingly angry teen jumps in his beat-up 70s auto and cranks up a power ballad, we’re whisked away about ten years ago as he spends a lazy day outside his father’s country church. Little Rickey Hill (Jesse Beery) smacks pebbles over the treetops using a stick as a makeshift bat. That’s because his pop, Pastor James Hill (Dennis Quaid) doesn’t believe in encouraging this “sport” by buying proper equipment. And he can’t afford it, as the family barely scrapes by (Sunday dinner is a pan of cornbread). Oh, plus Rickey can’t run the bases with any speed as he’s still wearing a pair of leg braces due to a degenerative spinal condition. Things get worse when the preacher is booted out by his surly congregation (he called them out for “chewin'” and smoking during his sermons). So, he’s got to pack up his three kids, his wife, and her mother-in-law, the no-nonsense Gram (Bonnie Bedelia), and hit the road. Through a bit of chance, they learn of a nearby Texas town in need of a pastor. But there, Rickey’s love of baseball is stoked by the grade school team, Thus begins a new battle of wills between father and son, until Rickey learns he can shed the braces. Flash forward several years as teen Rickey (Colin Ford) is a homer-smackin’ high school phenom. But an injury benches Rickey and gives more fuel to his father’s hopes that he’ll follow him to the pulpit. Somehow the town rallies to fund the needed surgery. But can Rickey heal in time to impress a major league scout, Red Murff (Scott Glenn) at an upcoming audition? And will Papa Hill ever embrace his son’s athletic aspirations?

Though he’s not “on the field”, the film’s “heavy hitter” is Quaid (a “rookie” no more) who easily dominates every scene as the stern, but often sympathetic man of God. He’s able to channel a bit of that old “Jerry Lee” charisma (can that FIRE flick really be 34 years old) when Pastor Hill is delivering “the word” and can be quite intimidating as the strict head of the household. But Quaid shows us that hint of uncertainty as his faith is tested time and again. And he’s got a very strong spiritual sparring partner in Bedelia as the feisty, sassy Gram who won’t be “bulldozed” by his ways. Ford is a likable and sweet-natured sports hero as the slugger aware of his gifts but thwarted by his physical “restraints”. Ditto for Berry as the pre-teen version, as he aches for a chance to take on a bully who taunts him with the moniker “Robo-boy”. Glenn is stern and savvy as the baseball “wizard” who needs to test Rickey’s stamina and skills.

Director Jeff Celentano strives to bring a new spin on the familiar story of the athlete hero fighting a debilitating illness (BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY amongst many others), while addressing conflicting religious beliefs (Papa Hill believes baseball cards encourage the worship of false idols). The father is the main obstacle (after Rickey’s health) and he often seems a tad obstinate but he’s never cruel and is capable of change. And though I must praise the producers for giving the press access (most faith-based films aren’t screened for us), I had problems with the odd script choices. I attended services through the 70s and never encountered the chain-smoking congregations shown here (even at Hill’s new church), so it feels contrived. More than that, the huge leap in time, probably a decade) as Rickey goes from grade-schooler to high school senior seems like two separate stories barely stitched together. What changed in those “shadow years”? Plus the “rekindled romance” feels a tad “tossed in”, more to give Rickey a “sounding board”. And the mix of movie pros with more inexperienced actors can be distracting. These quibbles just can’t push my interest in this “true tale” over THE HILL. Maybe a solid double or so…

1.5 Out of 4

THE HILL is now playing in theatres everywhere

THE HILL Trailer: Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford And Scott Glenn Star In True Story

Briarcliff Entertainment has released the first trailer for THE HILL.

Growing up impoverished in small-town Texas, young Rickey Hill shows an extraordinary ability for hitting a baseball, despite being burdened by leg braces from a degenerative spinal disease.

His stern, pastor father (DENNIS QUAID) discourages Rickey from playing baseball to protect him from injury, and to have him follow in his footsteps and become a preacher.

As a young man, Rickey (COLIN FORD) becomes a baseball phenomenon. His desire to participate in a try-out for a legendary major league scout divides the family and threatens Rickey’s dream of playing professional baseball.

Based on a true story, THE HILL is directed by Jeff Celentano and also stars JOELLE CARTER, country music singer and songwriter RANDY HOUSER, Golden Globe nominee BONNIE BEDELIA, and SCOTT GLENN.

THE HILL opens in theaters August 25, 2023.

GREENLAND – Review

You can count the days on one hand now. Less than a week before the biggest holiday on the calendar, the one that brings families together (most years, now…). Yes, Christmas unites families as does imminent disaster (as the frequent lockdowns of the pandemic have proven). But what if we’re talking about mere hours, rather than these extended quarantine periods? Could you somehow set aside everything (conflicts, distance) to fight the panicked throngs and get your loved ones to a place of somewhat uncertain safety? That’s the challenge facing the Garrity’s in this Earth-shaking (literally) new dramatic thriller. Perhaps their only chance of survival exists across the Atlantic in GREENLAND.

John Garrity (Gerard Butler) toils as a construction exec in Atlanta GA. His ability to leave the site early rarely happens, but he’s hosting a big neighborhood BBQ/ watch party. But what are they watching? Is it a sporting event? No, they’ll be looking at the news reports as the much-publicized Clarke Comet finally enters our planet’s atmosphere. It’s generally thought that most of the comet will evaporate, but it’ll hopefully be a pretty light show. When John returns home we learn that his marriage to Allison (Morena Baccarin) is strained, but they’re putting on a happy face for their friends and their sweet seven-year-old son Nathan (Roger Dale Floyd). On a shopping trip for last-minute supplies, the boys are surprised by a fleet of jets zooming overhead. In the store, the alarm setting from John’s phone begins blaring. It’s a message from the NSA saying that he, his wife, and son should pack a bag and report to the nearest air force base for emergency relocation. He and Nathan return home just in time for the first bit of the comet’s debris to hit. John is shocked when its force sends out a shock wave that knocks him to the ground and breaks the house’s windows. It seems that the government and media were downplaying the danger of Clarke. The trio quickly packs their bags and jump into their SUV. Of course, it’s a madhouse at the base as a mob tries to get past the gate. Luckily John shows the guards the text message code on his phone. Inside the hanger, they discover that Nathan’s diabetes meds were left in the car. But as John goes to retrieve them, the supervisors learn of the child’s ailment. Those with medical conditions are not allowed on planes. As the arrival of the big chunk of Clarke known as the “planet killer” nears, John is separated from his wife and son. Can they reunite and make the long trek to her father’s home in Knoxville in time. And could there be a way for them to find perhaps the only safe haven from the world’s end?

The most impressive skill set that the main cast utilizes is the ability to sustain a consistent level of hysteria in many of the story’s most harrowing sequences. In fact, this is the best work in a while for Butler, who has been bouncing between mediocre to near-unwatchable “rom-coms” and action “potboilers” for much of the previous decade. He makes John Garrity a believable “everyman” who is dumbfounded by the government’s efforts to “scoop him up”. Later we see his torment at having to ignore the pleas of his neighbors as he dashes away. And when he must defend himself (and he really tries to talk things out) we see the shock in his eyes as the violent encounter takes a fatal turn. Butler shows us how John pushes past the extreme trauma and exhaustion to hold on to his family. Baccarin is an equal partner, trying to comprehend this disruption to their lives, then switching into “mama Grizzly” mode to protect her child. Like her hubby, she nearly gives in to grief and despair but never lets that flicker of hope get extinguished. Floyd is a most endearing moppet, who conveys Nathan’s fears but is able to summon up his bravery in several harrowing scenes. A few of those are with David Denman and Hope Davis who are very effective as a helpful couple that might be hiding some truly evil intentions. A very pleasant surprise saved for the final act is the casting of the underused Scott Glenn as the patriarch that’s tough with his son-in-law (John knows that he’s “got it coming”) and tender with his grandson. He can’t stop a comet, but his Dale could protect his “kin” against almost anything.

Director Ric Roman Waugh (a former stuntman) does a terrific job giving us a sense of the scope of the disaster, while not losing focus on the intimate tale of a family slowly healing as they fight to survive. Thanks no doubt to some subtle CGI trickery, we can feel as though we’re right in the middle of the uncontrollable mobs that respect nothing in their path. The fairly tight script by Chris Sparling has a bit of an episodic feel or (for your classic film buff) the beats of a movie serial with the Garrity clan facing another new perilous challenge at the end of every “chapter” ( or in this feature film’s case every ten or twelve minutes). The stunt performers are top-notch, from a car chase through a packed highway to a punishing attack from above by hot comet chunks (a constant stream of flaming softballs). Overall the flick delivers what it promises in nail-biting, world-ending thrills, and suspense. After nearly nine months of stress, it may be comforting to see what could happen if things got a whole lot worse. It doesn’t quite have the nostalgic vibe of those 70s catastrophe classics (the Irwin Allen flicks or the AIRPORT series), but if you’re in the need of a ride that’ll keep you on the edge of your sofa (or recliner) than book a trip to GREENLAND.

2.5 Out of 4

GREENLAND is available as a Video-On-Demand via most streaming apps and platforms beginning Friday, December 18, 2020.

7 Quick Questions With Scott Glenn : THE BARBER

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THE BARBER, which is currently in select theaters and on VOD, tells the tale of Eugene van Wingerdt (Scott Glenn), a small-town barber hiding a dark secret. Twenty years earlier he was arrested for several gruesome murders, but was released due to insufficient evidence. The detective in charge of the case killed himself in despair.  Now the detective’s son is in town, with a few secrets of his own.  Is he seeking revenge or hoping to learn at the feet of the master?  Through the film’s myriad twists and turns, you’ll realize there’s much more to evil than you ever could image.

Recently, WAMG got to ask star Scott Glenn a few quick questions about the film, which comes out on Blu-Ray and DVD April 28. Check it out below:

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You’ve been apart of some amazing films I your career, including Backdraft and Urban Cowboy. What was it about this script in particular that jumped out at you?

SCOTT GLENN : What jumped out at me, were the amount of colors I’d have to paint with or riffs to play, if I did this…. also, for me, the seductive unpredictability of the story.

This is Basel Owies first big feature. How was your experience working with him, and do you ever have any trepidations about working with first time or first feature directors?

SCOTT GLENN : No…especially someone like Basel. The thing is, he had gone through Chapman, had directed some solid shorts. He had a specific vision of the film. He knew what he was doing from the get-go.

How do you prepare for a dark role such as this? Did you do any research into the behavior patterns of serial killers?
SCOTT GLENN : As it turns out, I’d already gone down that road in great detail with FBI criminal profilers, doing research for Silence Of The Lambs.
With dark roles such as this, is it a bit cathartic to explore? Is that one of the appeals for you as an actor?

SCOTT GLENN : For me, with every part – it’s a matter of pure apatite – you smell food and start to salivate – it happens on that level. I do think, that with darker characters, you often have more colors to play with.

You have an interesting relationship with Chris Coy in this film. Did you talk prior about how you were going to play things out or was there a bit of improv? 

SCOTT GLENN : No, we just let it go – we were both true to the script, but also gave each other breathing room.

You have your bachelors in English from William and Mary college. I’m curious how that has aided in your career? 

SCOTT GLENN : I think all of your experiences, good and tough, are responsible for who you are, right now… school was a good experience. Having said that, my career, my whole life in fact, has been the result of pure, good fortune… just very good luck and the ability to see it.

 You’ve played a wide variety of roles. Is there a particular type of character, or a type of film genre that you still have yet to play that you would like to? 

SCOTT GLENN : A sophisticated, romantic comedy…or…if they ever do a retake on The African Queen…that story.

THE BARBER is in select theaters and on VOD now, and will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD April 28

Barber Blu-ray Box Art

THE BOURNE LEGACY – The Review

The success of the original BOURNE trilogy meant the inevitable continuation of the franchise. This, despite what had seemed an end to the source material and Matt Damon’s exiting the franchise, would probe not enough to stop the Hollywood sequel machine. The directorial outcome from Doug Liman on THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) wound up with mixed reactions, primarily over the stylistically blurred and chaotic action sequences. This approach, however softened, was carried out through the following two sequels by director Paul Greengrass, both of which received relatively more favorable reactions.

THE BOURNE SUPREMACY (2004) and THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (2007) round out the original trilogy of films, all of which star Matt Damon as the title character of Jason Bourne, a highly trained off-the-books operative, lost and searching to regain the truth of his own identity. Aside from the fast pacing and exhilarating action, the appeal of the original trilogy lies within the mystery, the journey we take with Jason Bourne as he seeks the truth of himself. As Bourne does not know where his journey will take him, nor does the audience know and must learn as we search and survive with the character.

This is the primary downfall of THE BOURNE LEGACY… there is no mystery. There is nothing to keep the audience guessing. THE BOURNE LEGACY is 2 hours and 15 minutes of chasing and talking. This is not to suggest it’s done poorly, but merely that what is done is light on plot and intrigue. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who also co-wrote all three of the original BOURNE screenplays, is no rookie to the story or the source material, but this fourth installment fails drastically to live up to its predecessors. With this said, I did not find myself bored or frustrated, but rather just terribly disappointed.

THE BOURNE LEGACY is essentially a race against time. Jeremy Renner plays another physically and mentally enhanced operative named Aaron Cross. Renner (THE HURT LOCKER) is most recently and widely recognized as Hawkeye from THE AVENGERS (2012). This fourth film takes place immediately following the events of THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, in fact, the first act of THE BOURNE LEGACY actually overlaps with the third act of THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM. There is a brief tie-in of the Jason Bourne character, but we do not see a return of Matt Damon, except for his mug shot. Unlike the Jason Bourne character, Aaron Cross is fully aware of who he is and what he can do, but the procedure is significantly different. This plays into one half of the straight-forward plot that drives the movie forward.

In the original trilogy, Jason Bourne is said to have gone rogue as he hops from country to country, tracking down those in the program with answers as he survives one assassination attempt after another, led by the head honcho who wants him to disappear. In THE BOURNE LEGACY, this obstacle is revealed as Eric Byer, a retired colonel now responsible for keeping the Treadstone, Blackbriar and any other secretive black ops programs from going “sideways” and causing a catastrophic media storm. Byer, played by Edward Norton, is a world-class asshole with a one-track mind… to eliminate Jason Bourne, and now Aaron Cross. Norton is fabulous at portraying a head strong prick, as he proves again here.

Aaron Cross is on a mission of survival, not only from his would-be assassins, but to keep himself properly drugged on the program medicine, or “chems,” that keep him enhanced. As a necessity of this endeavor, Cross tracks down and drags Dr. Marta Shearing along for the ride. Shearing, played by Rachel Weisz, is a scientist in the top secret program and Cross hopes she can lead him to acquiring more of the all-important drugs. Weisz gives a commendable performance as an understandably neurotic and frantically frightened citizen, giving the film an extra little dimensional slice to make up slightly for the lacking plot. Jeremy Renner also hands in a quality performance, convincing us once again he at least looks like a total bad ass on screen.

THE BOURNE LEGACY is not a failure. That would be too harsh and inappropriate for a film that delivers well enough as a typical summer blockbuster action film. Unfortunately, this fourth installment gives us nothing new and lacks all of the elements that kept us on our seats in the first three films. If you choose to go see this film, you will likely be entertained by it’s popcorn movie value, but I would recommend not comparing it to the other films. Consider THE BOURNE LEGACY as you would any of Jason Statham’s TRANSPORTER films and you’ve got roughly the same entertainment value, but this film truly does nothing for the “legacy” of Jason Bourne.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Watch Jeremy Renner And Rachel Weisz In THE BOURNE LEGACY Trailer No. 2

In theaters on August 3rd, check out the second trailer for THE BOURNE LEGACY – introduced by Hawkeye himself, Jeremy Renner.

The narrative architect behind the Bourne film series, Tony Gilroy, takes the helm in the next chapter of the hugely popular espionage franchise that has earned almost $1 billion at the global box office: The Bourne Legacy. The writer/director expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.

THE BOURNE LEGACY also stars series newcomers Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, while franchise veterans Albert Finney, Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Scott Glenn reprise their roles.

Visit the official site: http://thebournelegacy.net/

“Like” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBourneSeries

SUCKER PUNCH Banner

 

Warner Bros. Pictures has released another smokin’ banner for Zack Snyder’s SUCKER PUNCH via Apple iTunes. Click HERE for the ginormous, girl-power version.

The director was quoted over the weekend in the LA Times article by Rebecca Keegan “Teen girls in film showcase true grit“:

“We have female characters in this situation that’s mostly the terrain of men,” says Snyder, whose film is due in theaters in March. “It’s a challenge economically to find who is the audience for the movie. Our hope is that the movie is transcendent, that it becomes something no one’s seen before and exists outside the models [studios] use to track potential economic gains.”

Have another look at the featurette from December.

Synopsis:

Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. “Sucker Punch” is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls–the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)–to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue (Oscar Isaac), Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm). Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey–if they succeed–will set them free.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Zack Snyder (300 and WATCHMEN), SUCKER PUNCH stars Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm, Oscar Isaac, and Scott Glenn. The film will be in theaters on March 25, 2011.

Visit the film’s official site here, like the film on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

SUCKER PUNCH Featurette

Prepare to be SUCKER PUNCHed in this new featurette along with the cast of Zack Snyder’s upcoming epic action fantasy.

Synopsis:

Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. “Sucker Punch” is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls–the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)–to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue (Oscar Isaac), Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm). Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey–if they succeed–will set them free

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Zack Snyder (300 and WATCHMEN), SUCKER PUNCH stars Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm, Oscar Isaac, and Scott Glenn. The film will be in theaters next year on March 25, 2011.

Visit the film’s official site here, like the film on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

New SUCKER PUNCH Trailer

Samurais + Serpents + Swords + Guns + 5 Kickass Girls = Fantastical Warfare. A potent combo in the new trailer for SUCKER PUNCH. You can see the original teaser that was released over the summer here.

Synopsis:

SUCKER PUNCH is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, but her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary…with potentially tragic consequences.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Zack Snyder (300 and WATCHMEN), SUCKER PUNCH stars Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm, Oscar Isaac, and Scott Glenn. The film will be in theaters next year on March 25, 2011.

Like the film on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

Review: SECRETARIAT

 

At last we’re off to the races with the opening of SECRETARIAT – the rousing tale of the 1973 Triple Crown winner and the greatest race horse of all time!

Based on the novel “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion” by William Nack, SECRETARIAT centers on Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), Secretariat’s owner, and how she broke into the “boys only club” of thoroughbred horseracing in 1969. The real Penny Chenery, now 88, even has a cameo in the film as a spectator at the Belmont Stakes race. Walt Disney Pictures decided the time was right and put the story in the very capable hands of director Randall Wallace (MAN IN THE IRON MASK, BRAVEHEART screenplay) and writer Mike Rich (THE ROOKIE). With the unbelievable, mud-in-your-face cinematography of Academy Award winner Dean Semler (DANCES WITH WOLVES) and the galloping sound work of 20 time Oscar-nominee Kevin O’Connell, SECRETARIAT is as close to a real horserace as you’ll ever get.

What’s terrific about SECRETARIAT is that it’s not a feminist film by any stretch of the imagination. It’s purely the story of a woman who, as Chenery recently said, wanted to be recognized for doing something as a person, not solely as a woman. For once in her life, Chenery took the lead and stood her ground with one of her father’s wealthiest business partners. Going up against a husband and brother who tried to dissuade her, a lonely Chenery found the inner strength to turn Big Red into a champion.

Oscar nominee Diane Lane is spot on in her role as the The First Lady of Horse Racing and gives the portrayal such bravery and confidence. She’s the tie that binds the film. Look for a possible Best Actress nomination for Lane. The on-screen meshing between she and Secretariat trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) is electric.

That’s what I love about Malkovich. The actor can go from buffoonery roles like in the upcoming spy-comedy RED to the more serious outing as the down and out, eccentric trainer Laurin. He has a range and method that most actors can only dream of. To be sure, the film is filled with affable performances from James Cromwell, Fred Thompson, Kevin Connelly, Dylan Baker, and Dylan Walsh, with particular notice to Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s True Blood) as Secretariat’s groom and real-life jockey Otto Thorwarth as Secretariat’s jockey, Ron Turcotte. But it’s Malkovich’s easygoing scenes that are really the most absorbing.

With the stirring score by Nick Glennie-Smith (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN films) and the precision editing of 2-time Oscar nominee John Wright (HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, SPEED), ultimately the movie comes down to the three big races of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are both recreated magnificently with real race horses and jockeys. But what die-hard racing fans would hope for comes in the second race, the Preakness, in which we are treated to seeing the actual race from 1973, complete with the original “here comes Secretariat!” call of the race. One of the film’s highlights are 3…THREE!… big race scenes and even though we all know who wins, its nonetheless very exciting.

The best thing about this movie is that they don’t add a lot of extraneous storylines for dramatic effect. It never tries to be more than it is. The focus is solely on the story of where Secretariat came from and how he won the Triple Crown, a feat that had not been achieved in 25 years. Unbelievably, only two other horses have won since Secretariat. Seattle Slew in 1977 and Affirmed in 1978. The filmmakers have done a good job of keeping everything relatively historically accurate, even though they made it seem like Secretariat came from a broken down, failing horse farm. The reality is, the same owners had Riva Ridge, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont the previous year, 1972.

Special props to the makeup & hair designers and costume designers Michael Boyd (GETTYSBURG, WE WERE SOLDIERS) and Julie Weiss (TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, SHANGHAI) – their contributions to this period piece truly breathe extra life into this special film about two superheroes. What impressed me the most was what director Wallace captured in the film – not another documentary, but the fact that Secretariat wasn’t racing against other horses; he was running for the joy of it.

Seeing that it’s truly a great, heart-warming film, look for SECRETARIAT to be this year’s THE BLIND SIDE come Academy Awards time. At the various screenings which began in March, everyone has been cheering and yelling out “go, go, go” even though we all know the outcome of the victorious ride. SECRETARIAT is the kind of Disney family film from the golden days sure to make you laugh, cry, and give you a euphoric boost – a little something we all need in these trying days.

Rating: 5 out of ***** stars

SECRETARIAT opens today. The film is rated PG for brief mild language. Check out the film’s official site here, on Facebook and Twitter.