The "greatest racehorse of all time" mantle fits easily around the neck of Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner. So why not a movie version of this champion's life? Secretariat begins in the late '60s, with some good ... more »behind-the-scenes material on how thoroughbreds come to be (there's flavorful atmosphere inside the horsey world, including an account of Secretariat's ownership being decided by a coin flip as part of an old-school agreement). A highly lacquered Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery, the inheritor of her father's stables, who segues from being an all-American mom to running a major horse-racing franchise; reliable character-actor support comes in the form of John Malkovich, as a gaudily outfitted trainer, and Margo Martindale, as Chenery's assistant. Screenwriter Mike Rich and director Randall Wallace must do some heavy lifting to make Lane's privileged millionaire into some sort of underdog--luckily, the hidebound traditions of the male-dominated racing scene provide some sources of outrage. The need to stack the deck even more leads the movie into its more contrived scenes, unfortunately, as though we needed dastardly villains in order to root for Penny and her horse. Meanwhile, attempts to reach for a little Seabiscuit-style social relevance don't come off, and a curious religious undertone might make you wonder whether we're meant to assume that God chose Secretariat over some less-deserving equine. The actual excitement of the races can't be denied, however, and Secretariat's awe-inspiring win at the Belmont Stakes remains a jaw-dropping, still-unequaled display of domination in that event. And maybe in sports. --Robert Horton« less
Maryann V. from TOMS RIVER, NJ Reviewed on 6/13/2020...
I love all horse movies but this one was really enjoyable and emotionally moving.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jim C. from LUFKIN, TX Reviewed on 12/4/2019...
A very moving movie.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jesse F. from GREELEY, CO Reviewed on 10/21/2014...
Enjoyed this movie! Definitely worth watching.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Susan G. (CrusinSusan) from ANNAPOLIS, MD Reviewed on 12/16/2011...
This was a great movie. Very similar to Sea Biscuit, but has its differences too. I always loved Diane Lane and John Malkavitch, and they did not dissapoint here either. The little horse that should not have been able to do what it did had you rooting for the underdogs and rejoicing with their success (even tho you pretty much knew the outcome!) The obstacles the owners faced gave drama and suspense to the story, making the success all the sweeter. The added bonus features are worth watching too. I highly recommend this movie.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Deborah H. (littlepine) from MARSHALL, NC Reviewed on 11/12/2011...
This was a great movie especially for horse lovers.